Isn’t it superb how the compact automobiles that had been launched in 1960 to compete with Volkswagen and different overseas manufacturers later had been the foundation for some of the hottest automobiles of the muscle automobile period? One of the quickest is our Pick of the Day, a documented 1970 Chevrolet Nova SS listed on the market on ClassicCars.com by a dealership in Grand Rapids, Michigan. (Click the link to view the listing)
When the Chevrolet Chevy II was launched for 1962, it was as a response to the Ford Falcon. So, what occurred to the Corvair? It featured uncommon tech and gained accolades, however Mr. and Mrs. America was preferring one thing extra typical, and the Falcon was it. Cue Chevrolet to create a standard compact and name it the Chevy II, with a excessive trim stage referred to as Nova that spurred an city legend that doesn’t appear to go away.
Starting in 1968, the Chevrolet compact was fully redesigned, shedding its hardtops and wagons, leaving solely a semi-fastback two-door sedan and a four-door sedan. Notably, a big-block 396 was accessible for the first time, making a automobile that will be amongst Chevrolet’s quickest of the period. This was particularly necessary as a result of a General Motors edict limiting bigger engine sizes to bigger fashions saved GM from correctly competing head-to-head with Chrysler’s and Ford’s finest.
The normal engine for the Nova’s SS package deal was the 295-horsepower 350, very similar to what you’d discover on the base Camaro SS. There really was a small-block that put out extra horsepower, but it surely was not accessible on the Nova SS: the L79 327/325. This was the sizzling Chevy II engine that first appeared in 1966, with Grumpy Jenkings famously killing a Hemi in NHRA A/Stock.
When the 396 was launched earlier than the finish of the 1967 calendar 12 months, there have been two variations: hydraulic-lifter L34 with 350 horsepower and the solid-lifter L78 with 375. The L78 was solely accessible with a handbook transmission, however racer/automobile builder Dick Harrell and Fred Gibb, proprietor of a Missouri Chevrolet dealership, approached Chevrolet’s Vince Piggins about constructing an automatic-equipped L78. Fifty examples had been required for the special-order, which Gibb instantly agreed to. These automobiles are generally known as COPO 9738 Novas, and these automobiles ended up being the check mattress for the heavy-duty computerized that turned a daily manufacturing possibility in 1969.
The 396 was accessible by way of 1970, upon which the Nova SS made do with a low-compression 350 for 1971. That means this restored, Forest Green 1970 Nova SS is the final of the solid-lifter Chevy compacts. It’s additionally a construct in the finest spirit of an period, because it contains a rubber flooring mat, bench seat, four-speed handbook, and Positraction. Other choices embrace F41 Firm Ride and Handling Suspension, energy disc brakes, and AM radio.
“Panel fit is consistent and straight on all the panels, and honestly exceeds factory build standards,” says the vendor. “The chrome bumpers and related stainless trim has been restored or replaced and looks amazing.” The nether areas are additionally prime: “The undercarriage restoration is accurate including all the correct chassis markings and inspection paint dabs. The suspension and related components have all been removed, rebuilt or replaced and installed to duplicate a factory fresh appearance. Under the hood is highly restored as well with all the correct factory markings and decals.”
Folks gravitate to the Camaro and Chevelle, however the ones who wished to go sooner went the Nova route. When you encountered a Nova SS with a 396 on the avenue or strip, you took discover. The worth makes us take discover at $94,900, however this Nova has one thing that few don’t: documentation from GM Canada, one thing that American-market automobiles don’t have.
Click here for this ClassicCars.com Pick of the Day.
