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Check Out The Completed Custom Chevy Nova CaSSaNova SEMA Build

Back in August, we got a preview of the latest Chevy Nova build to roll out of The Custom Shop in Flanagan, Illinois. Nicknamed “CaSSaNova,” the two-door was designed by The Custom Shop owner John Wargo for running in the annual Battle of the Builders competition at SEMA, and now, the “CaSSaNova” looks as though it’s ready for primetime.

As is tradition for a SEMA build, this custom Chevy Nova is dripping with unique touches and bespoke features. Let’s start under the hood, where the Nova now runs a Procharged LS2 V8 engine, which was fitted with Holley EFI, Hedman headers, and Quick Time Performance mufflers. The ‘eight connects to the rear wheels by way of a T56 manual transmission, feeding a Moser 12-bolt rear end.

A huge amount of work went into customizing the exterior as well. Just a few of the more noteworthy upgrades includes full custom lighting with LED projector lighting elements, as well as tucked custom bumpers and a new chin spoiler. Fender vents and a shaved cowl were also added, as was a flip-forward hood and new carbon fiber ground effects. The drip rails were shaved, and Tesla door handles keep the profile clean.

Out back is a motorized trunk, plus a new carbon fiber lip molded to the trunk. The rear diffuser is carbon fiber as well. Billet Specialties handles the wheels, which are wrapped in Toyo tires and mount over Wilwood brakes

All told, no less than 14 colors were used for this custom Chevy Nova’s wild paint job.

Moving inside, we find a two-tone treatment with custom seating, a 3,000-watt Sony stereo, and Dakota Digital gauges. Billet Specialties also provided the steering wheel and shifter.

Under the skin is an Air Lift Performance air ride suspension, with a four-link rear end and Schotts Hotrod front end.

Unfortunately, the in-person SEMA Show in Las Vegas was canceled as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic. However, the CaSSaNova Chevy Nova is still in the running for the virtual Battle of the Builds.

Check in out in all the pictures below, and subscribe to GM Authority for more Chevrolet Nova news, Chevrolet news, and around-the-clock GM news coverage.

Jonathan is an automotive journalist based out of Southern California. He loves anything and everything on four wheels.

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Comments

  1. What a waste of time and alots Off money…its just pure ugly and there is nothing ,more than THE engine,thats anything to want. Why do anybody build an ugly streetmachine and think that it is awsame???? What THE hell is happening with carcrafting?. Of you going to do it. Do it right. THE swede

    Reply
  2. Love wild. It’s what separates the followers from the people who take risks. Ever since the idea of cars (carriages) came on the scene people have been trying to outdo each other in the mild to wild dept. This crazy Nova does it very well. And no it is not a waste of money for the owner and the shop. Projects like this is what keeps our custom car hobby and industry alert and growing. I’ve been around it for 64 years. Take it from me…we have to keep it growing and our success is hinged on taking chances to be different.

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  3. Another hideously butchered classic. No respect for the historical significance of these cars.

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    1. You just don’t get the ethos of custom, don’t you?

      Reply
  4. Apparently, some of the high-dollar shops are competing with each other to see who can be the most “different.”

    Regarding this car, I can’t seem to decide which is uglier, the interior or the exterior. That front-end, in particular—good grief.

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  5. love the car, however paint and interior fugly.

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  6. just because you can do something doesn’t mean you should , there comes a time when enough is enough . Too much going on, the car got lost in all the ”custom”. I just noticed the cowl induction hood scoop ,but velocity stacks pop thru the top , ,???? that is not how that works.

    Reply

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