Other than a color change, this 1969 Chevrolet Nova looks like a solid survivor. It’s one of the 42% of Nova coupes to leave the factory with six-cylinder power. This edition is from the encore year following the popular 1968 redesign of Chevy’s X-body compact. Sales would continue to grow, and the Super Sport would later be widely imitated. Located in Costa Mesa, California, this Bow-Tie is offered (by a dealer?) here on craigslist for $13,700. Our thanks go to Tony Primo for another vintage tip!
In 1969, Chevrolet dropped the Chevy II portion of the Nova’s name. It had been a staple since the smaller car was introduced as the “more conventional” companion to the air-cooled Corvair. The 1968 redesign went over with buyers who bought 251,000 Novas in 1969, up 37% from ’68. The car was little changed except for an all-new dashboard and steering wheel. Both the 230 and 250 cubic inch inline-sixes would be offered (the 230 was gone by 1970). One of these two motors lives under the hood of this car with 99,000 miles.
Most of the time, you’d find a 2-speed Powerglide when an automatic transmission was specified. But the seller says a 3-speed Turbo-Hydramatic is in this Nova, a bit unusual if from the factory in ’69. We’re told this has been a California car (since new?), which would explain the clean and rust-free condition of the sheet metal. The interior appears good, although some detailing would help yet a door panel is missing without explanation.
The seller (again, a dealer?) says this Chevy started out as “green on green,” which means the paint color was changed to white at some point (kind of boring), and perhaps the upholstery was dyed black. This coupe “runs, drives, and stops,” though the seller uses no adjective to tell how well. Trades are within the realm of possibility.
If the paint is nice enough where you could buff it out and use it as a driver, it would be worth trying to make a deal. It’s overpriced, but straight rust free 68-72 Nova’s aren’t cheap anymore. I have a faded original paint Butternut Yellow 1970 Nova, that’s going to get a 350 and a 4spd, that would make for a fun driver and could be finished for a reasonable cost. There is no need to replace the original emblems to make it an “SS clone”, it’s not worth the hassle, they look fine as they came from the factory. Potential buyers need to see this car in person to determine its actual condition, then try and make a deal with the seller.
Steve R
Had one almost like this but with a three speed. A good little car. I was a Chrysler man in those days, but the deal I got couldn’t be ignored. I wanted to dislike it, but I just couldn’t.
Great find Primo.