1969 Chevrolet Nova

Description

The lightweight Chevy Nova was always a strong performer, but this 1969 Nova has been pared down to the bare minimum, then stuffed full of small block stroker motor, making for one heck of a power-to-weight ratio.

Painted two years ago, this silver bullet doesn't mess around with anything but what it needs to go fast. The sleek bodywork was expertly refinished and looks awesome, but doesn't waste time with stripes or other graphics (did you know a gallon of automotive paint adds 7 pounds?). The minimalist Nova bodywork has a certain appeal, stretched tight over the working parts and with big tires underneath, it can't exactly be called a sleeper. It's nice and shiny, the doors fit well, and there's an ever-so-subtle cowl induction hood that seems to be the lone indicator of performance on this Nova. Chrome bumpers always look great against silver paint, giving the car a more modern look than its age would suggest, and they did leave the original Nova badges in place. Heck, they were even careful to tuck the exhaust pipes up underneath where nobody would notice them!

The black interior is serious business. Buckets and a Hurst cue ball are the design elements, and aside from a pair of white-faced auxiliary gauges under the dash, there's no extra baggage here. Fresh seat covers look very good, particularly with the factory headrests, and the carpets and door panels look to be replaced at the same time. The dash is purely stock with a wide speedo and fuel gauge and precious little else, and they restrained themselves from strapping a tachometer to the steering column, which might give too much away. You will note with some excitement that the Hurst shifter shows five gears on its face, not four, thanks to 4-speed gearbox underneath which totally transforms this vintage muscle. There is also an AM/FM/cassette stereo head unit in the dash but you will most likely be having too much fun behind the wheel to worry about turning it on. Even the trunk is neatly done, finished with a reproduction mat and spare tire cover.

Big block power in a small block package is the 383 cubic inch V8's calling card. Big torque and a willingness to rev makes it a lethal street engine and combined with the welterweight Nova bodywork, performance is extremely impressive. The underhood area is just as minimalist as the rest of the car, but the same attention to detail and quality workmanship shows here, too. The brushed aluminum valve covers and matching air cleaner match the car's sleek look, while traditional Chevy Orange paint keeps them guessing about what's inside. MSD supplied the ignition system and you'll note that the accessories are tucked in tight to the block because this sucker loves to rev. Headers and a custom Flowmaster exhaust system deliver an aural warning to competitors, but the suspension is fairly stock, so it rides and handles nicely enough to be driven every day. A stout 10-bolt rear is highlighted by body-colored floors and it sits on factory Rallys with 235/60/15 Uniroyals that stuff the wheel wells perfectly.

You can tell we love this car because it just doesn't mess around. If you want speed first and everything else second, this Nova simply nails it. Call today!