One of the most cloned muscle cars is the 1968-72 Chevrolet Nova. That’s because, in most cases, you’ll need documentation to prove it’s a real Super Sport rather than one that’s been made up as one. In 1970, only 6% of all Nova production carried SS badging and hardware, and most of them were a 300 hp version of the 350 cubic inch V8. The seller thinks this is a factory SS, but there’s no build sheet to validate it. Located in Gretna, Virginia, this black-on-black beauty is available here on Facebook Marketplace for $38,500.
Chevrolet built 19,558 Super Sport Novas in 1970. 5,567 came with a 396 big-block V8, leaving the rest with a 350 (there is talk of a few having a 307 V8, but why?). The seller is the fourth owner of this black Chevy, which has some SS signs, like a bucket-seat interior. It looks well-heeled but also redone, as I don’t recall the “Heartbeat of America” emblazoning the upholstery back in the day.
The listing reads as though the car has 5,000 miles since its engine and TH-350 were rebuilt and upgraded. 3.08 gears are the only known changes. I don’t see a power steering pump, which would make for a handful to turn. A new set of tires is riding on Rally rims, and the Nova wears extra chrome trim along its lower extremities. Besides the buckets, the transmission is floor-shifted with a console, and the tachometer is in the dash. We’re told there is no rust in the floorboards or trunk, and the paint quality suggests a respray at one point.
How important is it for a 1970s Nova SS to be real or fake? Resale value. If you search the interweb, estimates are that a real SS can be worth $15,000 to $30,000 more than one that isn’t, though the higher amount sounds like a stretch to me. If the seller is correct, is the asking price about right for one without a 396 V8? Kudos to “KHayes” for the tip.
I have no beef with clone Novas SSes, as long as sellers don’t try to pass them off as real. Wouldn’t the VIN tell the story (or at least much/most of it)?
In any case, the “Heartbeat of America” upholstery is definitely not original. I think it’s also unattractive, but that’s just me.
If I were going to do a Nova, I’d stick to the 327/350, if only for weight reasons, and give it a proper four-speed manual. Wouldn’t bother with the factory fancy wheels either, as rough-cast Torq Thrusts are the way to go for any hot rod.
This Nova is nice, if overdone and overpriced. I’m betting a good clone could be put together for quite a bit less.
The only way to tell a a real SS is:
– ORIGINAL window sticker
– ORIGINAL build sheet
– Protect o plate
– If the car has the L48 350 or any big block, with matching numbers
Other than that, there are some clues it could be a SS, like a date correct 12 bolt, welded tab on drivers side rear frame for dual exhaust, heater core cover with heater hoses closer to passenger side and different radiator support (both on BB cars only). Gauges and bucket seat are NOT an indication of an SS. In 1970, a 307 was the standard V8 and could NEVER be ordered with the SS package.
Well, the listing is gone. Without docs, that was a high ask for a questionable Nova with a small block and various customization.