The 1970 model year would be one of the Chevy Nova’s most successful as more than 307,000 copies rolled off the assembly line. Which was especially good given that Plymouth introduced its sporty Duster fastback that year. This 2-door Nova was a typical example from that year, with a small-block V8 under the hood. It’s spent most of its life in the Southwest, so rust is present but it may be minimal. Just add paint and a new interior and you’re ready to go. Located in Clyde, North Carolina, this one is listed here on eBay for the Buy It Now price of $16,500 (you can also make an offer). Another great find from our reader, Larry D!
This car brings back memories as I also had a ’70 Nova painted in the same Champagne Gold paint. But mine had the 350 V8. It was a great car, and I would do it again. The seller’s Chevy was a popular iteration of the Nova that year, with more than one-third of total production being the 2-door with eight cylinders. The 307 engine provided enough power for a car this size and it has an automatic transmission, but we don’t know if it’s the 2-speed Powerglide or 3-speed Turbo-Hydramatic. Everything looks stock except that dual exhaust with glass packs has been added.
The body here looks solid overall, but there is a bit of rust in the left front fender and rear quarter panel. The trunk floor looks a tad crusty, but that may sand out. The undercarriage seems great, and the Chevy doesn’t have the usual corrosion in the corners of the trunk lid that the Nova was famous for (including mine). The paint is too far gone to be buffed out, the black trim in the body side moldings will need refreshing, and the lower part of the front grill is breaking away from exposure to the sun, but aftermarket replacements are out there.
Once you open the doors, you’ll see that’s where most of the work should begin. The upholstery, headrests, door panels, headliner and dash pad will all need renewing. Many of these Novas had rubber floor coverings, so this would be an opportunity to switch over to carpeting. The steering wheel has cracks in it as well. So, the cost of all these components should be factored into the budget for renewing this Nova.
The Chevrolet has been treated to new tires, brakes, a master cylinder and battery. If left the factory with power steering and brakes, which I wish mine had (5.4 turns lock-to-lock was a handful as opposed to 3.4). The odometer reading is said to be 114,000 (turned over plus 41,000 more). The car is described as running well, so it would be fair to assume the engine and transmission have been rebuilt at some point (I had to do a valve job at 52,000). But there’s no mention of that.
Hagerty says that a ’70 Nova with the basics like this one should be worth $10,800 in Fair condition. Add another $5,000 for Good. This car is not that nice, so the seller’s asking price sounds overinflated. Given what it would probably take to make this car sparkle again, once you got done you’d be knocking on the door of Super Sport territory. Or what you could buy a nicer one for to begin with.
It’s a nice foundation for a project, however, not at the asking price. It needs far to much work to justify the ask of $16,500, I could see it bringing $8,000, possibly a bit more, if the seller is in the right location and is patient.
Steve R
Just the fact that it is mentioned as a “307 automatic” leads me to believe that it is a powerglide, by omission.
I had a 69 Nova, 307, ps, pb, ac with a TH350. It was good transportation but the monoleaf rear springs only survived with the help of air shocks. I converted mine to duals, like this one. It was good transportation.
5 k $
U forgot to say “5K 20 years ago”
The hot sun out west really bakes the interiors on these old cars out there. I brought a car from Cali to Pa. the interior looked the same condition. Price is a little high on this one though.
It was a box w wheels new, now a rusty box w wheels, that needs everything, 3500.00 and that’s being generous, how much is a fake 396 Nova gonna bring after you drop 25,000 into it
This car in this condition will easily bring 10k
To 11k
Been dealing in novas fir
Over 40
Years
If that car is worth that then my 78 Firebird Formula 4 Speed from AZ with no rot at all is worth twice what this guy is asking. Yes I’m selling it, chinovalley_az@yahoo if anyone is interested?
No your firebird ia t worth what this car is worth because it’s not as popular
This car is solid and a great foundation
Novas are great little cars. I bought one new in 69, but it was deep green/black vinyl top and interior. It came with the ralley sport wheels 396 and 4 speed. Not a SS so bench seat. This car will make someone a nice project, probably end up a clone or a drag strip racer. Have fun.
God bless America
Bench seat was optional on Nova or Chevelle SS’s by 1969.
Steve R
If you bought it new and it had a 396
It had to be an SS
No other way to get a 396
No other way at all
They made 307,000 of these they’re nice,but common as it gets, I agree it should be priced at around half the ask,we shall see.
These were everywhere when I was a kid,my older brother had one, with a 6 popper,but being in the rust belt,can’t tell you how many I seen sidewinding going down the road due to weak spring perches etc.from rust.
Seller just gave a “big discount” on buy it now price, $15,800. I saved it on my list just to watch what happens.
In November of 1969 my grandfather and I went to look at a left over 1969 Nova. new 4 door with 350 engine and an am radio. No power steering or brakes. Park next to it was a new 1970 2 dr. Nova with ps and pb. It was $350 more money. the 70 had a 307 with powerglide. My grandpa bought the new 1969 as the salesman said the only difference in the 2 years was slightly bigger tail lights. He drove the car without any problems til the summer of 1977 when it was replaced with a new Skylark 4dr