The Chevy Nova was popular enough to sell well between 1968 and 1972 with few annual cosmetic changes. This 1972 edition sports some updates, including a 5-speed manual transmission and SS badging. However, the seller-provided VIN decodes as having a “regular” 350 cubic inch V8 (2-barrel carburetor, not what the Super Sport would have had). Needing engine and bodywork along with paint, this overheating project hails from Mountain Home, Arkansas, and is available here on eBay. $8,000 is the starting bid with no reserve.
Chevrolet still had a winner on their hands in 1972 with sales approaching 350,000 units. The car would get its first notable styling refresh in 1973 to accommodate bigger bumpers and the addition of a hatchback model. You had only two non-SS V8s to choose from in ‘72, one being the 307 and the other being the 350 which had plenty of get-up-and-go (I had one in my 1970 Nova). We don’t what transmission was in this car when new, but a 3-speed on the floor would have paved the way for the 5-speed that we’re told is there now.
If you took this Chevy home, the first problem you’d have to tackle is the engine. It runs hot, to the point that it broke the temperature gauge (up to 300 degrees). The seller thinks the issue lies with the water pump or a blown head gasket. But the car will at least drive around the yard for a few minutes. New parts include an Edelbrock manifold with a Holley carburetor, a gas tank, and dual exhaust with Flowmasters.
Grey primer everywhere may be hiding blue paint and the seller says the floors and quarter panels have been repaired (due to rust?). The seats have been redone but more interior work is needed and the Nova rolls on Torq Thrust wheels. Some degree of restoration is needed or you could go the rat rod route. What would be your end game?
Rough for the asking price. Potential buyers need to know what engine or transmission are in the car and what’s wrong with the engine, $8,000 is too much for a roller.
Steve R
A roller that needs body work and paint, no less. Hard pass from me.
the heads are late model Vortek–might be a 350 under them
Take another look, those are not Vortec heads, those use a specific intake bolt pattern and go straight up and down, these are generic centerfold heads.
Steve R
heads are late model Vortek–350 under them??
heads are late model Vortek–350 under them??
This car does not have full frame. floor connects front and rear sub-frames, if not replaced properly car will dog track making it an expensive parts car. Most of the ones I did the trunk floor rusted out before the floor boards. My SS had small block, m21 transmission, front disc brakes and 12 bolt rear. Another one that had to part with due to divorce. Check over close if you want to finish and drive even if you do your own work.
Looks like a pretty fair place to start, sheet metal looks pretty good Looks like only steps to a SS clone are buckets and some SS emblems. Bought a 74 real SS w/factory air, PS, PB & automatic for $10K several years ago and drove it 50 miles home. Have thrown $30K+ at it so far and still ain’t done. Can get real expensive real fast to do it right.