1969 Chevrolet Nova

Description

This 1969 Chevrolet Nova has a lot of things we like. One, the power-to-weight ratio is awesome, particularly with a 400 cubic inch small block under the hood. Two, it has a low-key look that borders on being a sleeper. And three, it's quite affordable, making it one heck of a big bang for the buck.

Repainted a few years ago, this Nova isn't a show car, but that's OK because it has a great combination of charisma and performance. The handsome burgundy paint gives it a grown-up look that belies its price and performance, and if you like going fast without attracting a lot of attention, then this is a great choice. It hasn't been dressed up like a fake SS, but it does sport a cowl induction hood that gives it a performance look. The finish has a nice shine but a few signs of use, so you won't worry when you pull it out of the garage and if it rains, well, that's why there are windshield wipers. Nice chrome bumpers shine nicely against the burgundy finish and we particularly like the subtle '400' emblems on the front fenders, an OEM way of doing a little advertising for what lives under the hood. This car just has the look.

The interior is dressed just the way you'd want it if you were building it yourself: black buckets. The no-nonsense look of the Nova lends itself rather well to the street fighter role it plays, and it's also comfortable. We suspect the seat covers are replacements and the carpets are just too nice to be original and the door panels are quite nice. The original gauges didn't tell you much about what was going on under the hood, so they have neatly integrated auxiliary gauges into the dash just to the left of the original instruments, and there's a familiar column-mounted tachometer. Although it was originally a column-shift car, there's a B&M shifter managing the TH350 3-speed automatic transmission today, and for entertainment there's a newer AM/FM stereo in the original slot. The trunk is surprisingly spacious and offers no surprises beyond a relocated battery that helps weight distribution in the lightweight Nova.

The aforementioned 400 cubic inch V8 is of the small block variety, putting big block punch in a lightweight package. It's a neat fit in the Nova's engine bay and looks great, so you know where the money was spent on this one. An Edelbrock 4-barrel carburetor lives atop a polished EPS intake manifold and feeds a set of aluminum heads that shed even more weight and make great power. The Chevy Orange block is a familiar and correct look and with power steering and brakes, this Nova is always a pleasure to drive. A big aluminum radiator keeps things cool and plenty of chrome makes this an engine bay you'll be eager to show off. Long-tube headers feed an X-pipe and Flowmaster mufflers, and for a 400, this is one strong-running engine. The transmission shifts cleanly and the 10-bolt rear end doesn't seem to mind the torque churning through it. Traction bars do their best to help hook things up, along with a set of subframe connectors that reinforce the entire tub so this Nova feels rock solid. Staggered 28x7.50x15 front and 275/60/15 rear tires on polished Weld aluminum wheels complete the potent look.

Not a perfect car, but for the money this is a very stout little Nova with an awesome look and surprising performance. If you're on a budget, you owe it to yourself to give this car a close look. Call today!