1970 Chevrolet Nova

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 355 cubic inch V8, bucket seats, and a high-visibility look that perfectly captures the dual nature of Chevy's right-sized Nova.

This car was originally code 45 Green Mist, so you shouldn't wonder why it was covered in gorgeous bright Viper Yellow metallic, and the job was so thorough that it's tough find any trace of green paint on the car today. This car shows decent 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, although this one also got some high-visibility black Z/28-style stripes and a cowl-induction hood which all look great. Everything else, from the chrome bumpers to the stainless trim around the wheels arches, is standard Nova equipment, so this is definitely a car that could have been prowling the streets in 1970. This car also includes a nice-looking black vinyl top, which was original spec and looks as good with yellow paint as it did with green.

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 yellow paint, and the Procar buckets have a vintage yet 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 monster 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 AM/FM/CD stereo in the dash and yes, you'll note that a few pieces inside are still green, but the look is tidy. Finally, the trunk is solid and includes a rubber mat and a spare tire with jack.

Power comes from a built 355 cubic inch V8 that's a tidy installation in the Nova's engine bay. This one makes no pretenses of being stock, starting with a 4-bolt main block that's been bored .010 oversize. It's filled with forged pistons, machined heads, roller rockers, and an Edelbrock cam, and it's all fed by a Holley 4-barrel on an Edelbrock intake. The block was painted to match the body and dressed up with plenty of chrome, so you know where the money was really spent on this build. Long-tube headers feed a snarling Flowmaster dual exhaust system that matches the car's outrageous look. A 10-bolt rear, power steering and disc brakes, plus 15-inch Rally wheels and staggered performance radials mean it's ready to rock.

With a ton of power, no fussiness, and big performance, this Nova represents a pretty serious bargain. If your performance tastes run towards light weight and big horsepower, this screaming yellow Nova might be just the ticket. Call today!