1972 Chevrolet Nova Sedan
The Chevrolet Nova got a new promotional bent that echoed Volkswagen's approach in pitching the Beetle's lack of change as a virtue. Instead of focusing on any alterations, the Nova's sales brochure explained that, "we've been building essentially the same car since 1968. We think we've got it down pat.". These were the years of the first energy crisis as Middle Eastern countries cut back on oil exports. After waiting for hours in gas lines and fretting about the prospect of fuel rationing, thrifty compacts looked pretty good to plenty of Americans. The Nova fit the bill.
Classic cars are candy for the eyes, and are a record of how we have progressed in technology and design over the years. This eye candy could best be described in the candy world as an all day sucker, or an everlasting gobstopper. It is definitely a show stopper, this subdued gray restored example is showing off as long hanging fruit from our vast inventory. Purchased as a project car, the left front fender was replaced with a non rusted unit, new fiberglass bumpers installed, a steel cowl induction hood added and the engine removed then treated to a cosmetic clean up, very few stones were left unturned. The car was then shipped to Vision Motorworks for a new wiring harness installation along with other restoration items tackled. With straight steel panels, nice chrome, a worked V8 engine, and 14-inch rally wheels, we can have you ready to turn the key and go off into the sunset, albeit somewhat fast!
Exterior
From its single headlight on either side upfront, chrome and black egg crate grille, shiny trim surround and nice body matching fiberglass bumper below we are firmly planted in 1972 bowtie muscle. Straight charcoal gray painted steel minds its gaps and is devoid of any trimmings on the sides save for some thin chrome trimmings around the marker lights and a 406 engine call outs. On front we note wide darker charcoal ghost stripes stripes racing rearward which graces the low rise all steel cowl induction hood. For 1972, smooth long nicely descending B pillars frame the rear glass, and seamlessly melt into the trunk deck. Speaking of the glass, the sides and rear have been tinted and now have a dark purplish hue. A 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 14-inch Chevrolet rally wheels. A very nice overall presentation and you can still read on..'cause you're gonna love it!
Interior
A swing of the doors and black vinyl molded with some horizontal ribbing, chrome levers and cranks, and a horizontal strip of applique show up as straight as arrows on these door panels. Turning our attention to the interior, we see high back buckets with smooth black vinyl bolsters and hobnail light gray broadcloth inserts. These in front and a somewhat worn black full vinyl bench in back all float in a nice calm clean sea of slightly faded black carpeting. Above in front is an original configuration dash direct from GM but now with a later model speedometer cluster with some wood applique dress up staring right at the driver. The Road Gear AM/FM/Cassette stereo is to the driver's lower right and hanging from the bottom of the dash are a trio of aftermarket gauges monitoring water temp, oil pressure and volts. In the middle of the buckets protruding from the hump is a B&M ratchet shifter with a T-style handle. Above is a nice tight headliner rounding out our tour.
Drivetrain
Pop the hood and within the restored engine bay now sits a V8 engine in consignor stated 406ci form. It is painted orange on the block, and has matte black Chevrolet badged valve covers and air cleaner cover. A single 4-barrel carburetor runs through an Edelbrock Torker intake manifold, and power goes rearward through a TH350 3-speed automatic. On the back is a 10-bolt rear, and the consigner states the gear ratio is 3.73 and is a posi-trac version.
Undercarriage
Some slight surface rust but mostly patina black painted steel all straight and structurally sound is seen underneath. Floor pans and rockers are solid, and we note an independent coil spring front suspension working with leaf springs and traction bars in the rear as well as drum brakes all around. Headers evacuate spent gases from the mill and run rearward through Flowmaster muffler dual exhaust.
Drive-Ability
My partner in crime decoder and resident car expert, (why do you think I sound so knowledgeable??!), loves early 1970's muscle so he took it for a spin and returned with just a smile on his face! He reported snappy acceleration, bias free panic stopping, good handling and all functions working just fab.
A juicy example of the Nova, now with a newer engine, some bling under the hood, a B&M shifter, a huge amount of recent maintenance and service paperwork, and broadcloth and vinyl buckets up front. Come on in for some muscle from 1972 and was out with a smile on your face sunshine! Drink it in baby!
1X27H2W385245
1-Chevrolet
X-Nova
27-2 Door Sedan
H-350ci V8 2bbl
2-1972
W-Willow Run, MI Assy Plant
385345-Sequential Unit Number
Classic Auto Mall is a 336,000-square foot classic and special interest automobile showroom, featuring over 850 vehicles for sale with showroom space for up to 1,000 vehicles. Also, a 400 vehicle barn find collection is on display. This vehicle is located in our showroom in Morgantown, Pennsylvania, conveniently located just 1-hour west of Philadelphia on the I-76 Pennsylvania Turnpike. The website is www.classicautomall.com and our phone number is (888) 227-0914. Please contact us anytime for more information or to come see the vehicle in person.
