1970 Chevrolet Nova SS Tribute

Description

Everyone knows that taking weight out is the same as putting horsepower in, so starting with a compact car like the Nova makes a lot of sense when you're trying to build a hot street car. This 1970 Nova SS tribute offers a great-running 350 cubic inch V8, rare bucket seats, and a subtle look that perfectly captures the dual nature of Chevy's right-sized Nova.

This car was originally code 50 Gobi Beige, so you shouldn't wonder why it was covered in that gorgeous Sherwin Williams burgundy urethane, and the job was so thorough that you'll be hard-pressed to find any trace of beige on the car today. This car shows nice gaps and panel alignment, which is typical of these sturdy little cars, and the doors close without a big slam. Chevy clearly intended to keep the latest Nova SS low-profile, as the only giveaways are the usual blacked-out SS grille, '350' badges on the front fenders and a matching black SS panel between the taillights. Everything else, from the chrome bumpers to the stainless trim around the wheels arches, was standard Nova equipment, making these a kind of factory sleeper. This car also includes a nice-looking black vinyl top, which was original spec and looks as good with burgundy paint as it did with beige.

A vast majority of Novas in 1970 were equipped with the standard bench seat, (including this one) it's easy to add buckets and make them look like they belong. The black upholstery is the perfect match to the burgundy paint, and the vinyl seat covers have a pleasant, comfortable look that is like your favorite leather jacket. A B&M T-handle shifter lives atop the TH350 3-speed automatic transmission and tells you that this Nova is all business. The standard Nova dash and gauge cluster doesn't tell you much about what's going on under the hood, and is limited to just a speedometer and fuel level gauge, so a set of aftermarket dials hang underneath with a Sunpro tach up high where it can do some good. We also like that they focused on performance, so there's no massive stereo, just a simple radio in the dash and the trunk is tidy with a reproduction mat and full-sized spare with jack assembly.

Power comes from a 350 cubic inch V8 that's a tidy installation in the Nova's engine bay. For 1970, Chevy got rid of the chrome valve covers and air cleaner that were part of the SS package, but this car has some dress up items that keep it from looking like a run-of-the-mill Nova, including a set of cool aluminum Chevrolet valve covers and a chrome air cleaner atop the big Holley Avenger carb. Inside it's been bored .030 over for a set of flat-top pistons and sports a fairly stout .530 lift Crane cam, so this sucker really snarls. Long-tube headers feed a modest-sounding dual exhaust system with a pair of reproduction mufflers so it doesn't get annoying. A 10-bolt with 3.08 gears and Moser axles, and a big sway bar carries the back end and a new gas tank hangs out back. Shiny 17-inch American Racing wheels and 255/40/17 performance radials really fill the Nova's wheel arches perfectly.

With receipts for just the parts totaling more than $25,000, this Nova represents a pretty big bargain. If your performance tastes run towards light weight and big horsepower, this pretty burgundy SS might be just the ticket. Call today!