04/03/2025
Owner Picked Up This 1970 Chevy Nova in a Trade, Ugly Secret Under the SS Tags
Chevrolet lost the top spot in the United States in 1970, and the reason was simple. Its production fell below 1 million cars for the first time in many years, mainly due to the 65-day strike that affected its operations.
Chevrolet dropped the Corvair and went all-in on the Nova as the entry-level model. Nova production increased this year, though the SS received fewer offers. The first SS choice was the Z26 SS Coupe, which included a 350ci FV8 engine with 300 horsepower and other goodies such as a dual-exhaust system and power disc brakes.
The L34 SS 396 upgraded the muscle under the hood to a 396 Turbo-Jet with 350 horsepower, while the Yenko Deuce, available as a COPO order, used an LT1 Corvette V8 to generate 360 horsepower. You don't have to be a rocket scientist to tell that few of these cars were ordered.
The Nova SS in these photos was picked up by the owner in a trade, and as the pictures confirm, it needs a complete restoration in all areas. It's a project that must be rebuilt from the ground up, but I must admit that the car is more solid than I expected. I love 1970 Novas, and this project deserves a second chance, albeit I'll ruin the fun from the beginning and unveil the secret hiding behind the SS tags.
This is not a genuine Super Sport, as someone previously cloned it to look like one. While I don't like clones, not even when they boast SS muscle, I do admit this was common on the Nova. The engine upgrades were typically welcome, and this 1970 specimen got a 350ci unit that still turns and "looks to be free of any type of debris."
Otherwise, this is a typical classic car project, and you'll need to take care of some rust and other issues, like missing parts. It won't be easy or affordable to bring this Nova back to the road, but it can be a fun project. Parts are everywhere you look, and I've also come across several donors lately, so fingers crossed that this SS-wannabe eventually gets a second chance.
It all depends on the selling expectations, as the price makes a huge difference for a car that has already lost so many parts. eBay seller gcmopar18 is realistic and posted the Nova on eBay without a reserve. The top offer at the time of press is $100, but I expect more people to join the digital battle, especially as 37 users have already added this listing to their watchlists.
Location/Montana
