In its ninth year in 1970, the Chevrolet Nova was still at or near the top of the U.S. sales chart for compact cars (307,000 units). Many of them came with econobox power (6-cylinder), including the seller’s grandfather’s coupe. But in the past year, it’s undergone a restomod/SS transformation that should be plenty potent at 389 hp. Located in Jeannette, Pennsylvania, this sweet ride is available here on craigslist for $32,000. Bravo, Mitchell G., for another stellar tip!
This 1970 Nova (had one; my favorite year) is a one-family car, possibly handed down through the generations. Grandpa bought it locally when it was new, and only 42,000 miles are said to have been added in its 55 years. A 250 cubic-inch 6-banger was on the original order form, along with a probable 2-speed Powerglide automatic tranny. That all changed over the Winter of 2024/25. Grandson dropped in a crate 350 CI V8 that cranks out upwards of 390 horses with headers and a Muncie 4-speed.
The Chevy wears what may be Gobi Beige paint, and we wouldn’t be surprised if it were redone as part of the cloning process. And the front bench seat is gone in favor of SS-like buckets wearing material similar to or the same as the back seat. The seller doesn’t go into a lot of other details, so you’d best come armed with questions if you’re going to do a look-see.
If this had been a real Super Sport from the beginning, it would have been part of a population of fewer than 20,000 cars. But the universe of 6-cylinders was several times that, hence a larger headcount that could have been cloned years later. The seller says to be sure you’re serious before you show up and forget talking him into any trades.
Beautiful car. Just right in my book.
💯 bobhess.
Yes gentleman’s it is a beautiful Nova. Also a very fair price. The mileage and one family own is so sweet. Putting the 4 speed stick down between the seats why not look for the SS console with the gauges. Just bump the price up. To me it’s looks a little unfinished. As for the wheels I would have gone day 2. Crager SS with raise lettering tires. Wider rear narrow front. And correct exhaust tips. Doing this i would ask $39,000. Some other folks would have gone the Yenko strips. But it does look sweet. Good luck to the seller. 🐻🇺🇸
I’d have left the SS emblems off, this is one if those types of cars where you will constantly be asked if it’s a clone. If you leave the emblems off that question won’t be asked. As for bucket seats, they were optional and not exclusive to SS’s, same with console and gauges.
I’ve been collecting parts for a 1970 Nova that will get a V8 and 4spd. I’m going to leave it a bench seat, even though I have a pair of buckets in the loft. A bench seat with a 4spd in Nova’s has a more spartan “business” oriented feel to it. I’ll also leave the on original emblems and not install the hood louvers used on SS’s. The Nova body style favors the sleeper look. After all, when Camaros and Chevelles were inexpensive and plentiful, the Nova was what you bought if you couldn’t afford either of those, they were typically built on a very tight budget without frills.
Steve R
Steve R. I concur. Neat car that would be more desirable had the SS emblems been left off. Other than that, it appears to be a pretty well built and thought out automobile.
oldrodder I like the sounds of Steve’s build 👍 😎 🏁
Overall, nice ride. I’d have left the bench & deleted the side stripes. Other than that, I really like it.