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1972 Chevy Nova SS Mixes Vintage Looks With Supercar Traits for Camaro SS Money

Long have the Chevrolet Novas been the laughingstock of the Spanish-speaking automotive world because of the unfortunate translation of this small car’s iconic nameplate. But there are so many drag racing monsters out there right now that no one will dare bully these Chevys when they’re around a quarter-mile track. So, better hurry and take this 1972 Nova SS example to where it belongs.
1972 Chevrolet Nova SS Pro Street build with 540ci for sale at Garage Kept Motors 24 photos
Photo: Garage Kept Motors
1972 Chevrolet Nova SS Pro Street build with 540ci for sale at Garage Kept Motors1972 Chevrolet Nova SS Pro Street build with 540ci for sale at Garage Kept Motors1972 Chevrolet Nova SS Pro Street build with 540ci for sale at Garage Kept Motors1972 Chevrolet Nova SS Pro Street build with 540ci for sale at Garage Kept Motors1972 Chevrolet Nova SS Pro Street build with 540ci for sale at Garage Kept Motors1972 Chevrolet Nova SS Pro Street build with 540ci for sale at Garage Kept Motors1972 Chevrolet Nova SS Pro Street build with 540ci for sale at Garage Kept Motors1972 Chevrolet Nova SS Pro Street build with 540ci for sale at Garage Kept Motors1972 Chevrolet Nova SS Pro Street build with 540ci for sale at Garage Kept Motors1972 Chevrolet Nova SS Pro Street build with 540ci for sale at Garage Kept Motors1972 Chevrolet Nova SS Pro Street build with 540ci for sale at Garage Kept Motors1972 Chevrolet Nova SS Pro Street build with 540ci for sale at Garage Kept Motors1972 Chevrolet Nova SS Pro Street build with 540ci for sale at Garage Kept Motors1972 Chevrolet Nova SS Pro Street build with 540ci for sale at Garage Kept Motors1972 Chevrolet Nova SS Pro Street build with 540ci for sale at Garage Kept Motors1972 Chevrolet Nova SS Pro Street build with 540ci for sale at Garage Kept Motors1972 Chevrolet Nova SS Pro Street build with 540ci for sale at Garage Kept Motors1972 Chevrolet Nova SS Pro Street build with 540ci for sale at Garage Kept Motors1972 Chevrolet Nova SS Pro Street build with 540ci for sale at Garage Kept Motors1972 Chevrolet Nova SS Pro Street build with 540ci for sale at Garage Kept Motors1972 Chevrolet Nova SS Pro Street build with 540ci for sale at Garage Kept Motors1972 Chevrolet Nova SS Pro Street build with 540ci for sale at Garage Kept Motors1972 Chevrolet Nova SS Pro Street build with 540ci for sale at Garage Kept Motors
So, the aging joke that Nova means “no-go” really doesn’t belong here, as this unit has been carefully remastered into a threatening Pro Street build sometime during the 1990s, according to the description provided by selling dealer Garage Kept Motors of Grand Rapids, Michigan. While on the outside, it hasn’t changed much since 1972 when it was built, the truth is that unless properly tamed by a driver who knows about the monster lurking in the engine bay, it will be one scary ride.

As such, it would be a proper sleeper if not for a few eye-opening details. For example, the classic lines have been mostly left alone to sport the mesmerizing blue paint job and many wonderful, chromed bits and pieces. But the skinny front tires aren’t on the same page as the humongous Mickey Thompson rear tires, and the subtle rear trunk lid spoiler along with the aftermarket wheels might also act as giveaways for the power lurking under the hood.

Speaking of, there’s a built 540ci V8 mated to a TH400 transmission in there, and this otherwise unassuming 1972 Nova SS has no less than 735 horsepower at its disposal. Interestingly, the dealer is only asking $39,900 for this ride, which is actually in the ballpark of a 2021 Camaro SS equipped with the 4550horsepower 6.2-liter V8 and the paddle-shift auto transmission (MSRP of $40,290).

So, anyone interested in sporting classic looks and the performance level that would shame a lot of contemporary sports cars might want to take a second look at this ride. After all, it also comes with a black interior that doesn’t conceal the roll cage, AutoMeter gauges, or the Cheetah SCS shifter... not to mention the huge tubs needed to allow some breathing space for the wide rear wheels and tires.

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About the author: Aurel Niculescu
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Aurel has aimed high all his life (literally, at 16 he was flying gliders all by himself) so in 2006 he switched careers and got hired as a writer at his favorite magazine. Since then, his work has been published both by print and online outlets, most recently right here, on autoevolution.
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