A comprehensive restoration involves a checklist that covers virtually every aspect of a vehicle’s mechanical and cosmetic condition. For some people, it makes more sense to buy a vehicle that is already well-sorted as opposed to taking on a project car. This car fits into the ready-to-show category.
The Pick of the Day is a 1975 Chevrolet Nova SS listed for sale on ClassicCars.com by a private seller in Colorado Springs, Colorado. (Click the link to view the listing)
“This 1975 Nova SS is a very nice example of a fourth-generation Nova and could be just what you’re looking for,” the listing states. “Born a factory Nova SS hatchback with a four-speed transmission, this car has gone through a thorough rolling chassis restoration in 2017 by the previous owner.”
Based on the vehicle description, there isn’t much on this car that hasn’t already been upgraded or refurbished: In addition to the paint work in 2017, the car received a new Blueprint small-block engine, suspension work, new factory-correct seat covers, replacement moldings, and a Hurst shift kit.
The Nova lived through five distinct generations beginning in 1962, with a gap between model years 1980 and 1984. From the onset, it was designed to be a simple, compact car. General Manager Ed Cole said during the car’s launch that was intended to offer “maximum functionalism with thrift.” However, the Nova (initially branded as a Chevy II), went on to deliver far more than just economical transportation. It also evolved into a venerable muscle car with big-block power and sporty aspirations.
This clean example comes from the X-body-based fourth generation which had received significant design updates compared to prior models. Exterior lines were modeled after European sedans, and some trim levels of the Nova catered specifically to people who wanted high-end features in a compact car. One was the “LN” package which offered reclining seats, added sound insulation, and map pockets.
This generation of Nova could be configured in three different body styles, including a two-door coupe, a three-door hatchback, and a four-door sedan. This Nova comes in a two-door hatchback body layout, which Chevrolet was so proud of that they placed “Hatchback” emblems on the C-pillars.
Similar to the exterior and interior, the drivetrain of this Nova comes fully refreshed. Torque comes from a crate-sourced small-block 350cid V8 that was installed in 2019 and is upgraded with an aluminum intake manifold, a performance cam, a Holley Street Warrior four-barrel carburetor, a new water pump, and more.
“This is truly one of the nicest fourth-generation Novas you’ll find anywhere. It’s straight, runs and sounds great, and is in ready-to-cruise or show condition,” the listing concludes.
The asking price is $28,500 or best offer for this Nova.
To view this listing on ClassicCars.com, see Pick of the Day.
Unfortunately, not very stylish and those bumpers are just plain ugly.
The mid 70’s was just gawd awful for car “design” The only redeeming qualities of this example is the Hurst shifter and paint, the rest is simply hideous.
Theys cars were trash back in the 80s. I find it hilarious what people want these days. They were junk then they are junk now.
Because these 75-79 were not considered to be as cool as the older Novas, nobody held on to them. So today, the 4th Gen Novas are actually hard to find. My first car was a 1975 Chevy Nova, and I drove it during high school in the 80s. It did not get the love of the older Novas. But fast forward to today. I bought one of these that had a bad transmission. I put a new transmission in it, put some sweet wheels and tires on it, had the interior redone, and bam! It was a head-turner. Young kids would come up and ask me what kind of car it was. So like it or not, these are cool now. I’ve always loved them because it was my high school car. But today, a decent one is very rare. They are a blast to drive and I ended up selling mine to a high-school kid who was giddy to buy it. I made a nice profit on it and have moved on to my next project.
I see a lot of trash talk about this car and it’s really a matter of taste I guess but I always thought these Novas were pretty cool back then. V-8, 4 speed, 2 door coupe, you really couldn’t go too wrong. A co-worker of my father bought one of these in silver with black vinyl interior. He let me drive it and I told him if he ever went to sell it I wanted first refusal. 6 years later and I snagged it. Yup, most new Toyota Camrys with an automatic can out-accelerate, out-handle, out-brake all while the AC is running and the premium sound system sounds like a studio, I still prefer the Nova…
I would prefer the nova over a Toyota also.I don’t know why people whined about this car but a 400 hp small block fixes everything in my opinion. Let’s see if the Toyota can keep up with it then.
And if you put the 400 in the Toyota?
I wish it had the super sport grill. That’s a regular nova grill with ss badge. The real grill looks way better