Chevrolet sold more than a quarter-million Nova’s in 1969, the car’s best year since 1963. Nearly two-thirds of them had a six-cylinder engine, so buyers were still interested in fuel economy over luxury or muscle. This ’69 Nova is a fairly basic automobile, though it does have upgraded exterior trim and a TH-350 automatic transmission. A one-owner car that was off the road for a few years, the seller has nursed it back to running condition. This cosmetic project can be found in Wheat Ridge, Colorado, and is available here on eBay for $8,600 OBO.
The 1969 model year would be the last time that the popular Chevy compact used the name Chevy II. From this point forward, it was Nova all the way. The cars were redesigned in 1968 and this generation (through 1972) would find itself a popular choice for cloning (from a Plain Jane Nova to a Nova SS 350 or 396). The seller’s auto is your typical Grandma car with either a 230 or 250 cubic-inch inline-6. Instead of a 2-speed automatic, the original owner stepped up to the Turbo-Hydramatic.
According to the seller, this 55-year-old Chevy has only had one owner, and it’s original all the way. The vehicle is not rust-free, with corrosion in the front fenders and rear quarter panels (typical places). There are also a couple of small dents that shouldn’t be too problematic. The windshield has a crack in it, but the rest of the glass is looking okay.
The blue interior matches the exterior color and could stand redoing. The seller (or a predecessor) has cleaned out the fuel system, redone the brakes, and did some other things (?) with the motor to get the machine to run and drive. So, this Chevy is likely a great candidate for a restoration and would prove inviting to those looking to build the next SS clone.
Liked it until I saw the instrument cluster, why oh why did US car manufacturers still make non round speedo’s in the 70’s.
Really makes it a grandmother’s car, she can keep it.
Can it be updated to VDO gauges? Serious question, but must look like it was meant to be.
Because they were trying to keep it as low dollar as possible. However there is a company called Dakota Digital that makes a direct swap in gauge panel into where the speedometer is that had all your gauges and much more.
It’s a easy swap to something else.aftermarket for starters.
I’m a sucker for 2 door cars, even a GM one with a 6, lol.
Liked it until I saw the instrument cluster, why oh why did US car manufacturers still make non round speedo’s in the 70’s.
Really makes it a grandmother’s car, she can keep it.
Can it be updated to VDO gauges? Serious question, but must look like it was meant to be.
Who needs a speedo anyway?
I’m with ya. Speed limits are just a suggestion.
It appears to have the base rubber floor covering rather than the optional carpet, they trapped moisture and promoted the floors to rust. These coverings are also prone to ripping over time and only available in black, not blue like the one originally in this car. It would also be nice to see pictures of the both rear quarter panels in their entirety, these almost appear to be cropped to avoid areas that typically rust. A thorough, in person, inspection would be wise.
Steve R
Carpet padding also trapped moisture that got into many cars back then thru windshield leaks after just a few years. Most people did not check under the carpet until it was too late.
Clones are as worthless as prints of Picasso’s. The worst part is, someone wastes a perfectly good car to make one.
I have a newly, beefed up crate GM smallblock that would sit perfect in that bay. Clean it up, replace the rusted areas, manual tranny and .411 gearing. I even like the color, red rims and dog dishes. The folks here complaining of originality or “clones” who had the nuts to launch this down the straightaway would likely change their minds after driving it!
Check out this non original! https://youtu.be/Tx3f_0kaVg8?feature=shared
crate 454 and leave the badging and exterior as is. keep the six in case someone wants originality later.
A 69 Nova, Huh, I bought one new in 69 but it was dark green with vinyl roof and rally sport wheels. It had the big V8 and 4 speed trans. It was not a great car but it stood out like a sore thumb. Now you take this little 6 banger with automatic in light blue, no one pays any attention. Like some say it’s a grandma car. But the truth is it will cruise at highway speeds and get much better gas mileage. Now mine did have power steering and brakes which make it much more enjoyable to operate. Now the question comes; what would you do with this car? For me it would just be a simple clean it up and show it at local shows, nothing more.
God Bless America
what was not great about it?
I “learned to drive” (when I got my learners permit) in my Grandparent’s 69 Nova 4 door. It was the same color as this one, with the 250 CID six and a powerglide. Ended up taking my road test in my other Grandmother’s Rambler Rogue as the Nova’s fastback made parallel parking hard for a newbie.
Soon to be an ss396 at a car show near you…..
say what you want about those straight 6’s. But, they are tough as nails, easy work on and will run forever. I bet that one runs. lol
Circa 1972, my Mother and us four kids crammed into a ’69 Nova to head from central Ohio to central Florida. Same roof-line, same color and same uncomfortable ride. The Chevy didn’t miss a beat however. Trusty car, and I didn’t care what the speedometer looked like.
Lol , nice dig, I’ll bite.
The last Aussie car with a straight speedo was pre 1970.
With one exception.
This is a natural for some type of SS Clone but the problem is it costs close to the same to restore this to nice Clone status as restoring a real SS. Probably makes more sense to start with an SS but the base car won’t come as affordable probably as this one will.
I think Clone cars are bringing some serious money when done right but no double real is still better than clone or tribute.
My grandpa had a 69 nova 3 on the tree 6 cylinder,he traded it in on a new 72 nova 6 cylinder automatic both cars were 2 door’s.
Novas from 69 to 72 are bringing stupid money. Take a 454 or 350 drop it in put a cheap paint job, it will bring $12k to $15k. Do it nice and it brings over $20k. As a kid I thought they were the poor man’s car, I always wanted a chevelle, camaro or vette. Boy I was wrong, I have had 5 Novas and can’t keep them. Everybody wants them in SC.
Great patina for a sleeper project. If wishing made it so, she would be mine.
Unusual with a turbo 350 and the six. Powerglide was the normal combination. Or the torque drive. Anybody remember them, best forgotten.
A lot of negativity about this car..& opinions around ..GM did lots of different things in the late sixties..rubber floor coverings not uncommon..this IS a “bare bones” base model..built for the family with limited funds…but with a sporty look…and affordability to have a reliable daily driver ..These cars look great with old school Cragars and white letter tires…and plentof potential in the straight six for performance upgrades..just check out Inliners International.