The seller refers to this 1972 Chevrolet Nova SS as an original, and remarks about the “crazy options” that this example possesses. It’s a fine-looking Nova, not too crazy to my eyes, so let’s kick some tires and see what’s here. This Chevy is located in Phoenix, Arizona and is available, here on eBay for a current bid of $25,000, one bid tendered.
Continuing a trend that started in 1968, the 1972 Nova SS would be the last to have a standard “performance” engine as in ’73, lesser powerplants were available. By ’72, that performance powerplant was reduced to a single 200 net HP, 350 CI V8 engine, bruisers like the 375 HP, 396 big block motor were dropped after the ’70 model year. And while a respectable performer in its own right, the ’72 Nova SS had some substantial competitors like Plymouth’s Duster 340. This Nova’s suspension is referenced as a surprise as it is equipped with, “heavy-duty suspension(factory front and rear sway bars)“. It doesn’t seem all that surprising really as all Novas had a front anti-sway bar and the SS only “Sport Suspension”, known as option RPO F41, was a commonly selected $31.60 option in ’72. “The vehicle runs great and is mainly used for car shows” is how this Nova’s operating characteristics are described. The transmission choice, in this case, is a Turbo-Hydramatic three-speed automatic.
The seller states that the vinyl top was originally white but that’s not what the trim tag states as it displays code “F” which is tan, and that’s exactly what my eyes see. And Midnight Bronze and tan vinyl top may not be a commonly selected color combination for a Nova in SS regalia, but it doesn’t seem all that surprising. On this particular car, it looks great. There aren’t any close-ups provided but there is no sign of paint oxidization, crash damage, or rust – the top’s condition looks fine too. This Nova appears to be equipped with the Exterior Decor Group which includes stainless steel door frame trim and body side moldings. Of note, the rally wheels are the wrong ones for this vintage Nova. These are Corvette style “derby” centered wheels that were discontinued as a Nova option in ’70.
The interior, what the seller refers to as saddle wood, and Chevrolet defines as code 766 “Medium Tan”, leaps right out at you. It’s in very nice condition and the bucket seats with center console and full instruments are a pleasant discovery. The carpet, headliner, door cards, dash pad, all of it presents beautifully. And…it’s A/C equipped with a conversion to R-134.
There is no claim made to the 22K recorded miles but as clean as this Nova is, it’s not hard to imagine its accuracy, but again, there is no statement that this is a genuine reading. There is a single bid, supposedly, of $25K that has been tendered – makes one think that may be a seller floor bid – a sort of reserve without there being a reserve. Whatever the case, this is a stunningly beautiful car and it is sure to find a new home soon, wouldn’t you agree?
Something looked odd as I’m focusing on the interior…oh, yes! Black dash, kick panels and carpet with different colored seats and door panels.
Is this a owner’s choice, or factory? I thought it would be all one color. Looks rich, what the factory does today. That’s a Cadillac in the picture.
Any Nova experts? Time for me to go researching.
Here is what I am referring to…
Found this in a 1972 Nova brochure – GM of Canada. Check out bottom picture!
No doubt the interior has been upgraded, but it looks better and far more comfortable than the original. I bought a Nova new in 69 so been there done that don’t want another one.
God bless America
The seats look mid-late 70s Camaro. Nice car, all the same.
The Nova buckets came off the Camaro assembly line.Also used in the Vega.
Not that it matters, but some Novas in 72 did not have front factory sway bars. The 6 cylinder model did not.
Agreed, I knew that when I wrote it, I was just surprised that the seller was surprised that an SS 350 equipped Nova had a front anti-sway bar.
JO
There are certainly a number of things on this car that indicate it’s been redone and the front end is a real head scratcher. First, my absolute pet peeve with almost every restored 68-72 Nova SS is present on this one. That is, the outer continuation of the grille, aft of the headlight bezel should match the center grille. The upper and lower bars are bright, the center between black. My second pet peeve on these is painting the filler panel between the bumper and grille body color…it should be argent silver. On this one, it looks to be missing, with some kind of panel rigged in its place. The obvious screws at the base of the grille are a puzzling addition. Moving around the side of the car, indicates that the lower rear fender trim and rocker molding were added later. In 72, the Custom Exterior package for coupes consisted of the rocker and lower fender sill trim, window frame molding and upper body pin stripe. The body side molding was not part of the package. There was a decor package that had the side molding but it and the lower moldings were not available together. The interior looks nice but as already mentioned it’s not original. It’s a nice car but for the money I would want that front end to be right.
SOLD for $26,600.