Ah, the legend of the barn find. If any phrase has been overused in the collector car world in the last decade, it is “barn find.” Every dusty, forgotten, neglected vintage automobile with a shred of collectability has been rolled out of whatever building that housed it, covered in dust, cobwebs, and rats’ nests, and taken to auction without so much as a trip through the local automatic car wash, and touted as a “barn find.”
However, every now and then you stumble across a true barn find; a car that was owned by a young person who met with an untimely demise, a car that was otherwise in fine shape, low miles, fairly new when tucked away, that could be returned to its former glory with a bit of effort and TLC. Our feature 1972 Chevy Nova SS is one of those.
This Chevy Nova SS has fewer than nine thousand miles on the odometer. It was purchased new from Will Bill Gatton Chevrolet in Bristol, Tennessee in November of 1971. The car’s owner passed in a fatal motorcycle accident shortly thereafter, and the car was parked in the family barn. It remained there for nigh on forty-eight years. It has recently been resurrected. The 350 cubic-inch Small Block V8 has been rebuilt, with many of the original components re-used. Those items unable to be recycled in the build are included in the sale. A new exhaust has been installed. The Small Block is backed by a four-speed manual transmission.
The exterior of the Nova SS has been freshened up. The Placer Gold paint still shines brilliantly, as do the chrome bumpers. Stainless trim is no less lustrous. Reproduction five-spoke SS wheels wear polished trim rings and modern radial rubber. The black vinyl roof looks showroom flawless. A handful of small marks are visible on the rear haunches, likely from spirited driving of the young man who bought the Nova new.
The interior of the Nova SS shows little appreciable wear. Black bucket seats are free from wear on the seat bolsters, and the seat bottoms appear wrinkle free. The back seat is similarly without wear. The factory radio is still fitted. Windows and locks are manual, but the steering and brakes are both power assisted. The front brakes are discs, with drums in the rear, and a new master cylinder has been installed.
Included in the sale are the aforementioned engine components, an owner’s manual, original sales invoice, finance agreement, Protect-O-Plate, dealer brochure, and the original wheels and Firestone Wide Oval bias-ply tires. This Chevy Nova SS will be crossing the auction block at Mecum Auctions’ Orlando, Florida event July 28th-31st.
Subscribe to GM Authority for more Chevy Nova news, Chevrolet news, and around-the-clock GM news coverage.
Comments
I had a 70 nova with a 350 under the hood for a first car. Not quite an SS but a great car and great memories.
My dream car is a 1972 nova ss this car look fantastic
THATS your dream car!! How sad.
You’re going to knock a person for their own dreams? I think that is sad.
I can assure you that the ’69 Nova the my wife has owned for 40 years this fall is DEFINITELY a dream car (based on the comments at every cruise in and car show that we take it to. Enjoy your dream car (which is likely a CHEVETTE !!!!)
That comment was pretty sad. I’m sure u made someone’s day…. Nice of you
Feel sorry for you to. I guess your dream car is a corvair?
I can assure you that the ’69 Nova the my wife has owned for 40 years this fall is DEFINITELY a dream car (based on the comments at every cruise in and car show that we take it to. Enjoy your dream car (which is likely a CHEVETTE !!!!)
Hey, “To Each His/Hers Own”! (Mine is-I have several-a ‘61, Chevy P/U, 235 Straight 6, 3 on the tree, wraparound front window-‘Knee-Knocker’ doors, little back window…..and MY list could go ON & ON! I just DON’T like to do the ‘Judgey thing….I SHOULD NOT try to IMPOSE MY ideas (etc.) on OTHERS!!!!
Have a Safe & Healthy Summer!!!!!
I love my 72 Nova.It was a 60 th birthday present from my son and daughter-in-law.It had been fully restored.I also owned a70 Nova in high school.I’m 63 and my wife and I love to have date nights in my 72.What a wonderful birthday present !
Nice car. Too bad ’72 had the first muscle car show dieing down. The insurance companies, the lawyers etc, all but killed it. Years later, we have a “new” muscle car era. But, this too is beginning to wane. Won’t be long before E cars take over. Too bad, those days were fun. Still own my 1969 Chevelle SS396. Bought new, in March of ’69. Just before my Uncle gave me a free vacation. Hope to leave to my son. But, not yet!
Nice about 1972 Low cr run on today’s unleaded gas my moms 70 needed 95 octane leaded gas we had hard time finding leaded premium in the mid 1980s wish my dad had kept it
It’s a rich man’s game. Everyday working class man need not apply.
I had a 72 ss just like that same color ,mine was a auto but had the reduced hp compared to older 350s ,was quick off the line than soon ran out of power and terrible mpg too
My moms 70 got one tank every 3 days in the city freeway she got as high as 18 @ 55 mph that car had 300 hp gross 1971 went net hp C.R. Dropped in. 1971 to run on low lead or unleaded gas as every one s “ wish Dad would have kept it “
This 72 Nova SS reminds me of my 71 Nova SS..red w/black vinyl top..4-speed..posi-traction..and rear speaker for the a.m.radio. Those were the only options I ordered on it. Current owner since 1976 does not want to sell or trade back with me. Been sitting in a barn since then w/no driving whatsoever..too bad.
I had a 1970 nova S-S 350- 325 HP muncie 4 speed. Dark blue metallic. Black interior. A lot of fun to drive I’m shopping for one
That’s not the only Chevy11/Nova you’ve owned Wayne😎My 72 SS I ordered while in the USAF served me in fun and utility for years
In High School I drove a 70 SS 350/350 with a 4 speed. I loved it. It was a bench seat. If I buy another it would have to be bucket seats.
I have always loved Nova’s early 80’s made a trade for my bowtie aluminum heads with bent valves from when I threw a rod (too much nitrous) broke the block and the cam for a beater 70 ss396 primer gray Nova . That’s when I because a big block chevy guy now have my dads 70 ss396 el camino he bought back in 72
Somebody is going to get a very nice collectors car here. I’m not currently in the financial shape to bid on this. To give you an idea how nice I think this car is, I’m a Mopar man. That being said, this would be a vehicle that I would consider purchasing. I hope the person who does purchase this vehicle drives it once in a while. Enjoy yourself!
I have a 1972 Nova SS I have had forover 33 yrs 2 nd owner from N.C .I have the sticker from window when bought new n where the dealership.Its factory blue with 4 speed .Last time on time on the road 1990 .I keep it inside n just look at it.
It’s not a competition as what car is the perfect dream car everybody has the right to their own opinion… Mine is my 1976 Pontiac Firebird Trans Am it is the 50th anniversary car that celebrates 50years of Pontiac mine is the black on black with the gold trim package this car has the sticker on the driver’s side says “9/1975” so it was built in September of 1975 same month and year I was born… It is just the perfect car for me….
I had a 69 ss red black stripes. 350. 4 speed 411 posi. Lots of fun at 17 and a senior in high school.
I had in Connecticut a 1970 Nova SS 350, with a Holley 4 Barrell Carb 373 rear end . Shadow Gray with a Vinyl top and a Custom Sunroof . I actually showed my car in Frank Marattas Auto show in the Hartford Civic Center ! I won first place in my class Modified Stock !
This is whats wrong with todays America, Stupid A-s comments and replies.
If you can’t say something nice, then don’t say anything at all.
Respect people, or that’s what my parents drilled into all of their 8 children.
My wife and I own a 69 SS Nova,I am the original owner.It is Hugger orange and I purchased new in 1969 when I graduated.The original 350 -300hp has been replaced with a new GM crate motor 383 stroker, many years of fun and street racing.
Had a 1970 Nova I picked up at local Chevy dealer after my ‘ 55 Bel-Air was stolen in 1976. Was going to school so funds were hard to come by. Great car, though. So much better built than Darts or Mavericks of the day.
It’s Absolutely Awesome!!!!👏👏👏