1974 Chevrolet Nova Custom 2 Door Sedan
It's the classic cautionary tale about the pitfalls of doing business in foreign countries that can be found in hundreds, (if not thousands), of books about marketing: General Motors introduced their Chevrolet Nova model of automobile into a Spanish speaking market, then scratched their heads in puzzlement when it sold poorly. GM executives were baffled until someone finally pointed out to them that "nova" translates as "doesn't go" in Spanish. The embarrassed automobile giant changed the model name to the Caribe, and sales of the car took off. As the facts prove this is indeed a tall tale, however it lives on in internet infamy.
For consignment and ripe for the picking here at Classic Auto Mall, this Dark Red Metallic 1974 Nova Custom sedan with new body panels, paint, interior, brakes, a boost in the performance department thanks to a healthy V8 engine, and a very juicy morsel of Detroit metal and sculpting from our inventory. With straight steel panels, nice chrome, and factory 15-inch wheels we certainly won't have you seeing red, you'll just be ready to turn the key and go off into the sunset!
Exterior
From its single headlight on either side upfront, black egg crate grille with outboard marker lights, shiny trim surround and nice bumper below we are firmly planted in 1974 bowtie muscle, the beginning of the end of an era. Straight Dark Red Metallic painted steel minds its gaps and presents with a miles deep finish and is bedecked on the side panels with a polished to the nines rocker molding. A few chips and inclusions are noted in the finish and we see some slight scuffing on the edge of the front bumper, but those are the only flaws. Chromed window trimmings add a nice contrast to the dark red, and all the glass is crystal clear with a light factory tint. For 1974, smooth long nicely descending B pillars frame the rear glass, and seamlessly melt into the trunk deck. The overall side view has great lines and bringing up the rear is a rounded back roll pan with wrap around bumper and tail lighting just above. On all 4 corners are 15-inch Chevrolet Rally wheels wrapped in deeply treaded blackwall radials. A period correct bowtie car that has received plenty of attention and care over the years.
Interior
A swing of the doors and black vinyl molded vinyl with chrome levers and cranks and a horizontal door pull show up as straight as arrows on these door panels. Turning our attention to the interior, we see high back bucket seats flanking the console free center hump. These seats show puffy and perforated tuck and roll patterns on the lower and upper cushions. This is in front and a nice black full vinyl bench in back all float in a nice calm clean sea of black carpeting. Above in front is an original configuration dash, direct from GM, and hovering above is a crack free black padded topper. Fronting the dash is the original 2 spoke steering wheel and we note an empty spot where the factory radio did once reside. Above is a nice tight headliner, which presents as new.
Drivetrain
Pop the hood and within the restored engine bay is a V8 engine in 350ci form. It is painted Chevrolet orange/red on the block and capped off with chrome Edelbrock valve covers. The air cleaner cover is a chrome unit covering a Edelbrock 4-barrel carburetor and aluminum intake manifold that feeds the fuel and air to the mill. Power goes rearward through a TH350 3-speed automatic transmission. On the back is a 10 bolt 3.08 geared rear axle assembly.
Undercarriage
A mix of rock solid steel and black paint as far as the eye can see. Minimal patina and road dirt is noted, and we see a fairly shiny dual exhaust with headers and FlowMaster mufflers snaking its way rearward past independent coil spring front suspension, and leaf spring rear suspension. New drum brakes are noted all around and our consignor has recently installed a new master cylinder to ensure safe stopping.
Drive-Ability
My partner in crime decoder and resident car expert, (why do you think I sound so knowledgeable??!), loves late 60s and early 70's muscle so he took it for a spin and returned with just a smile on his face! He reported snappy acceleration, good handling and all functions working just fab, however he did notice that the wipers and heater blower were non functional. While Classic Auto Mall represents that these functions were working at the time of our test drive, we cannot guarantee these functions will be working at the time of your purchase.
A juicy example of the Nova, now with an upgraded drivetrain, a snappy black interior, and a beautiful deep end of the pool exterior painted surfaces. Years of diligent care that all work well together, so if you are into turning a key and no wrenching required this one is prime fruit.
1Y27D4K167706
1-Chevrolet
Y-Nova Custom
27-2 Door Sedan
D-250ci 1bbl I6
4-1974
K-Kansas City, MO Assy Plant
167706-Sequential Unit Number
TRIM TAG
ST 74 1XY27-1974 Nova Custom 2 Door Sedan
BDY K223422-Kansas City Body #
TR 752 A51-Black Sport Cloth Buckets
PNT 74 74-Dark Red Metallic
08A-1st Week August
Classic Auto Mall is home to more than 1,000 classic and collectible vehicles for sale via consignment in a climate controlled 336,000-square foot showroom (that's more than 8 acres!). The largest single location consignment dealer of classic and collectible vehicles in the country is located in Morgantown, Pennsylvania, just 1-hour west of Philadelphia off Exit 298 of the I-76 Pennsylvania Turnpike. For more information visit www.classicautomall.com or call us at (888) 227-0914. Contact us anytime for more information or to come see the vehicle in person. There is no guarantee of mileage. A $299 Dealer Administrative fee is not included in the advertised price.
With so many great cars, you know we have a lot to talk about, and we do that each week on the Classic Auto Mall Podcast with host Stewart Howden. Stewart discusses new inventory as well as trends in consignments and car prices, while interviewing celebrities and automotive professionals about amazing cars and their history. Tune in each week to the Classic Auto Mall Podcast wherever you enjoy listening. You can also watch on YouTube!
