Sought-After Third-Generation Nova
If you’re a fan of the Chevrolet Nova, you’ll likely be drawn to the third-generation models produced between 1968 and 1972. These cars are celebrated for their classic appearance before the 1973 facelift altered the front fascia. Among the most desirable variants are the Super Sport (SS) models, which transitioned from being a trim option to a performance package in 1968. While Rally Novas and Yenko Novas hold their own appeal, transforming these “compact muscle cars” into restomods or taking on a project to build one yourself often yields the best results.
A Nova with Serious Attitude
Our focus today is a specific 1972 Chevrolet Nova that exudes a sense of seriousness reminiscent of Quentin Tarantino’s Grindhouse movie, Death Proof. For those unfamiliar, Stuntman Mike and his “death-proof” 1970 Chevrolet Nova played a chilling role in staged car accidents resulting in the murder of young women. However, justice prevailed in the end.
The famous and eerie line from the movie, “This car is 100% death proof. Only to get the benefit of it, honey, you REALLY need to be sitting in my seat.”
Though this 1972 Nova is far cleaner and friendlier than Stuntman Mike’s, it boasts serious performance credentials under the hood. More on that shortly.
Striking Appearance
Let’s begin with its striking appearance, starting with the vibrant purple paint. The body has been refinished under prior ownership. Notable features include SS-style hood, grille, and tail panel, as well as chrome bumpers, dual mirrors, hood pins, and bold Chrome Cragar 15″ wheels wrapped in Federal Super Steel tires at the front and BFGoodrich Radial T/A white-letter rubber at the rear.
Additional enhancements include power-assisted steering, rear traction bars, and power-assisted front disc brakes.
Elegant Interior
The interior maintains the same level of elegance, adorned with black vinyl front bucket seats, a matching rear bench, color-coordinated dashboard, headliner, and door panels. A floor-mounted Hurst shifter, an aftermarket center console with dual cupholders, a custom switch and fuse panel, leather-wrapped steering wheel, and a Kenwood CD stereo with aftermarket speakers round out the interior features.
Potent Powerhouse
Now, onto the thrilling part—the engine. This Nova houses a 383 cubic-inch stroker V8. It’s equipped with aluminum cylinder heads, an Edelbrock intake manifold, a Holley 750-cfm carburetor, Hooker Competition headers, a hydraulic roller camshaft, and an MSD 6AL electronic ignition controller. Power is channeled to the rear wheels through a TH350 three-speed automatic gearbox, working alongside a 10-bolt rear axle. While the exact power output isn’t specified, it’s safe to assume it exceeds 400 horsepower.
A Butch Classic
In comparison to a recent 1972 Chevy Nova we featured, which boasted a replacement 427 ci V8 engine and a custom six-speed manual gearbox, this 383 ci-powered Nova may not be as engaging to drive. However, its rugged appearance is undeniably appealing, aligning with the robust persona that many enthusiasts seek in these classic muscle cars. While a clean classic is visually captivating, the allure of driving the tough one often takes precedence.
FAQs:
Q1: What distinguishes the third-generation Chevrolet Nova models from 1968 to 1972?
A1: The third-generation Chevrolet Nova models from 1968 to 1972 are celebrated for their classic appearance before the 1973 facelift, which altered the front fascia.
Q2: What makes the Super Sport (SS) models particularly desirable?
A2: Super Sport (SS) models transitioned from being a trim option to a performance package in 1968, adding to their desirability among enthusiasts.
Q3: What can you tell us about the engine in the 1972 Chevrolet Nova?
A3: The 1972 Chevrolet Nova boasts a 383 ci stroker V8 engine with several performance enhancements, including aluminum cylinder heads, an Edelbrock intake manifold, a Holley carburetor, and more. While the exact power output isn’t specified, it’s estimated to exceed 400 horsepower.
Q4: What are some of the notable exterior features of this Nova?
A4: This Nova sports a vibrant purple paint finish, SS-style components like the hood, grille, and tail panel, chrome bumpers, dual mirrors, hood pins, and Chrome Cragar 15″ wheels with distinct tire choices.
Q5: How does this 1972 Chevrolet Nova compare to a previously featured model?
A5: In comparison to the previously featured Nova with a replacement 427 ci V8 engine and custom six-speed manual gearbox, this 383 ci-powered Nova may not be as engaging to drive but possesses a rugged and classic appearance that appeals to many enthusiasts.
