1969 Chevrolet Nova Returns After Years in Hiding, Makes for Stunning Computer Wallpapers

Let's jump right in and see what this Nova is all about.

First of all, let's figure out how rare it is. Chevrolet produced nearly 252,000 Novas for the model year 1969, out of which some 17,500 rolled off the assembly lines with the highly desirable SS badges. More than 182,000 units used the 2-door body style, like the one here.

The GM brand fitted this Nova with a 396 V8 (the owner says the engine is a 400 small-block unit, but I'm almost sure it's a 396, as some marketing materials refer to this displacement as a 400 V8). The 1969 model year included a little over 7,200 similar Novas, as the most popular choice continued to be the lazy 230 six-cylinder version (also the most affordable).

The owner says the car has been sitting for many years, but they provided no further specifics. I'd guess the Nova was parked under a cover or maybe in an open barn considering the paint still looks good, but the rusty undersides suggest the car struggled with high humidity levels.

The floors look wrecked, so it'll need new panels. The Nova requires plenty of metal work, but an in-person inspection is the best way to determine how much time and money you'll have to spend making it look good again.

The V8 under the hood still runs but only with a gas can. A new tank will probably help, but the owner says they haven't tried to start the engine using the original one. The Nova retains its barn-find condition, so it remains a mysterious discovery needing a new home ASAP.

The body patina is what makes it look intriguing. While the LeMans Blue paint struggled to pass the test of time (so diehard Chevy fans might plan a full respray), I honestly dig this look and would gladly retain the patina on a restored model.

The bidding started only a few hours ago, with no offers recorded. The action begins at $1,000, but eBay seller hiddntreas4u has also configured a reserve. Its value is currently unknown.

Interested buyers who want to secure this Nova without competing in a digital fight can pay $3,900 to trigger the Buy It Now option on the auction's page. The vehicle is sleeping in Maple Shade, New Jersey, and considering its current condition, the buyer will have to get it on a trailer (doing this should be pretty easy, given the original engine starts and runs correctly from a gas can).