Vastly improved from the ground up, the 1968 to 1974 Nova is a proper collectible that doesn’t cost as much as a Camaro from that era. The tip-top Nova in the photo gallery is a 1972 model that looks as good as it sounds, thanks to a recent repaint and a 350 with mostly new parts.
The non-matching engine with 5.7 liters of displacement features chromed valve covers with the Chevrolet script and bowtie, a chromed air cleaner from Edelbrock that hides a four-barrel carburetor, and an orange block. The belts, plugs, wires, and distributor are brand-spanking-new as well, and the current setup is designed to run on pump gas rather than high-octane dino juice.
Offered with 31,223 undocumented miles (50,249 kilometers) on the odometer, the Nova shifts nicely thanks to a 350 automatic. A three-speed transmission that continues to be widely appreciated by the drag-racing and hot-rodding communities, this gearbox is connected to a 10-bolt axle with a 3.55:1 differential that blends acceleration with usability on the highway.
“All the body panels fit nicely as they should,” said the selling vendor, “and the doors shut nice and tight.” Repainted four years ago and kept in the garage ever since, “the car sets like it should and looks awesome with the correct SS-style wheels with new tires,” according to Gateway Classic Cars.
As you can tell from the pictures, the glass and exterior trim are all presented in very good condition. Open the driver’s door, and the Nova reveals a center armrest console with cup holders, the factory console with the period-correct shifter, a three-spoke steering wheel, a new dash pad, new seats, and branded carpets. It’s not luxurious, make no mistake about it, but this senior citizen is more than adequate for a Sunday drive to the seaside.
Considering that only 12,309 units of the coupe-bodied Nova Super Sport rolled off the assembly line for the 1972 model year, is $45,000 the right price for this rust-free build with factory crayon marks on the firewall?
After a 1:43 scale model of a Ferrari 250 GTO sparked Mircea's interest for cars when he was a kid, an early internship at Top Gear sealed his career path. He's most interested in muscle cars and American trucks, but he takes a passing interest in quirky kei cars as well. Full profile
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