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Olympic Gold 1969 Chevrolet Nova SS L78 Is Nearly a Perfect 10, Dressed to Impress

1969 Nova SS 20 photos
Photo: eBay seller kene9471
1969 Chevrolet Nova SS L781969 Chevrolet Nova SS L781969 Chevrolet Nova SS L781969 Chevrolet Nova SS L781969 Chevrolet Nova SS L781969 Chevrolet Nova SS L781969 Chevrolet Nova SS L781969 Chevrolet Nova SS L781969 Chevrolet Nova SS L781969 Chevrolet Nova SS L781969 Chevrolet Nova SS L781969 Chevrolet Nova SS L781969 Chevrolet Nova SS L781969 Chevrolet Nova SS L781969 Chevrolet Nova SS L781969 Chevrolet Nova SS L781969 Chevrolet Nova SS L781969 Chevrolet Nova SS L781969 Chevrolet Nova SS L78
Say what you want about the Nova SS, but you can't deny it sported a unique mix of looks and engines.
The 1969 model year shows how the powerful engines were integral to the SS recipe. The 396 big block, code L34, produced 350 horsepower and was installed on 1,947 units. The L78, which sported the same displacement but with power upgraded to 375 horsepower, made its way to 5,262 Novas.

Eventually, Chevrolet produced over 17,650 Nova SS units, and the L78 was the most common choice.

The same engine is installed on this 1969 Nova SS that looks like it just got out of a complete restoration. The vehicle, which landed on eBay with few specifics, sports a mesmerizing Olympic Gold finish, though it's unlikely to be the original coat of paint sprayed by Chevrolet before the Nova SS left the factory.

eBay seller kene9471 doesn't specifically mention the restoration, though they do reveal that the odometer indicates just 8,000 miles. The car received a full overhaul not long ago, though it still comes with original documents, including the Protect-O-Plate.

The L78 under the hood turns the car into a "great driver," as the owner explains. No other specifics are available, but considering they say the car can drive to "local shows," it's safe to assume everything is in tip-top shape.

The car looks almost spotless, and it doesn't seem to require any fixes after the purchase. The rust isn't a concern, but it'se unclear if the restoration included undercarriage work. Your best option is to contact the owner and ask more questions, especially about the restoration job.

For example, I'd like to know how original this Nova SS continues to be, though the seller says that "many parts are production date coded." Theoretically, the car sports mostly correct parts, but inspecting the car in person should help a potential buyer determine the quality of the restoration.

A Nova SS in such an excellent shape can't come with a low price, especially when it flexes a highly desirable engine under the hood. The L78 isn't the rarest mill on the 1969 Nova SS, but is still a solid choice for buyers interested in a performance upgrade.

The owner wants $65,000 for the car, and it's a fair expectation, considering the mix of excellent looks, massive muscle, and restored everything. However, they also enabled the Make Offer button, so if you want the car but have another deal in mind, you can contact the seller to negotiate the terms. You can find the Nova SS in Glen Cove, New York, but the chances are that you might also see the car at a nearby car show where it might be the head turner catching everybody's attention.
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About the author: Bogdan Popa
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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.
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