Some classics raise more questions than they answer, and such is the case with this 1969 Chevrolet Nova. The seller believes that it might be a genuine SS, but with no documentary evidence available to support that belief, the claim must be taken at face value. One thing is certain; It will require plenty of work before it graces our roads once again. You will find the Nova listed here on eBay in Keller, Texas. The seller set their BIN at $6,999, and it appears they are firm on that figure.
Chevrolet introduced its Third Generation Nova range for the 1968 model year, with the SS version released as the badge’s high-performance package. The SS remained in production until 1976, with our feature car rolling off the line in 1969. Its tired Rallye Green paint is the most obvious sign that this beauty is begging for love, with the panels also sporting a range of bumps and bruises. The seller admits that there is rust requiring attention, suggesting that new rear quarter panels, a trunk pan, a rear trunk panel, and outer wheel housings would be a wise investment. However, the floors are rock-solid, and the rest of the body is structurally sound. The seller includes a good rear bumper to replace the damaged item, and a close inspection will undoubtedly reveal other trim items that are no longer fit for purpose.
Delving below the surface reveals why this Nova is a mystery machine. The seller states that although the pad is hard to read, they believe that the 350ci V8 occupying the engine bay is original. The same is true of the 12-bolt 3.31 Posi rear end, although they are unsure about what they believe to be a three-speed Turbo 350 automatic transmission. If this is a genuine SS, the company’s Sales Brochure quotes a power figure of 300hp. Lesser examples left buyers with 255hp at their disposal. This car sports a range of aftermarket additions, including an Edelbrock intake, a Holley carburetor, and headers. The seller confirms that this Nova has sat for many years and is far from roadworthy. They coaxed the small-block to life for about thirty seconds by temporarily fitting another carburetor and other components. However, the noises it produced suggest that adding the cost of a rebuild to the restoration budget would be wise.
No aspect of this Nova will escape the new owner’s attention if they wish to return the vehicle to active service. The interior features a set of later front bucket seats of unknown origin, while the remaining Black vinyl upholstered surfaces are pretty sad. The dash looks tired and, with the pad also cracked, a complete retrim is the only option. The buyer might decide to source correct seats as part of a faithful approach, or they could throw caution to the wind with custom trim to reflect their taste and individuality.
It will be fascinating to gauge your feedback on this 1969 Chevrolet Nova, and to learn whether you believe that it could be an SS. The absence of documentary evidence means that it will probably require detective work to uncover the truth, which might lead some to place this classic in the “too-hard” basket. One undeniable fact is that this Nova has generated plenty of interest, which is reflected in the Listing View tally of over 1,100 in the past day. Whether that translates into a successful sale is another matter, because it will require deep commitment if it is to return to active service. Is this a build that you might consider?
Would the manufacturer’s plate tell the story? I’m no GM expert, but I would assume among the horde of numbers and letters regarding engine, trim, transmission, rear axle, etc. there are pretty definite clues.
The later mods, and the car’s general shopworn condition, suggest that a reduction in the ask is warranted. To being this back to even driver-quality condition will set the new owner back a pretty penny.
In presentable condition, this would be not just fairly valuable, but a hoot to drive. The only deviation I’d make from bone-stock would be a brake upgrade and, perhaps, a minor stiffening of the suspension, both of which would be reversible for a serious collector.
I don’t think there’s any way to tell if it’s a true Super Sport unless you can find the build sheet…usually under the back seat. I’ve got a 74SS and have tried and failed to prove it’s an original SS for the 10 years I’ve been working on it. Hatchback with 350cu/Turbo 350. All original decals were in place. Factory buckets, console with gauges, Tilt steering column without gear shifter, dash tach. And unique to my knowledge…has a blank console plate without a gear selection indicator in it. Instead it operates the gear indicator on the instrument cluster with a cable arrangement. PS/PB/Factory air.
Must have been used in some drag racing. Notice the torque chain on the left side of the engine.
Headers too, someone who had it was looking for more power at some point in time.
That chain was often used because the stock motor mounts separated and let the fan hit the fan shroud. Cheaper and easier than changing motor mounts. Later model mounts solved the problem.
That or an owners attempt to avoid the dealers meager attempt to install garage door roll-up cable to address the problems of broken motor mounts.I installed many of those “kits” under warranty at the Chevrolet dealer I worked at in the early 70’s. Frankly, the chain makes more sense in lieu of better motor mounts…
Sold on 8/1/2025.
Steve R
In my expierience , a true SS car does not have column shift . But i suppose some cheepo might have ordered it with the ” gramma ” package .
There were plenty of column shift Nova SS’s of this generation. Many were ordered without bucket seats to save weight, I knew of numerous 396 Nova’s in my area with a column shift, and 350 emblems replacing the 396 on the front fenders. Back in the good old street racing days of the late 60’s and early 70’s in the north suburban Chicago area.
My 1968 Nova SS had a 3.55-1 10-bolt Posi rear. I wonder why this one has a 12-bolt.
We used to call it a “torque chain” because it restrained the engine torque under control. By the addition of headers & traction bars, I would say that this one has been driven hard. I wonder if the engine is stock or has been enhanced with a cam & head work?
That Holley carb is no bigger than a 600, so it probably hasn’t had any serious money spent on it.
In 69 there should be numbers matching vin on motor! And you should be able to decode the motor to find out if it is the higher out put motor! 350 trans is easy identified! Square pan 350 oblong 400! So why all the uncertainty?
This Nova was probably ordered with the column shifter new. I did notice that it has added traction bars and the 12 bolt rear end could be factory or swapped out from a leaf spring Camaro. I did notice that it does not say SS on the door panels or dash but it does have SS on the steering wheel. Not sure if the hood pins are factory. Still a pretty complete car! The seats are not correct.Also noticed that the battery was mounted in the trunk.