The industry’s most successful compact, the Chevy Nova, ended its 18-year run in 1979. That’s after nearly 4.7 million copies had rolled off the assembly line. The seller’s edition from that last year seems like it was rather unassuming when new, with a 6-cylinder engine (no longer in the car but on a pallet). Located in Redmond, Oregon, this project roller is available here on craigslist, where the magic number is $3,200. And is a tip discovered by “Curvette.”
All of GM’s compacts got a redesign and facelift in 1975. That included the leader of the pack, the Chevy Nova, which still resembled the car that millions of buyers had an affinity for. Unlike the rest of the X-body cars, the Nova didn’t use a V6 motor, sticking with a 250 cubic-inch inline-6 that went into three-quarters of last-year Novas. Production was shut down after 97,000 units to make way for the new front-wheel-drive Citation (which was a weaker product by comparison).
We don’t know the history of this ’79 Nova. At some point, it was liberated from its I6 and automatic transmission. We assume something was amiss with the Chevy, but since the drivetrain is out, the buyer could drop in a modern V8 and soup it up. The mileage is said to be 45,000, but the auto looks more worn than that. The paint is faded, and we can’t make a fair assessment of the interior because of the cheapo aftermarket covers on the front bucket seats.
We’re told the seller has had a “change of plans,” which tells me the car was headed toward a restomod, and something changed his/her mind. 1979 was the last year you could get a 1960s-inspired Nova. The name would return in 1984 as a rebadged Toyota Corolla built in California as part of a joint venture between Toyota and GM. They would wrap up that FWD run of the Nova in 1988.
Thanks Dixon. Interesting write up 👍
Just one thing. At first upon seeing a Varajet carb i was wondering what the heck kinda mod was that but upon reseach the Varajet had replaced the 1gc carb that was there until 78. Love the square headlights. I’d still love a four door Concours with a 350/THM350 combo with F-41.
Wouldn’t the Beetle actually be the industry’s most successful compact car?
I think the beetle would be considered a subcompact. This is a good start for a street machine.
This one had A/C and it has a floor shifter and tilt steering.
The front end shot reveals a fascinating little detail (well, fascinating to me, anyhow). The ’75-’78 Nova grille steps down between the headlights, but the ’79 does not. It seemed odd that Chevrolet would tool up a new hood for a 6-month run, but from the photo, it’s clear they didn’t. They simply covered up the little scallop on each side of the leading edge of the hood with trim.
My wife’s first car was a 79 Nova with the 305 and a slushbox. She still has it and drives it regularly.
The front grill, lamps and headlights are 1979 only and are pretty much unobtainable now. All the attachment points stayed put though, so you can fit older grill trim.
Chevy made about 98k 1979 Novas. It seems that all but a few have long since been crushed.
Looking at that carpet, which looks original , my guess is 45,000 is the actual mileage.
Having owned a ‘71 Nova I remember the carpet wearing out
to the right of the gas pedal after many miles. Your foot tended to rest there.
No real sign of any wear here.
I just can’t get past the square headlights!
Right Mike they al ways looked odd to me to.
I like the Buick rims… Nice touch.
I just cannot get past 1975 Novas….everything else beyond is in the backseat
Had a 1975 4 door in the early1990’s and I agree with Not Again!
The “bend down” on the hood looks pick-up truckish. By moving the bumper back 2-3 inches the front end would look so much better. If this car lived in the Redmond area it’s whole life. There will be no rust issues. We know that this chassis was used for GTOs and big block Chevs. I would get the paint looking good and find a 500/472 Caddy engine and keep it quiet. (500 Caddy engine is physically smaller than a big block Chevy. AND lighter too.) Just cruise around and once in awhile light the tires up for a crowd!
There’s a lot to like here, despite the engine extraction. The bucket seats and console are fairly rare, as most came with the standard bench seat. Even more rare is A/C, as these were entry-level cars, and rarely optioned heavily, befitting their low price point. Too bad it’s on the left coast, as it would cost more to ship it home than I would pay for the car!
Do I keep the original motor and transmission, or go the restomod route, with a V8 upgrade and three-pedal gearbox? I’m torn, as so few of these are left with the original motors intact, but on the other hand, the six was such a slug, especially coupled to the slush box tranny, I don’t know how long I could tolerate it’s lethargic performance! A middle ground would be to upgrade the driveline, but retain the original, should someone want to go back to box stock in the future. Comments?
GLWTS!