Most important thing to know about 1970's Novas with emissions slug 350" engines was $200 in parts could bump the power from 165 HP up to a respectable 350-375 HP...
Great video but I have a few clarifications: 1:02 Disc brakes were optional on all Novas in 1968 so, yes, an SS could have disc brakes however, finned front drums were standard on the SS while non-SS had non-finned front drums. 2:02 the tail light trim panel was not unique to the SS. It was standard on SS Novas but it was also optional on non-SS Novas (minus the SS emblem) as part of the ZJ2 Custom Exterior package. 3:58 Fender Louvers. Yes, they were on 1969 and 1970 only but not all 1969 and 1970 Novas had them. They were optional or part of another package. For 1969-70 SS Novas or standard Novas with the ZJ2 Custom Exterior package, the louvers were body color with chrome edges. Non-SS 1969-70 Novas with the ZJ5 Exterior Decor package got fender louvers that were completely body color and no chrome. Non-SS 1969-70 Novas without either package had no fender louvers. 4:52 The K does not technically denote a Super Sport Nova. The K denotes the L48 350 4-bbl engine. But, because that engine was only available in the Super Sport, you can deduce that it’s a Super Sport. That may be picking nits but the K is just the engine code. 6:50 the console and gauges were not part of the SS package. Neither were the bucket seats. All were optional on an SS and all were optional on non-SS Novas as well. 7:00 the M21 was the close ratio 4-Speed. The M20 and M22 were wide ratio 4-speeds with the M20 being standard duty and the M22 being heavy duty. 8:16 the “hatchback hutch” was an option you could dealer order for 1973-up hatchback Novas. 8:30 if that’s a 1971 Nova then it’s NOT a big block car. 1970 was the last year for a big block Nova. 9:13 That is a 1966 Nova, not 1967. 1966 had all bright headlight bezels while 1967 has the grill extend into the headlight bezels. Also, the L79 350 Hp engine with the dual snorkel air cleaner was 1966 only. The L79 in 1967 has a different intake (iron vs aluminum in ‘66), a open element air cleaner and was rated at 325 hp. Again, great video. I just wanted to clarify some small details. Happy Motoring!
He did use the qualifier "basically" alluding to some others. I believe what he was referring to is these are the big three who seemed to have inside assistance in getting a COPO number assigned to produce the special runs of cars they wanted. It required Engineering sign off on it so it really went a lot smoother if you had someone who was willing to assist you inside GM. Most of the others modified RPO cars and ordered some COPO cars when they became aware of a number that had already been issued as they had very limited success in trying to get a COPO number assigned themselves
@@gk5891 my brother bought a 69 COPO Camaro brand new off the lot at a mom and pop Chevy dealer in Ohio in Feb of 69’ 427, 400 trans 4:11 gears for $3200 And they had 2 of them, the other one was a 4spd with 4:56 gears
@bobbycuesroadhouse2204 I'm assuming you are referring to the L72 (The ZL1 was also a COPO). That number was originally issued for Yenko and the number got released by one of the magazines is my understanding of how all the little dealers managed to get them. A number for L88 Camaros was also issued but I don't believe any cars were ever built.
My uncle has a 1970 Nova SS 396 L78 375 hp. Has owned it 50 years. It has bench seat, column shift, radio delete & steel wheels with dog dish hubcaps. 👍
The first '68 SS you showed is missing something that my '68 Nova SS had. On the bottom of each of the front fenders, just in front of the doors, it had an "emblem" about 8 inches long that said "SUPER SPORT" on it. The '68 Nova came with a 3 spoke steering wheel. Not sure if that one is original. The one in my SS was a colored plastic.
Correct, the standard 1968 Nova steering wheel was a 3-spoke plastic one that had a center horn button. SS Novas and and non-SS Novas with the deluxe interior had a different 3-spoke plastic wheel with horn buttons on ends of the two upper spokes. Non-SS had a Nova shield emblem in the middle while SS Novas had an SS emblem in the center. The wheel in that 1968 in the video appears to be the optional 1969-70 rosewood wheel used on many Chevys. It is a very common modification on many 3-gen Novas.
GM built that car. They called it a Stage 1 GS455 Buick Skylark. Seriously, I've personally seen a 1970 SS454 LS6 Chevelle TH400 Car with factory 3.31 Gears. I've also seen a 1969 Caprice L72 427/425 4-Speed Bench Seat Car. I don't think the L72 or the M21 were supposed to be an available option.
Very knowledgeable young man The only thing that I heard wrong was when he was talking about the white 71 and said super sports had 12 bolt rear ends My 69 from the factory was ordered by the salesman with 10 bolt 308 gears I’m sure he didn’t know exactly what he was doing and at the time neither did I Great video young man!!!
12-bolts were not standard on all SS-Novas. While most 1968-71 SS Novas had them, some came standard with a 10-bolt: 1968 327 with a 3-speed or Powerglide 1969 350 with TH350 or Powerglide 1970 350 Powerglide Also, the 12-bolt was optional on non-SS Novas and was standard on non-SS 1969 Novas that were ordered with the L65 350 2-bbl engine with a 3-speed and 4-speed manual.
Nice tour of beautiful cars. I'm an old guy and lived all the muscle Chevy cars in real time. I grew up in south Kansas City and Dickie Harrells shop was a 2 mile bicycle ride away. I would see cars being offloaded and parked in the side lot awaiting modification. I also went to school with Dickie's daughter Valerie.
I was at the Chevrolet dealer in 1969 and saw a Kelly green SS 396 4 speed with black interior . I bought a 1973 Nova gold with a 3/4 vinyl top hatch back. Loved that car
I love Nova's they are one of my favorite muscle cars . They are always underappreciated. When I was a little kid my parents had one. I thought it had the coolest sound like a monster. Lol
Brotha you are bad ass and thank you for the way you explain the difference and on years...im not quick on learning but i was able to keep up , down to the 26-28 count of springs on hoods WOW...!!! I lnow im older than you but your my big brother...!!!😎🤙🏽
People in my family assembled some of those Novas and Camaros. I recall them saying that they ordered some for returning Vietnam Veteran family members. They took extra care in putting them together on the assembly line. I never heard of any C.O.P.O orders but it was well within their capacity to make custom assemblies without official records. We treated our troops well.
Wow! That was great! Very knowledgeable young man! I was never a fan of Nova ‘s body style change at 68 and on. 1967 is my favorite, but you made me really appreciate the 68 and on.
8:30 there were no 1971 big block car SSs. Only L48 350s in 71 and 72. In March of 1972 I factory ordered a 72 SS Nova. I was a Jr in high school. It was Forest Green. I ordered it with bucket seats and the center console. The brochure I saw when I ordered it had bucket seats similar to what Chevelle's had in them. When the car came in it had what I would describe as Volkswagen seats. Very plain without a separate headrest. It was a cheap looking high back seat. It also had a door to door, front to back rubber floor mat instead of carpet. When I asked the salesman what the deal was he said I got those because I didn't order the custom interior.Well he didn't tell me when ordering it. I was also expecting a full console and had never seen one that was so small and stopped where the front seats started. It worked out ok because I put a Craig floor mount stereo between the seats at the end of the console. It was an auto trans car with the chrome trim around the windows and the body side molding. Had a 10 bolt rear with 3.08 gears. Came with those body color steel wheels and the dog dish hub caps. Sticker price was $3955.55. I eventually put headers, a 327/350hp cam, a Holley spread bore carb, and 3.73 gears. It would consistently run a 16.00 sec/85 mph 1/4 mile at the track. I kept that car for 5 years. One thing I did that I never saw anyone else do was I put the hood ornaments from a 69 Camaro SS on my Nova. If you took the Nova hood ornaments off and popped the chrome outer ring off you could stack the Camaro ornaments on the chrome rings and it raised them up enough to work on a Nova. And they look so much better.
I had a 68 exactly like the first car in the video but, non-ss, it was ash gold, black v/top, black custom interior bucker seats (same as ss), L6 230ci and power glide!
Very nice video, thank you. I had a 70 Nova SS, 375 horse 4-speed. It had bucket seats, and the console had gauges in it. Also it had a linear tachometer in the dash . It was forest green with a black vinyl roof a real heavy hitter . I got it from the original owner. Did some restoration work on it. Perhaps I should have never sold it. Haha great car
The red restomod nova appears to be a 1966, not a 1967. Also, what made the 50 1968 Fred Gibb COPO L78 396 Novas special was the fact they had a TH400 HD trans with factory high stall converter. That was the COPO part. Before that, you could only get the L78 396 in the Nova SS with a 4 sp manual trans. The HD TH400 trans and stall converter installed were basically the ones developed and offered as an RPO on the 1968 L88 Corvette. Fred wanted 50 of these to qualify them for NHRA stock and super stock automatic racing classes. They were very competitive in '68.
Dam man., you know your S&!T. Thats awesome.. Bringing back too many memories. Had the pleasure of owning 2 when I was young ( 35 years ago). Dark green 68 with the 6 banger.. 70 Red with black Vinal top with 307 cross fire?. I think I might still have the gills and rear passenger cigarette ash trays. would love to find a project to build!!
I had a 66 chevy II L-79 3 spd on the collum with the 130 mph speedo . No SS markings just Chevy II Nova. It had a bench seat, too. Oh, radio delete also.
Great info. Always miss my 72. I like the wing glass vents on doors. Some dont and swap 73\74 doors on 68-72 Novas. I also prefer look of the side rear windows more on 68-72.
Excellent Job overall! As a point of clarification regarding the Fred Gibb COPO 9738 Novas: It was not the L78 396ci 375hp engine which made them a COPO car, as that was an RPO in 1968 (More than 600 produced). Rare, but available to anyone. The COPO order was for the Turbo 400 automatic transmission, which was mated to a solid lifter big block for the first time ever and all 50 Gibb COPOs were ordered with that transmission and a special torque converter. Very Kool T-Shirt. Keep up the good work!
I bought a new 70 nova. I ordered it with bucket seats, gauges, 3 speed manual with floor shift, 350 2 barrel carb to beat insurance price. Also power front disc brakes, rally wheels, dual exhaust, and pos and vinyl top. In north carolina if you were under 25 in service had a 300 horse eng and 4 speed the insurance almost doubled.
1971 Nova, I think that was the first year that wheel well opening chrome trim was available. On the gold Nova, you glanced over, did not mention the unique hood with scoop, similar to the Baldwin Motion version. 1970 Nova console guage package was unique in the letters/graphics color. I will suggest that the rarest Nova of this vintage is probably the Baldwin Motion 427, supposed only about 10 built, my understanding only 1 or 2 existing. Thanks for the tour and good commentary.
I have seen numerous 1971/72 original Nova with front wheel well chrome trim. It might have been a dealer option. The same generation Ventura also had the same trim available.
@@clarkleakins879 People just love to bolt that aftermarket chrome molding on their cars. To each their own but then when you do that... it muddies the water. People start thinking that stuff like that came from the factory just like the bumper filler... people just love to paint that bumper filler body color instead of the factory argent silver and now lots of people think that body color bumper filler was a factory option...lol!
I’m a Mopar fan at my core and would buy a Roadrunner if I had money to spend on a classic. I hate old Camaros and Chevelles but there’s something about the Nova I dig.
I really enjoyed this Nova Rarest video. I'm pretty sure that I may own a very rare UNRESTORED 1969 Nova SS that I purchased in August 1, 1969. It is my first car, I was 18 yrs old. I've been told that it is a one of kind Rally green with a factory white vinyl top. The paint is original, never repainted. It was a L78 with a turbo400 M40 option & has currently a 12 bolt 3.31 ratio differential. Since I blew up 3 of the L78 engines which did have a few factory defects and was replaced under warranty during the first 5 years. I think around 15 years ago I installed a 502 crate engine which is 600hp and runs much better than the 396. My car has an amazing history over the last 54 years. I have all the documentation since new, Many pictures over the years and countless car shows.
The red nova at 9:40 mark isn't a 67, it's a 66 nova. The headlight bezels are different. 67's would have a blacked out rectangles to match the grill. Also the fenders are different in the headlight bezel area. One other difference is the 67 would the the first year for a collapsable steering column.
In Argentina, all Novas were 6 cylinders (230, 250), and early SS were made about the same as 1968-69 USA models, they had 1968 dash emblems, ash tray, tail lamps, key on dash, orange front side markers 1969 style, front brake discs, hood bowtie, rear SS panel, hood "scoops" and no guills. All had bucket seats. They used 68/72 Oldsmobile 442 rally wheels on all SS models from 1972/1974.
Nice presentation... An amazing group of cars on display in the "Solid Lifter Showroom" and the Nova pavilion was awesome as well! Are you planning on posting other footage from the GM Nationals?
@@backyardbarnfinds keep doing what ur doing. As an old 60s-early 70s muscle car guy, the yrs 65-71 were the apex yrs.....any manufacturer. Heck, I know mid-50s to mid-60s had theirs too; my mother had 4 car salesmen brothers, and had 2 Bel-Air Chevys (55&56) with 265 4 barrel twin lines (older bros use to race them n 50s and wrecked them, so she got a 59 Impla 6 cyl). Of the many road races I saw back then, n 69, saw a 69 396/375 plain jane 4-spd nova, (don't recall it being SS cause it had bench seat & looked like a 6cyl cheapo, lime green with same rims w/caps) race a 69 Boss 429 orange mustang 4 spd: they raced from hole, slight roll on, and about 30 on. As a Chevy guy, I was disappointed at the time the Boss won all equally by 1 1/2 car lengths ...each race going well into high gear before backing off. Many years later, I felt better learning the Boss was more comparable to the LS6 Chevelle rather than "Grandma's" Nova. So keep covering the apex muscle years. BTW, In those days, an automatic trans was shunned upon as was PS & AC.....robbed HP which meant SPEED.
One other point for 1968 Nova, for an SS this was the only year to have SUPER SPORT spelled out in individual block letters at the bottom of the front fenders, and for all 1968s, the NOVA emblem was on the back part of the rear quarter.
My buddy had a 73’ spirit of america pilot car. It was a 72 body style and about 200 numbers past the last known vin # for 72. Hr bought it from original owner in indiana. Who had all factory paperwork and pics of the car at dealership the day they bought it and thru the years. Spirit of america badge on the grill was hand sand cast. Same white w/red and blue stripes as 74 cars.
The 1968 Nova said "Chevy ll" on the hood and on the trunk lid. Also front Disc Brakes were available, but not required on any model, The calipers had 4 pistons and were non-floating like the Corvette and Chevelle. Starting in 1969 disc brakes came standard on the SS regardless of the engine size The calipers were a single piston floating design. The most bang for your buck that few knew about was the 327/325 L79 that was available with out being required to order the SS option. 1968 was the last year for that engine.
The rarest nova I've seen in person was A 69 L89 auto on the column but the son changed the block to a 454 and put A floor shifter and tubed it to race it, and the last time I saw the car was in the late 80s totalled at the track doing over 100 mph the cage saved him. I heard it was parted out, but I don't know for sure
I remember before I moved to Florida my uncle bought a Camaro. It was a 68 or a 69 hugger orange black vinyl top RS. He couldn't do the payments so my grandparents took over the car which was a big joke in Garner N.C. The car was sold in Raleigh brand new their last name was Hales sure would love to find said car.
You missed some of the easiest tells on the Novas . '68s had the Nova badge on the rear fender , after that it moved to the front . Chevy II was on the hood and trunk with Super Sport on the bottom of the front fender . Both headrests and disc brakes were an option on '68s . '70s had clear turn signal lenses in the front bumper, '71-'72 were amber . No, and I repeat no '68-'72 Novas had SS badges on the front fender . That car had a set for a '74 Nova on it . That Dickie Harrel/ Frsd Gibb car is legit, you had to order bucket seats separately from SS package and a floor shift automatic only came with buckets and console .Hot Rod Magazine did a road test on a '69 L78 turbo 400 car , bench with column shift .
Well, technically 1968’s had “Super Sports” emblems at the bottom of the front fenders. But you are correct, there were no “SS” emblem on the fenders for 1968-72. 1973 had metal SS emblems in place of the “Nova” fender emblems. 1974 has giant decals that said “Nova SS” and 1975-76 has smaller “Nova SS” decals on the fenders.
@NovaResource u r Right I have a 68ss nova 1 year only Supersport on the bottom of the front fenders. My car is a a factory 4 speed car 735 black bucket seats .it was a small block car by the heater hose comes out the fire wall not the heater box my car was a factory blue with black vinyl top what engine? I am not sure
As a Mopar Abody guy, I always liked the Nova as it was based on the compact platform, small at the time but comparable to today's performance cars. I feel more comfortable now with talking to a Nova owner about year, model, etc. but I still think it's best to open wirh "Nice Duster" 😂
It's fantastic to see a young guy so knowledgeable about car's that were built long before he was born. Great job dude!
cars
@@georgewetzel4380 blow me! Did I spell that right?
Gotta say…you do a fantastic job on this video explaining year to year changes and options.
Nice to hear and see the respect shown to these beautiful cars.. Well done young man 👍
Man! This dude knows his details. I never knew there were 28 coils on the heavier hood springs vs 26
It's encouraging to see a young guy so knowledgeable about the cars that we "white hairs" loved so much. Great job, keep those videos coming!
Most important thing to know about 1970's Novas with emissions slug 350" engines was $200 in parts could bump the power from 165 HP up to a respectable 350-375 HP...
@@BuzzLOLOLor 2 weeks wages
On the 71 those aren't ladder bars but they're called traction bars or old school slapper bars. Excellent explanation of the novas 👍
Those Novas had horrendous wheel/axle hop.
I am just blown away, With your knowledge and explain it everything with these fantastic rare Chevy vehicles thank you
Great video but I have a few clarifications:
1:02 Disc brakes were optional on all Novas in 1968 so, yes, an SS could have disc brakes however, finned front drums were standard on the SS while non-SS had non-finned front drums.
2:02 the tail light trim panel was not unique to the SS. It was standard on SS Novas but it was also optional on non-SS Novas (minus the SS emblem) as part of the ZJ2 Custom Exterior package.
3:58 Fender Louvers. Yes, they were on 1969 and 1970 only but not all 1969 and 1970 Novas had them. They were optional or part of another package. For 1969-70 SS Novas or standard Novas with the ZJ2 Custom Exterior package, the louvers were body color with chrome edges. Non-SS 1969-70 Novas with the ZJ5 Exterior Decor package got fender louvers that were completely body color and no chrome. Non-SS 1969-70 Novas without either package had no fender louvers.
4:52 The K does not technically denote a Super Sport Nova. The K denotes the L48 350 4-bbl engine. But, because that engine was only available in the Super Sport, you can deduce that it’s a Super Sport. That may be picking nits but the K is just the engine code.
6:50 the console and gauges were not part of the SS package. Neither were the bucket seats. All were optional on an SS and all were optional on non-SS Novas as well.
7:00 the M21 was the close ratio 4-Speed. The M20 and M22 were wide ratio 4-speeds with the M20 being standard duty and the M22 being heavy duty.
8:16 the “hatchback hutch” was an option you could dealer order for 1973-up hatchback Novas.
8:30 if that’s a 1971 Nova then it’s NOT a big block car. 1970 was the last year for a big block Nova.
9:13 That is a 1966 Nova, not 1967. 1966 had all bright headlight bezels while 1967 has the grill extend into the headlight bezels. Also, the L79 350 Hp engine with the dual snorkel air cleaner was 1966 only. The L79 in 1967 has a different intake (iron vs aluminum in ‘66), a open element air cleaner and was rated at 325 hp.
Again, great video. I just wanted to clarify some small details.
Happy Motoring!
8:20. That trunk tent was indeed a dealer option, called the “Hatchback Hutch”. Also available for Vegas.
It was called the Hatchback Hutch in 1974.
So Joel Rosen Aka motion performance didn’t exist???
He left out Berger Chevy as well
He did use the qualifier "basically" alluding to some others. I believe what he was referring to is these are the big three who seemed to have inside assistance in getting a COPO number assigned to produce the special runs of cars they wanted. It required Engineering sign off on it so it really went a lot smoother if you had someone who was willing to assist you inside GM.
Most of the others modified RPO cars and ordered some COPO cars when they became aware of a number that had already been issued as they had very limited success in trying to get a COPO number assigned themselves
@@gk5891 my brother bought a 69 COPO Camaro brand new off the lot at a mom and pop Chevy dealer in Ohio in Feb of 69’ 427, 400 trans 4:11 gears for $3200
And they had 2 of them, the other one was a 4spd with 4:56 gears
I’m surprised he mentioned Dick Harrell from Kansas City
@bobbycuesroadhouse2204 I'm assuming you are referring to the L72 (The ZL1 was also a COPO). That number was originally issued for Yenko and the number got released by one of the magazines is my understanding of how all the little dealers managed to get them. A number for L88 Camaros was also issued but I don't believe any cars were ever built.
Great video. Love the way you explain and tell the differences on each year
My uncle has a 1970 Nova SS 396 L78 375 hp. Has owned it 50 years. It has bench seat, column shift, radio delete & steel wheels with dog dish hubcaps. 👍
Don't forget the smaller turn signal/parking lights in the '68 and '69 front bumper.
The '70 has Buick Road Wheels rather than proper Magnum 500s.
Good call.
Yeah I spotted the Buick wheels too.
Definitely look like Buick rims... way cheaper to buy then fasten chevrolet center caps
The first '68 SS you showed is missing something that my '68 Nova SS had. On the bottom of each of the front fenders, just in front of the doors, it had an "emblem" about 8 inches long that said "SUPER SPORT" on it. The '68 Nova came with a 3 spoke steering wheel. Not sure if that one is original. The one in my SS was a colored plastic.
Correct, the standard 1968 Nova steering wheel was a 3-spoke plastic one that had a center horn button.
SS Novas and and non-SS Novas with the deluxe interior had a different 3-spoke plastic wheel with horn buttons on ends of the two upper spokes. Non-SS had a Nova shield emblem in the middle while SS Novas had an SS emblem in the center.
The wheel in that 1968 in the video appears to be the optional 1969-70 rosewood wheel used on many Chevys. It is a very common modification on many 3-gen Novas.
A lot of great info! I myself am a stickler for knowing details and answering questions on what year cars are. Very nice video, thanks for sharing!
Totally awesome report! I love GM cars from the mid 60's to 1971. I'm in my 70's now and I'd prefer a car with an automatic trans and taller gears.
GM built that car. They called it a Stage 1 GS455 Buick Skylark.
Seriously, I've personally seen a 1970 SS454 LS6 Chevelle TH400 Car with factory 3.31 Gears.
I've also seen a 1969 Caprice L72 427/425 4-Speed Bench Seat Car. I don't think the L72 or the M21 were supposed to be an available option.
Very knowledgeable young man The only thing that I heard wrong was when he was talking about the white 71 and said super sports had 12 bolt rear ends My 69 from the factory was ordered by the salesman with 10 bolt 308 gears I’m sure he didn’t know exactly what he was doing and at the time neither did I Great video young man!!!
12-bolts were not standard on all SS-Novas. While most 1968-71 SS Novas had them, some came standard with a 10-bolt:
1968 327 with a 3-speed or Powerglide
1969 350 with TH350 or Powerglide
1970 350 Powerglide
Also, the 12-bolt was optional on non-SS Novas and was standard on non-SS 1969 Novas that were ordered with the L65 350 2-bbl engine with a 3-speed and 4-speed manual.
Nice tour of beautiful cars. I'm an old guy and lived all the muscle Chevy cars in real time. I grew up in south Kansas City and Dickie Harrells shop was a 2 mile bicycle ride away. I would see cars being offloaded and parked in the side lot awaiting modification. I also went to school with Dickie's daughter Valerie.
Nice presentation young man! Many beautiful Nova's there, would love to see them up close
Great vid!!!! 👍👍
🏆Great job 🏆I had a 71 🍀got R done😎✌️
I was at the Chevrolet dealer in 1969 and saw a Kelly green SS 396 4 speed with black interior . I bought a 1973 Nova gold with a 3/4 vinyl top hatch back. Loved that car
You are one smart young fella to stand up and do this on UA-cam with all the critics. Great job. Thanks for doing it plus I have a 68 Nova love it.
I love Nova's they are one of my favorite muscle cars . They are always underappreciated. When I was a little kid my parents had one. I thought it had the coolest sound like a monster. Lol
I was a gearhead teenager when these cars came out and up till now thought I was knowledgeable about them. I learned a lot, thank you.
Good job sir for presenting the history of my fav GM car and giving it honor it’s due
Brotha you are bad ass and thank you for the way you explain the difference and on years...im not quick on learning but i was able to keep up , down to the 26-28 count of springs on hoods WOW...!!! I lnow im older than you but your my big brother...!!!😎🤙🏽
People in my family assembled some of those Novas and Camaros. I recall them saying that they ordered some for returning Vietnam Veteran family members. They took extra care in putting them together on the assembly line. I never heard of any C.O.P.O orders but it was well within their capacity to make custom assemblies without official records. We treated our troops well.
Wow! That was great! Very knowledgeable young man! I was never a fan of Nova ‘s body style change at 68 and on. 1967 is my favorite, but you made me really appreciate the 68 and on.
In 1968 the door lock knob was near the rear of the door. 1969 and up they were moved forward so they were easily reached from the front seat.
8:30 there were no 1971 big block car SSs. Only L48 350s in 71 and 72. In March of 1972 I factory ordered a 72 SS Nova. I was a Jr in high school. It was Forest Green. I ordered it with bucket seats and the center console. The brochure I saw when I ordered it had bucket seats similar to what Chevelle's had in them. When the car came in it had what I would describe as Volkswagen seats. Very plain without a separate headrest. It was a cheap looking high back seat. It also had a door to door, front to back rubber floor mat instead of carpet. When I asked the salesman what the deal was he said I got those because I didn't order the custom interior.Well he didn't tell me when ordering it. I was also expecting a full console and had never seen one that was so small and stopped where the front seats started. It worked out ok because I put a Craig floor mount stereo between the seats at the end of the console. It was an auto trans car with the chrome trim around the windows and the body side molding. Had a 10 bolt rear with 3.08 gears. Came with those body color steel wheels and the dog dish hub caps. Sticker price was $3955.55. I eventually put headers, a 327/350hp cam, a Holley spread bore carb, and 3.73 gears. It would consistently run a 16.00 sec/85 mph 1/4 mile at the track. I kept that car for 5 years. One thing I did that I never saw anyone else do was I put the hood ornaments from a 69 Camaro SS on my Nova. If you took the Nova hood ornaments off and popped the chrome outer ring off you could stack the Camaro ornaments on the chrome rings and it raised them up enough to work on a Nova. And they look so much better.
I am blown away by your intricate knowledge of these cars. Keep up the great work.
Did used to own a '74 "Spirits Of America " Nova back in the early 90's . Wish I still had it now.
Very Very informative, thank you very muuuch.
I had a 68 exactly like the first car in the video but, non-ss, it was ash gold, black v/top, black custom interior bucker seats (same as ss), L6 230ci and power glide!
Excellent presentation, every time...keep rolling...big thanks...
Always great to hear a expert on any topic spew their knowledge it’s uplifting!
Very nice video, thank you. I had a 70 Nova SS, 375 horse 4-speed. It had bucket seats, and the console had gauges in it. Also it had a linear tachometer in the dash . It was forest green with a black vinyl roof a real heavy hitter . I got it from the original owner. Did some restoration work on it. Perhaps I should have never sold it. Haha great car
You look a touch like Basketball-Great Jayson Tatum. Kudos for knowing so much about the Classics, Well-done!
The red restomod nova appears to be a 1966, not a 1967. Also, what made the 50 1968 Fred Gibb COPO L78 396 Novas special was the fact they had a TH400 HD trans with factory high stall converter. That was the COPO part. Before that, you could only get the L78 396 in the Nova SS with a 4 sp manual trans. The HD TH400 trans and stall converter installed were basically the ones developed and offered as an RPO on the 1968 L88 Corvette. Fred wanted 50 of these to qualify them for NHRA stock and super stock automatic racing classes. They were very competitive in '68.
Dam man., you know your S&!T. Thats awesome.. Bringing back too many memories. Had the pleasure of owning 2 when I was young ( 35 years ago). Dark green 68 with the 6 banger.. 70 Red with black Vinal top with 307 cross fire?. I think I might still have the gills and rear passenger cigarette ash trays. would love to find a project to build!!
I had a 66 chevy II L-79 3 spd on the collum with the 130 mph speedo . No SS markings just Chevy II Nova. It had a bench seat, too. Oh, radio delete also.
71. Nova 396,you said before the last year for 396 was 70.plus in 67 and disc brake were available, but as an option.
Wish I could have attended the show this year. Thanks.
Great info. Always miss my 72. I like the wing glass vents on doors. Some dont and swap 73\74 doors on 68-72 Novas. I also prefer look of the side rear windows more on 68-72.
Great video. @3:01 the nova badge was never Nova SS from factory. Just Nova But you can get an aftermarket one that says Nova SS
A running non-rusted out nova is a rare one
Excellent Job overall! As a point of clarification regarding the Fred Gibb COPO 9738 Novas: It was not the L78 396ci 375hp engine which made them a COPO car, as that was an RPO in 1968 (More than 600 produced). Rare, but available to anyone. The COPO order was for the Turbo 400 automatic transmission, which was mated to a solid lifter big block for the first time ever and all 50 Gibb COPOs were ordered with that transmission and a special torque converter. Very Kool T-Shirt. Keep up the good work!
I bought a new 70 nova. I ordered it with bucket seats, gauges, 3 speed manual with floor shift, 350 2 barrel carb to beat insurance price. Also power front disc brakes, rally wheels, dual exhaust, and pos and vinyl top. In north carolina if you were under 25 in service had a 300 horse eng and 4 speed the insurance almost
doubled.
You will do well here. Great presentations and knowledge.
72 also had the antenna in the windshield
Super good 👍🏻 job highlighting these beauties … my favourite cars … had 2 and at 57 I’m building my third 👍🏻💪🏻
Wish they had the Baldwin Motion cars there.. Those to me were very rare cars.
At 5:41 what are dual fuel lines for? Is one a vapor line?
1971 Nova, I think that was the first year that wheel well opening chrome trim was available.
On the gold Nova, you glanced over, did not mention the unique hood with scoop, similar to the Baldwin Motion version.
1970 Nova console guage package was unique in the letters/graphics color.
I will suggest that the rarest Nova of this vintage is probably the Baldwin Motion 427, supposed only about 10 built, my understanding only 1 or 2 existing.
Thanks for the tour and good commentary.
FYI: Wheel well chrome trim was never an option for any of the 3rd gen Nova. That was Camaro and Chevelle, not Nova.
I have seen numerous 1971/72 original Nova with front wheel well chrome trim. It might have been a dealer option. The same generation Ventura also had the same trim available.
@@clarkleakins879 People just love to bolt that aftermarket chrome molding on their cars. To each their own but then when you do that... it muddies the water. People start thinking that stuff like that came from the factory just like the bumper filler... people just love to paint that bumper filler body color instead of the factory argent silver and now lots of people think that body color bumper filler was a factory option...lol!
Love this channel great content and informative on such beautiful cars
you are a good speaker very easy to listen to nice vid !
Nice video! Thanks phor sharing.
I’m a Mopar fan at my core and would buy a Roadrunner if I had money to spend on a classic. I hate old Camaros and Chevelles but there’s something about the Nova I dig.
In these '68 to '72 Novas, there is usually a copy of the build sheet under the rear seat tucked into the springs.
I like how you explain all off the cars you should make from 1990 chevy c10 454ss gmt400
I really enjoyed this Nova Rarest video. I'm pretty sure that I may own a very rare UNRESTORED 1969 Nova SS that I purchased in August 1, 1969. It is my first car, I was 18 yrs old. I've been told that it is a one of kind Rally green with a factory white vinyl top. The paint is original, never repainted. It was a L78 with a turbo400 M40 option & has currently a 12 bolt 3.31 ratio differential. Since I blew up 3 of the L78 engines which did have a few factory defects and was replaced under warranty during the first 5 years. I think around 15 years ago I installed a 502 crate engine which is 600hp and runs much better than the 396. My car has an amazing history over the last 54 years. I have all the documentation since new, Many pictures over the years and countless car shows.
Wow! Congratulations
Really nice video! Very interesting and you know your subject well 💪🏁
Great information. I have '65 Corvette fuely that was delivered to Nickie; however, it appears to have not been modified.
SWEET TY FOR THE INFO LOVE THE NOVAS
The red nova at 9:40 mark isn't a 67, it's a 66 nova. The headlight bezels are different. 67's would have a blacked out rectangles to match the grill. Also the fenders are different in the headlight bezel area. One other difference is the 67 would the the first year for a collapsable steering column.
Oh, and I do have the fender gills ( red ). Same thing. , somewhere
In Argentina, all Novas were 6 cylinders (230, 250), and early SS were made about the same as 1968-69 USA models, they had 1968 dash emblems, ash tray, tail lamps, key on dash, orange front side markers 1969 style, front brake discs, hood bowtie, rear SS panel, hood "scoops" and no guills. All had bucket seats. They used 68/72 Oldsmobile 442 rally wheels on all SS models from 1972/1974.
Nice presentation... An amazing group of cars on display in the "Solid Lifter Showroom" and the Nova pavilion was awesome as well! Are you planning on posting other footage from the GM Nationals?
Unfortunately due to the rain… we didn’t get to walk around and cover everything.. plus I’m honestly not always sure what you guys would like to see..
@@backyardbarnfinds keep doing what ur doing. As an old 60s-early 70s muscle car guy, the yrs 65-71 were the apex yrs.....any manufacturer. Heck, I know mid-50s to mid-60s had theirs too; my mother had 4 car salesmen brothers, and had 2 Bel-Air Chevys (55&56) with 265 4 barrel twin lines (older bros use to race them n 50s and wrecked them, so she got a 59 Impla 6 cyl).
Of the many road races I saw back then, n 69, saw a 69 396/375 plain jane 4-spd nova, (don't recall it being SS cause it had bench seat & looked like a 6cyl cheapo, lime green with same rims w/caps) race a 69 Boss 429 orange mustang 4 spd: they raced from hole, slight roll on, and about 30 on. As a Chevy guy, I was disappointed at the time the Boss won all equally by 1 1/2 car lengths ...each race going well into high gear before backing off. Many years later, I felt better learning the Boss was more comparable to the LS6 Chevelle rather than "Grandma's" Nova.
So keep covering the apex muscle years. BTW, In those days, an automatic trans was shunned upon as was PS & AC.....robbed HP which meant SPEED.
Anything F-body related (67-02) gets my attention.
One other point for 1968 Nova, for an SS this was the only year to have SUPER SPORT spelled out in individual block letters at the bottom of the front fenders, and for all 1968s, the NOVA emblem was on the back part of the rear quarter.
Words for the day....actual, actually.
My buddy had a 73’ spirit of america pilot car. It was a 72 body style and about 200 numbers past the last known vin # for 72. Hr bought it from original owner in indiana. Who had all factory paperwork and pics of the car at dealership the day they bought it and thru the years. Spirit of america badge on the grill was hand sand cast. Same white w/red and blue stripes as 74 cars.
The 1968 Nova said "Chevy ll" on the hood and on the trunk lid. Also front Disc Brakes were available, but not required on any model, The calipers had 4 pistons and were non-floating like the Corvette and Chevelle. Starting in 1969 disc brakes came standard on the SS regardless of the engine size The calipers were a single piston floating design. The most bang for your buck that few knew about was the 327/325 L79 that was available with out being required to order the SS option. 1968 was the last year for that engine.
Very well presented. Thank you.
Great informative video. 👍 Had a '71 as my 1st car back in high school! 😎
excellant presentation....thanks for sharing...new scriber here,greetings from NC...
The rarest nova I've seen in person was A 69 L89 auto on the column but the son changed the block to a 454 and put A floor shifter and tubed it to race it, and the last time I saw the car was in the late 80s totalled at the track doing over 100 mph the cage saved him. I heard it was parted out, but I don't know for sure
Very well done video. I enjoyed it
I remember before I moved to Florida my uncle bought a Camaro. It was a 68 or a 69 hugger orange black vinyl top RS. He couldn't do the payments so my grandparents took over the car which was a big joke in Garner N.C. The car was sold in Raleigh brand new their last name was Hales sure would love to find said car.
That Copo Nova 😎💪
when i was growing up in the seventies i saw these cars driving around all of the time
Awesome ride
Good job young man you just schooled a 58 year old " bow tie guy" own several Montes, Camaros, and El Caminos. I just never kNOVAed!
You missed some of the easiest tells on the Novas . '68s had the Nova badge on the rear fender , after that it moved to the front . Chevy II was on the hood and trunk with Super Sport on the bottom of the front fender . Both headrests and disc brakes were an option on '68s . '70s had clear turn signal lenses in the front bumper, '71-'72 were amber . No, and I repeat no '68-'72 Novas had SS badges on the front fender . That car had a set for a '74 Nova on it . That Dickie Harrel/ Frsd Gibb car is legit, you had to order bucket seats separately from SS package and a floor shift automatic only came with buckets and console .Hot Rod Magazine did a road test on a '69 L78 turbo 400 car , bench with column shift .
Well, technically 1968’s had “Super Sports” emblems at the bottom of the front fenders. But you are correct, there were no “SS” emblem on the fenders for 1968-72. 1973 had metal SS emblems in place of the “Nova” fender emblems. 1974 has giant decals that said “Nova SS” and 1975-76 has smaller “Nova SS” decals on the fenders.
@NovaResource u r Right I have a 68ss nova 1 year only Supersport on the bottom of the front fenders. My car is a a factory 4 speed car 735 black bucket seats .it was a small block car by the heater hose comes out the fire wall not the heater box my car was a factory blue with black vinyl top what engine? I am not sure
@@tommycook9620 The only small block available in the Super Sport Nova in 1968 was the L48 350 4-bbl.
@@NovaResource ok anyway to tell that any code for 68
@@NovaResource didn't some come with 327 ? Or no
It would be awesome to hang with him! 💙 Novas!
Thanks for sharing this information
Just recently got back my 1969 Nova SS 350 4 speed, that was my first car at 16.
Wow, great that you got it back !
Were there any 72 skyroof novas? We had a 72 rally nova with the rare skyroof
I love your videos, keep them coming!
The blue and white Z28 up on the rack, is it a two tone paint, or a white vinyl top?
You also hade Baldwin motion Baldwin New York on Long Island on the East Coast
How could you not mention Baldwin Motion Performance as one of the builders of these cars?
Very knowledgeable, thanks for sharing.
As a Mopar Abody guy, I always liked the Nova as it was based on the compact platform, small at the time but comparable to today's performance cars. I feel more comfortable now with talking to a Nova owner about year, model, etc. but I still think it's best to open wirh "Nice Duster" 😂
Great video. And I learned that you can attend a car show with no shirt! 😂
Another great video keep em coming
Good lord this young man is a walking muscle car library. Great video.
A Really Unbelievable Video You Covered The Most Important Parts Of Every Detail I Appreciated It Always Loved SS 💪🍀🍀🍀🍀🔨💯🥊
Thanks!…great job!…
Old Ford guy gives you the Big 👍 for this video!
👍🇦🇺
Very informative