Some enthusiasts go to great lengths to make sure their high-performance auto also looks fast and intimidating, even when sitting still, but those who opt for the sleeper appearance have a totally different mindset. They choose a somewhat ordinary car to work with that doesn’t necessarily stand out, then stuff it with fast components completely out of view from the outside, making things surprising for unsuspecting drivers when the traffic light turns green. Using a 4-door body only adds to this effect, and that’s the path the owner of this 1970 Chevrolet Nova here on eBay decided to take. This cool sedan is in Williamsburg, Virginia, and though there are still a few loose ends to tie up here, it’s well on the way to becoming a quick and reliable cruiser. The buy-it-now cost of $20,000 doesn’t sound unreasonable, but the seller is also considering offers, so it may be worth a shot trying to score this one for less.
Powering this Nova is a 502 crate motor, a Turbo 400 automatic transmission with B&M parts, and a positraction rear end, which houses 3.73 gearing. All of these components were installed 15 years ago, but the project then ground to a halt when the owner suffered a heart attack, so the Chevy is now seeking somebody to add the finishing touches so this one can tear up the streets. The big block is said to have less than 100 miles since installation, with only local neighborhood operation to sort out the new-build bugs and any gremlins that might have been hiding. Fortunately, only a handful of minor mechanical details are left for the future owner to deal with, including reconnecting the headers and exhaust, resealing the water intake gasket, stud repair for the transmission pan, and some adjusting on the starter.
It’s important to note what a solid sedan this one was to begin with, with the seller stating that the car only had 31,000 original miles at the time the transformations began. There’s no word on the original exterior color or what bodywork was performed, if any, but the sheet metal appears straight and free from defects. The black paint is holding up nicely, with the plain wheels and hubcaps adding to the sleeper effect here. About the only indicator outside that this is anything other than an ordinary Nova is the license plate, 4FSTDRS, which might be fun to preserve if that vanity combo happens to be available in your state.
Probably the most non-assuming area anywhere on this sedan is the interior, which appears mostly stock and features a front bench seat, with the largely grocery-getter seventies green color also helping to conceal the level of performance this one offers. It’s sad that the owner’s health issues caused this project to stall, but the family sounds eager to pass this 1970 Chevrolet Nova onto someone who will appreciate what it is and perform what few remaining tasks are left to be completed. Are you finding this one tempting?
$20,000 buy it now price. The family doesn’t sound overly eager to pass this car along.
Sleeper is right ✅️ 😴 Stephens.
Still trying to figure out that license plate……..
4 fast doors?
four fast doors
In Massachusetts we get 6 digits. Would go with FST4DR.
That 502 makes this really interesting…
Talk about sleeper. This is exactly what is meant by the term. If it pulled up to a light you’d spend a second or two to figure out where the sound was coming from. Really fits the bill, doors and all. Put your foot on the floor and steer.
Take two doors away and the price more than doubles.
It’s nice that it is a car that has been in the family for a long time and is low mileage.
I’m not an expert on builds like this so have no idea how much is left to do or if this has been done right.
It says it comes with another 450HP 383 that needs to be built, so that’s a bonus.
This could be a great project for someone to finish. Good find.
Used engines don’t bring much money, especially if they need rebuilding. You need to compare them to the cost of a crate a fine that comes with a warranty, realistically the engine you mention needs to be priced as a core.
Unfinished projects are typically priced based on what the components would sell for. A roller 4 door Nova, no matter the condition and mileage isn’t worth much. A crate engine at least a decade out of production isn’t in high demand either. This is a collection of good parts, though a bit dated, that might eventually find a buyer. Summer is the wrong time to sell, fall is better, that’s when people stop driving their cars for winter and map out what their winter upgrades.
Buying an unfinished project is a crapshoot, you never know what you will have buy until you start assembling, costs can quickly spiral out of control. The asking price is really high for any but the most popular make and model needing completion.
Steve R
Two doors too many.
I don’t know why people who stick to the super-strict auction show muscle criteria for desirability would even click on a listing like this.
Stomp the go pedal and someone’s doors are coming off. Hopefully not the Nova’s.
My buddy had a 64 Valiant four door, super nice, dark blue with two tone blue interior. it had a built 340 with a four speed. The exhaust tip on the left side ended just above the bumper with a tip down. It had rally wheels and looked absolutely stock. Ate a lot of Camaros, Mustangs and other lesser cars.
Hard to tell this from the 1968 sedan drove when I met her in 1972. Hers was a 6/automatic with a radio. She drove it until 1979 when the driver’s window dropped into the door and we bought a new Ford LTD. The Nova was totally reliable as her daily driver for 11 years. Easy on gas and tires and started in the bitter -20F . The Ford lost its transmission twice and we traded it after 4 years. I would love to have that old six-banger back.
So 20 large and it doesn’t run?
That motor belongs in a slippery haul jet boat, not a 4door Ma Kettle Nova. Interesting, and for a 60’s 4 door , pretty good looking.
502 & headers, but restrictive sideways muffler?
I would put a 6 cyl & glide back in here where they belong & still ditch sideways muffler. lol
I don’t know what all the nit picking is about, yeah it’s older crate engine, but start adding the parts prices up and pretty sure it’s under valued. Doesn’t sound like it’s just thrown together. Wanted a hard hitting cruiser. Gear Vender OD and A/C. No reason this thing wouldn’t run mid 12’s with some dot street radials.