The third generation of the Chevy Nova (1968 to 1972) is a popular one to clone as a Super Sport. They’re light automobiles that can accommodate larger engines, and the VINs won’t usually give the cars away. This 1970 Nova began life with either 307 or 350 cubic inch V8, but that was long ago, and the body and interior are quite rough. Located in Schertz, Texas, the seller admits it may be more donor than project. Which may explain why the bidding has reached just $100 here on eBay.
In 1970, you could order a Nova SS new with either a 350 or 396 V8 engine (that was the last year for the 396 in the compact car). When the seller got this ordinary Nova as part of a trade about a year ago, it was pretty much in the same shape as you see now. You can’t tell from the prior bodywork or swapped-out sheet metal that the original color of the Chevy was green, and it had a black vinyl interior. There is no cowl tag to do a deep dive with about this car.
It does have a 350 and automatic transmission, but all we know is the engine does turn by hand. A 10-bolt rear end resides out back. The vehicle is far from complete, and missing pieces include some glass, front seats, and we’re guessing both bumpers. The taillights and rear trim are from a 1969 Nova. This roller comes with a set of disc brakes to make a switch from drums.
Rust is an obvious problem, and needed repairs will include (at least) the trunk pan, floorboards (in the front), firewall, drip rails, rear window, and one of the quarter panels. If the bidding doesn’t go high and you’re not far away from the seller’s location, there should be enough here to help see another project get through to conclusion. Maybe.
Just say NO to clones.
Yes, please do not encourage the clone or tribute thing. While I get that some cars are so expensive the average person may never be able to buy an actual one, but a person with skills, friends with skills, and a smaller amount of money can build a clone, even if the person who builds it is honest about what is is, it will be a fraud problem for someone one day. Just build a nice hot rod Nova without SS badges. With modern LS engines, stronger transmissions, tubular suspensions, etc., you can build a better all around car than a cobbled together clone. Typically, clones have the right badges, but not the upgraded components that go with the badges like stronger suspensions, transmissions, rear ends, etc.
Says the man who can afford the real….
You’ve obviously mistaken me for someone else. I am definitely not a guy who could afford an all original collector grade classic. Fortunately, I’m also the kind of guy that wouldn’t want a car I’d be afraid to drive.
This is a parts car !
Nothing wrong with a clone! Asl9ng as the owner doesn’t pass it off as an original! Most clones specially the 396 ss novas are to valuable to drive! But a clone is a blast to drive! And can be built to your taste!
Since you can’t get there anymore, unless it was structurally unsound, I’d buld a nice driver.
It may look like they pulled it out of the river, but it’s still in better shape than most of the rusted out ones I’ve seen for a project.
The E-Bay ad shows two (2) other rusty hulks in the garage, so I suspect that this one is leaving under duress, as a result of spousal pressure, LOL! Someone wants their garage back!
This is essentially a rolling chassis and little more. Pull the driveline, send the body off for chemical stripping or media blasting to see what you’ve got left, and decide your next steps. Hopefully, they’ll be enough left to save, but it will be expensive to bring the body back, that’s for sure. Dynacorn doesn’t make replacement bodies for these (yet), so repairing the body is your only option. If the body isn’t worth saving, part it out and cut your losses. I wouldn’t pay more than $1000 for it, just so you have a shot at breaking even if you have to part it out, but that’s just me. The bidding is already up to $1275, so I’m out!
The bidding closed at $1575 without a sale, so someone got an education into what their car is really worth!