autoevolution
 

From Barn Find to Spotless in 26 Years: Custom 1962 Chevy Nova Flexes Unique Upgrades

Custom 1962 Chevy Nova 17 photos
Photo: Craigslist
Custom 1962 Chevy NovaCustom 1962 Chevy NovaCustom 1962 Chevy NovaCustom 1962 Chevy NovaCustom 1962 Chevy NovaCustom 1962 Chevy NovaCustom 1962 Chevy NovaCustom 1962 Chevy NovaCustom 1962 Chevy NovaCustom 1962 Chevy NovaCustom 1962 Chevy NovaCustom 1962 Chevy NovaCustom 1962 Chevy NovaCustom 1962 Chevy NovaCustom 1962 Chevy NovaCustom 1962 Chevy Nova
The Chevy Nova was almost an overnight hit, with the GM brand producing over 326,000 units in the first year on the market. Most Novas rolled off the assembly lines with a six-cylinder engine under the hood – about 302,000 units, with the L4 mill making its way to 24,000 cars.
As most diehard Nova fanboys know, V8 upgrades were common, with customers installing more potent engines until 1964, when Chevrolet finally introduced a V8 choice.

The Nova in these photos didn't receive an engine upgrade after rolling off the assembly lines, but it eventually got a more significant overhaul decades later. The restoration included custom upgrades that turned the Nova into a head-turning machine.

The owner explains on Craigslist that the vehicle was pulled from a barn in 1998. It was stored inside for 24 years, so the car has no rust issues. You should still inspect the metal thoroughly, but considering the restoration work, the undercarriage should be clean.

The car has already been repainted, so the body looks great. An all-new interior was installed four years ago when the owner also took care of the mill under the hood. The new unit in charge of putting the wheels in motion is a 6.0 LQ4 engine paired with a 4L60E automatic transmission.

The restomod work started years before when the owner installed a Heidts Mustang II front clip and suspension. The other upgrades include power disc brakes in front, the custom wheels you can see in the photos, and a new fuel tank and pump.

The car looks great, but the owner says the transmission "needs to be wired to the computer." It only works in third gear and reverse, so while the engine starts and runs, you won't be able to drive this Nova.

The owner says they can provide the build spec upon request, but the photos should be a starting point for anyone interested in the car. The Nova needs the final touches to return to the road, but you're highly recommended to see the car in person or order a third-party inspection before committing to a purchase. It's a great Nova that many people would love to drive, so I doubt it'll remain available for long.

The selling price could be a roadblock for its return to the road. The owner hopes to get $30K for the car, though they claim they're also open to trades. You should probably be able to get the Nova a bit cheaper, especially considering the required work.

Meanwhile, the Nova will continue to sleep close to Vancouver, and given the necessary mechanical work, you'll need a trailer to take it home. However, getting it on a trailer should be easy.
If you liked the article, please follow us:  Google News icon Google News Youtube Instagram
About the author: Bogdan Popa
Bogdan Popa profile photo

Bogdan keeps an eye on how technology is taking over the car world. His long-term goals are buying an 18-wheeler because he needs more space for his kid’s toys, and convincing Google and Apple that Android Auto and CarPlay deserve at least as much attention as their phones.
Full profile

 

Would you like AUTOEVOLUTION to send you notifications?

You will only receive our top stories