One-Owner 1970 Chevrolet Nova

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Though popular from its 1962 introduction, the Chevy II (later Nova) would come of its own during the third generation (1968-74). Those editions would see more than two million copies built and sold over seven years, including 120,000 Super Sports. This 1970 is a “Plain Jane” Nova with few frills, although anything painted Sunflower Yellow is going to be hard to lose in the parking lot. Located in Springfield, Missouri, this one-owner car looks and runs well, though it has more than 150,000 miles on the clock. The Nova is available here on craigslist for $25,000. Thanks for the tip, Pat L.!

Through 1972, the third-gen Nova’s were little changed from year to year. You can hardly tell a ’71 from a ’72 and the ’70 sticks out from the ’69 only because of larger side marker lights and taillights. At 307,000 units in ‘70, production was up a healthy 22% over the prior year. 226,000 were 2-door sedans and 99,000 came with the entry-level V8, the 307 cubic-inch small-block (like the seller’s). Most likely paired with a 2-speed Powerglide automatic, this Nova looks to have few options. Power brakes are present as well as upgraded side trim that includes some bling.

We’re told this single-owner car is halfway around its second time at turning over the odometer. The body and paint look good with no signs of rust, but we don’t have a plethora of photos to gauge by. The interior is basic Nova, and it looks as though the front seat bottom, at a minimum, has been recovered and the carpeting looks faded. The exterior paint is likely a redo, but the seller makes no mention of that.

The 307 V8 often gets criticized, although my ’70 Nova had the 350 and it hauled buggy with a 2-barrel and the Powerglide. Someone will probably look at this as a car to transform into an SS clone or tribute, but the seller’s asking price will make getting that done an expensive process. Chances are that if you like what you see, just keep it as is and enjoy it.

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Comments

  1. Bluetec320 Bluetec320

    It’s certainly not “mellow” yellow!

    Like 1
    • Big Al

      That color has me in the mood for a hot dog. lol

      Like 10
  2. Stevieg

    My Dad’s Mom had a 1972 Nova like this. Hers had the black vinyl top on it. I remember riding in it a few times, but that is all I remember of it. I know I liked the car.
    She wasn’t in real good health, although looking back on it she was not an old lady (she died in 1975 @ the age of 47). The way she died had nothing to do with her poor health, she was murdered by her husband, my Dad’s Dad. I’m not sure what happened there, why he did it. I also know he owned a bar where a lot of cops hung out. He was never arrested.
    I often wondered what happened to her Nova. At 25 thousand, I will never buy one in her memory.

    Like 6
  3. Steve R

    They are fishing. The sellers problem is the starting price is so high most serious buyers won’t bother to even inquire.

    Steve R

    Like 13
    • Tony Primo

      He might be fishing, but all he needs to do is find one sucker. I would try the same thing if I owned a car that I bought new for 51 years.

      Like 5
  4. NovaTom

    25K?? Umm yeah …. no.

    Like 9
  5. Ken

    Who at Chevrolet came up with the 307ish anywho?

    Like 3
  6. Scott

    Nope way out of range

    Like 5
  7. CCFishder

    “halfway around its second time at turning over the odometer”

    Please. None of us wants to think this much.

    Like 3
  8. jerry z

    Fishing? This guy is living in a fantasy to think he can get anywhere near $25K for his basic Nova. Must have Barrett-Jackson Syndrome.

    Like 7
  9. Shawn

    Holy snikes, 25K?!? That’s quite the premium for a car that needs some serious going through due to mileage alone. While the 307 is far from terrible, it’s definitely not a 302, 327, or a 350. You can do a lot to a 307 to get some power out of them, but they’re unpopular enough that parts aren’t plentiful and aren’t as cheap. Maybe at some point the seller will want rid of this car enough they’ll bring the price down to where it should be. Until then though, with a 25K price tag this is a fishing expedition.

    Like 5
    • Steve R

      Almost every part for the engine, other than some of the rotating assembly interchanges with other small block Chevy. That means adding power is inexpensive. The best route is to buy a 350 core for $100-200 and build that from scratch. The 307 doesn’t add value to this car, even if it’s matching numbers so why bother with it.

      Steve R

      Like 1
  10. Lance Platt

    The Nova is beautiful with its bright yellow paint. The car size is perfect even for today’s parking spaces and traffic. But the lack of options, which was normal for compacts of that vintage, makes it less desirable. The high miles warns that something will self destruct due to normal wear and tear even driving the Nova home. The price is out of my league too. Makes me wish Chevrolet or Ford still made reasonable sized cars at a fair price not huge trucks, SUVs and nice but very pricey Mustangs and Camaros.

    Like 5
  11. JoeNYWF64

    Find 1 like this with 4 doors & that seat material, & it’s taxi ready.
    http://www.imcdb.org/v830934.html

    Like 2
  12. Tman

    25k? For this it should be maybe 5k

    Like 7
  13. Johnmloghry Johnmloghry

    I’m getting a little fuzzy about certain things these days, but I seem to remember hearing or reading at one point that you could put 283 heads on a 307 to increase power. I really like these Novas before the Japanese models. I bought a new one in 69. Mine was deep green with Vinyl top and ralley wheels.
    God bless America

    Like 2
  14. Mark

    I’ve owned Chevy II/Nova badged cars, a 68, 78 and bought an 86 (s.k.a Toyota) new. They were all great cars. It’s been a slow progression but once the more desirable Chevelles became priced out of reach for most, it was a matter of time before folks turned to the Nova and everyone wanted to cash in. Supply and demand driven but I’m afraid the car market is pricing itself into oblivion.
    Today’s inflated car values, much like those of most houses, are going to leave owners of both stuck with their purchases lest they are willing to take the hit down the road.

    Like 3
  15. Nova man

    Love it! 25000 heck no !

    Like 1
    • Danny Harmes

      does anyone know how many 1970 Nova ‘s were painted Sunflower Yellow ? I have own one for 46 years. thanks for any help.

      Like 0
  16. bone

    That’s one nasty yellow IMO ; and its had some work done on it as the drivers door has overspray on the latch and screws. The seats been reupholstered in a cheapo taxi cab way, and from what I see the door gaskets are pretty rough looking. It looks like its painted in Daytona Yellow, which I’m pretty sure is a Corvette only color. Of course it could have been special ordered that color , but why would you and then not have many other options ?

    Like 0

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