1974 Chevrolet Nova



The 1974 Chevrolet Nova got a new promotional bent that echoed Volkswagen's approach in pitching the Beetle's lack of change as a virtue. Instead of focusing on any alterations, the 1974 Chevrolet Nova sales brochure explained that, "we've been building essentially the same car since 1968. We think we've got it down pat." These were the years of the first energy crisis as Middle Eastern countries cut back on oil exports. After waiting for hours in gas lines and fretting about the prospect of fuel rationing, thrifty compacts looked pretty good to plenty of Americans. The Nova fit the bill.



For consignment, a 1974 Nova SS clone car. The beneficiary of a restoration, now has a 350ci V8 with some performance bolt ons. All looking stunning in its white paint, added gauges, comfy vinyl interior complete with a B&M shifter and added subframe connectors to enhance structural integrity. Check it out!



Exterior

Thanks to a prior restoration the body panels are now straight, gaps are well minded and paint is a very nice quality. The car contains the correct blacked out SS badged grille which is flanked by chrome trimmed projector headlights, however the shiny bumper below is missing its black rub strip. The hood is flanked on either side by the original fenders and have added black stripes on top of both the hood and fenders. Badging is correct for an SS as are the larger than life Nova SS decals just behind the front wheels and a sweeping rear trunk with more black striping and rear window can be seen gracefully ending in another shiny chrome bumper. Just above are 4 small rectangle taillights and a Nova SS decal applied to the right of the trunk lid. A well applied black vinyl top covers the roof and gives just the right look baby bear. 15-inch highly polished US Wheel company aluminum slot wheels are wrapped by all-season radials in the front and Mickey Thompson drag radials in the rear. Noted are a few areas of some very minor rust bubbling down low behind the passenger's rear tire and a few chips offs that have been touched up are within this nice paint.



Interior

Opening the doors, we see nice straight clean molded black vinyl door panels with a small applique strip and all cranks and handles operational. The perforated black vinyl front split bench shows well with a nice buttoned tuck and roll pattern and the rear seat is beautiful and has a front seat matching perforated finish with more buttoned tuck and roll inserts and smooth black vinyl bolsters. Black carpet floods the floors up front is the original dash with its black padded topper and long sweeping speedometer with clock, the factory AM radio and the chrome heat and defroster slides. Hanging under the dash in the center is a trio of black faced aftermarket gauges and to the right is a modern AM/FM/CD player by Pioneer. A TCI shifter is now on the hump in its own black plastic housing and above we see a tight black vinyl headliner.



Drivetrain

A 350ci V8 engine circa 1973, sits in a restored but slightly dusty engine bay. An Edelbrock intake manifold and Holley 4-barrel carb is on top, and a non-original TH400 3-speed automatic transmission is on back. This pushes power back to a 10-bolt rear weighing in with a 2.73 ratio.



Undercarriage

Lots of black patinaed metal, some surface rust, and a sturdy frame make up the underside of this car. We note the addition of subframe connectors to help with chassis stiffening. Independent coil spring suspension for the front ride, and on the rear is a leaf spring with CalTrac bar setup. Power disc brakes are on the front, and power drums on the rear. Headers snake their way down from the orange painted mill and feed into exhaust with Turbo mufflers to rid the car of spent fossils.



Drive-Ability

This car fired up with a mighty roar, which is music to the high performance engine person's ears, unfortunately we can't delve into the engine build specs since none were provided. On the test track it had wonderful acceleration that goes on and on. Decent handling but probably built to go more in a straight line and bias free panic stopping and it was a thrill ride overall.



A nice restoration and clone of the SS Nova, a built small block V8 engine, a clean interior, upgraded suspension and it will go fast if you put a little foot into it. Almost no rust and very nice overall condition and a good job on the restification.



VIN DECODE

1Y27H4L214735

1-Chevrolet

Y-Nova Custom

27-2 Door Sedan

H-350ci V8 2bbl

4-1974

L-Van Nuys, CA Assy Plant

214735-Sequential Unit Number



TRIM TAG

ST 74 1XY27-1974 Nova Custom 2 Door Sedan

BDY L237639-Sequential Unit Number

TR 754 A52-Black Perforated Vinyl Bench Seat

PNT 11B-Antique White, Black Top

06A-1st Week June Build

C60-Air Conditioning

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