Chevrolet introduced the Chevy II for the 1962 model year as a competitor for the Ford Falcon. Chevy Nova was one of the suggested names for the new model, but lost out to Chevy II as Nova was not in line with the Chevrolet custom of model names that began with the letter “C.” However, Nova would be the Chevy II’s top trim level for some years.
The Chevy II model name carried on through the model’s first and second generations, and the first year of the third generation in 1968. The third generation received a full redesign, with a 111-inch wheelbase, making it just an inch shorter than the midsize Chevy Chevelle two-door. Beginning with the 1969 model year, the Chevy II nameplate was dropped in favor of Chevy Nova.
Available Chevy Nova options included power steering, power brakes, air conditioning, rear shoulder belts, and headrests. Engine options included a 300-horsepower 350 cubic-inch Small Block that came standard with the SS package, and a 396 cube L78 Big Block that put out 375 horses.
Our feature 1972 Chevy Nova has been treated to a frame-on restoration in handsome Cranberry Red over a black vinyl bench seat interior. During the restoration, the Nova was elevated to full Super Sport trim with the black accented grille, SS emblems front and rear, faux hood air intakes, power steering, power brakes, and air conditioning. The Nova is powered by a 350 cubic-inch Small Block fed by a four-barrel carb sitting atop a polished Edelbrock intake and Accel ignition. The Small Block is backed by a three-speed Turbo Hydramatic automatic transmission that moves power to the rear wheels through a twelve-bolt rear end. Spent gasses exit through a true dual exhaust system. The Nova is equipped with a matching black vinyl armrest, pushbutton AM-FM radio, leather-wrapped custom steering wheel, and auxiliary gauges. The whole affair rolls on painted steel Rally wheels shod in raised white-letter BFGoodrich radial rubber.
This sharp 1972 Chevy Nova will cross the Mecum Auctions block at their Glendale, Arizona event Thursday, March 20th.
Comments
Oddly enough the 327 became the engine of choice for the Nova by the street racers. Used ones in the standard 6cyl. version were cheaply bought and converted. As it turned out the car was perfectly balanced with the 327 and would run the wheels off of similar equipped corvettes.
Yes. These “little” cars were beasts. I know a few guys, one my next door neighbour, who did swap in a 350 from a 6. He was pretty hard on it and blew the rear end out of it a few times.
Not many, if any, 6s came with the 12 bolt which could handle a fair bit more abuse than the 10 bolt.
The 350 and the 327 weighed the same. The 327 was a great choice though, especially with a stick, cause they could take a little higher revving if you happened to “miss” a gear.
Most people don’t realize how heavy Corvettes actually are. These little Novas, especially with the Big Block, could outrun just about anything on the road. Of course the driver did make a difference. Still a great car today for lots of fun. Banging thru the gears on some/most of these old cars is still an absolute thrill. Automatics are OK but I do prefer to shift my own gears.
A lady who worked in the office where I was employed had a six Nova in Sun flower yellow. One day she said to me why are people trying to buy my car. I only paid $900 but a guy offered me a lot more for it. I told her they are paying good money for cars like yours. Its in perfect shape never been wrecked all original and paint. If it were mine I’d ask 1500. She got 1800.
A 2025 Chevy Blazer with the 2.0L Turbo is a bit quicker (0-60) than the 1972 Nova SS…
Zoom. I’m sure you are correct. Driving certain vehicles can be and is an experience. I may be biased cause I’m old and still drive a 70s Muscle Car. There are a thousand newer vehicles that are faster, more comfortable, stop quicker and are safer BUT no where near as “FUN” to drive. Numbers (0-60) are no where near everything. I’d say “Apples and Oranges” but it would be cliche. If you haven’t owned one, buy one and enjoy. You would. They are truly a ton of fun. Get a stick car. Transmissions shouldn’t shift themselves. Ha! Ha!