Nova wasn’t Chevrolet’s coolest kid on the block, as models like Impala, Chevelle, and Corvette received much more love. However, Nova built a solid fan base in the United States, with the SS becoming a highly desirable model both then and now. A 1972 Nova that spent 30 years in storage has returned to fight for survival, and based on the provided photos, it has strong chances to get back on the road sooner rather than later.
Let me start with the most obvious part: this Nova doesn’t come in tip-top shape. It exhibits unsurprising rust issues, including on the rear quarter panels and the wheel wells. The new owner will have to replace them, but it is worth knowing that the metal is untouched. eBay seller jover_9320 says the Nova is unmolested, so what you see on the car is exactly how Chevrolet planned it to be when assembling it.
Despite a long time in hiding, this Nova retains its matching-numbers powertrain. A 350 (5.7-liter) V8 is in charge of putting the wheels in motion, but unfortunately, the seller doesn’t have good news on this front.
The engine turns over by hand but can’t start because of low compression. A good mechanic should be able to tell more about the engine’s condition, but at first glance, it’s still alive, and bringing it back to working condition shouldn’t be too difficult for someone with the right skills.
The Nova is allegedly a rare example that rolled off the assembly lines with a factory sky roof option. The owner says Chevrolet produced only 432 Novas with this color combination, though I couldn’t find any evidence in this regard. They sell the car with the original factory manuals and the build sheets.
If you’re concerned by the rust on the body, a significant part has already been addressed. The owner says they replaced the floor pan, so you won’t find any rust issues under the vehicle. The front and rear seats have also been restored to factory specifications by a professional shop, and right now, they are sealed and wrapped for the next owner.
Overall, this Nova is a project that retains its all-original coolness. However, returning it to a tip-top shape shouldn’t be too difficult, especially because the current owner has already jump-started the process. The auction is underway on eBay, with the top offer reaching $1,600.
On the other hand, the bidding comes with a reserve; unsurprisingly, it’s still in place. The Internet must do better to unlock it, but saving this Nova might be a challenge, with three days remaining until the auction expires. The car is waiting for visual inspections in Weatherford, Texas, so contact the seller for additional information.