The Chevrolet Nova was in its third generation by 1968. It would soon lose its original moniker, Chevy II, and all versions of the compact would be known as Nova two years later. This 1970 edition is from the second-highest sales year in the automobile’s first nine years on the market. The 2-door coupe with a 307 cubic inch V8 would represent one-third of Nova sales in ‘70. This one runs but needs a lot of cosmetic work, looking as though it’s been out baking in the sun for several years. From Kinsley, Kansas, this Chevy is available here on eBay where the bidding hasn’t yet triggered the reserve at $4,613.

This Nova was once finished in Champagne Gold paint with a matching interior and a black vinyl top. I owned a Nova of the same vintage and color, but it was a two-tone with a white painted roof. This Chevy comes with custom trim, meaning it has additional brightwork on the outside and an upgraded all-vinyl interior with optional bucket seats, like the ones found in a Super Sport. The Bow-Tie Brigade built 307,280 Nova’s in 1970, a number that was easily eclipsed in 1973-74 when gasoline prices spiked due to the OPEC oil embargo.

The odometer reads 23,000 on this well-worn Nova, but that likely means the odometer has turned over, at least once. It’s equipped with the basic Chevy small-block eight-cylinder of that period and it’s paired with an automatic transmission, probably 3-speed Turbo-Hydramatic since it’s floor-shifted. Despite its appearance, this is a running automobile that has been treated to electronic ignition and a new carburetor. A boxed set of plug wires will come with the car, but the buyer is going to have to invest in a new set of brakes if stopping is of importance.

There is a touch of rust in the rear quarter panels, common on these cars, and the trunk is rusty so a new pan will be required there. More rust is around some of the chrome window trim, which may have led to a leak that damaged the trunk floor. The car wears a set of Rally wheels, but only the rims and chrome rings are installed. Hopefully, the caps can be found in the caboose. This car would present better if the seller had taken more straightforward photos rather than trying to be creative with the angles.

Once the body and paint are addressed (I would skip the vinyl top and paint the roof in a contrasting color), the interior would come next. The upholstery, door panels, headliner, carpeting, and dash pad are all worn out, so gutting the interior and starting over is the way to go. According to Hagerty, the top dollar on a non-SS 1970 Nova is around $25,000. To maintain originality, the 307 should probably stay although some might prefer a 350 in its place.