1971 Chevrolet Nova SS

Description

Its true, tributes, and clones make up a significant part of the muscle car market, but when an ORIGINAL 1971 Chevrolet Nova SS comes along with its numbers-matching engine, well, it kind of puts things in perspective. This ultra-clean SS is the real deal and makes a compelling point that the Novas deserve to be up there with Camaros in terms of performance, looks, and desirability.

Marina Blue looks good on everything, and while it isn't this particular Nova's original color (which was code 49 Antique Green), you can't argue with the results. Shockingly, this car was repainted back in the 90s and still looks fantastic today, a testament to both the quality of the work and the care it has received since it was finished. The car has obviously led a good life and has lived indoors, which pays big dividends on the little stuff that's almost impossible to restore back into a car: the doors fit well, the trunk closes without a big slam, and all the body lines are quite crisply rendered. The SS models got the same blacked-out grille as their siblings, along with a few well-placed 'SS' badges, and we've always liked how the Novas put their engine sizes up there on the front fender for everyone to see. A stock hood with chrome inserts is far cooler than any cowl induction setup might be, and the overall low-key look works very well for a sleeper like this.

The Nova's back-to-basics interior plays a big part in its popularity, especially today when enthusiasts are more impressed by substance than style. Of course, that isn't to say that the interior isn't nicely done, with replacement seat covers, carpets, and door panels, all of which were done at the same time as the paint. Nice, right? The factory speedometer shows crisp markings and a bright orange pointer, but since even the SS didn't have a full gauge package, a set of white-faced auxiliary gauges has been installed under the dash. An AM/FM/cassette stereo was added at some point along the line and there's a recent set of monogrammed floor mats to tie it all together. In back, the good-sized trunk was a big plus on the smaller Nova, and it includes a color-matched spare, a correct mat, and more clean sheetmetal.

That is, indeed, the car's original, numbers-matching 350 cubic inch V8, one of only a handful of numbers-matching Novas we've ever seen. It's been rebuilt and fully dressed with lots of chrome dress-up, but why wouldn't you want to show off a bit when your engine bay looks this good? But beyond the flash, it's a mostly stock rebuild that includes only the usual bolt-ons: intake manifold, carburetor, and long-tube headers that add a noticeable punch of performance. The Chevy Orange paint on the block gives it the authentic look, and there are a lot of new components under the hood, suggesting a sizable investment in getting it right. The TH350 3-speed automatic transmission and 10-bolt rear end are also original to the car, and it cackles through a recent Flowmaster dual exhaust system that sounds wicked. The stance is perfect, accentuated by a set of staggered Rally wheels and 205/70/14 front and 245/60/15 rear BFG radials.

Documented with a build sheet, window sticker, and Protect-O-Plate, this is a pedigreed Nova that's also a joy to drive. Call today!