The 3rd generation of the Chevy Nova (1968-72) is popular with cloners. The seller admits this 1971 edition is one such car boasting a 4-barrel 350 cubic inch V8, which would have been appropriate at the time. It has a host of upgrades, comes with an extra engine, and has been repainted with a color change. Though not perfect, this Nova drives well and should impress the Cars & Coffee crowd. Located in Corona, California, this modified muscle car is available here on craigslist for $21,500. An attaboy goes to Tony Primo for the tip!
Nova sales for 1971 saw a one-third drop from 1970. And bounced right back in 1972, though all the cars were mostly the same. I believe General Motors was having labor issues in 1971, and that may have created a one-year supply problem. We don’t know what powerplant was in the seller’s car when new, but it could have been a 307 V8 or a 350 with a 3-barrel. The claimed mileage is 63,000, but is that overall, and how many since the car’s transformation began?
We’re told this is a solid running automobile that shouldn’t require more mechanical work. The registration is in CA no-op status, meaning the car hasn’t been a driver for some time. The vehicle has had only two prior owners and left the factory with white paint (you can find traces of it) and a vinyl roof. The latter explains the chrome border trim behind the side windows. The seller has a new vinyl top you can install because the car looks funky with that trim dividing the blue paint for no other reason.
This Chevy has had its interior redone, sticking with a bench seat that isn’t original in appearance. The gauges, too, have all been replaced, and the racing vibe doesn’t do much for me. The Nova sports Rally wheels, which are always the best looking on these cars (IMO). When you seal the deal, the seller will throw in another built 350 Stroker that you could use or resell. As far as tributes go, this one is more restomod than one done as period correct.
My god!!! Another tribute!!?? There soon wont be any stock Novas around. They will have all been turned into counterfeit SSs.
First off, I hate the term “Tribute”. I guess the word “clone” wasn’t good enough. There is nothing wrong with building what you have and turning it into a better ride. Putting “SS” tags all over the car, does not make it faster, more valuable, or more desirable. I respect both, all original and altered vehicles. It’s when someone tries to bridge the gap, is where I lose interest.
It runs like an SS so why not decorate it like one.
I want to know more about the standard 3 barrel carb. Never heard about one before.
Holley did make them in the late 1960’s or early-1970’s. They were race/high performance oriented and a rare sight today, they can be found on eBay often selling in the $500+ range.
Steve R,
I had a friend back in the day whose mother had a challenger with a 318 and he claimed a 3 barrel never quite believed him but maybe it was true. Interesting side note the ignition key to my ‘65 barracuda would work in his mother’s car .
because the Vin # says otherwise.