MacNeish Certified Nova Super Sport L78 396 V8 4 Speed 12 Bolt 4.10 Positraction

SUMMARY

Over the past 105 years, Chevrolet has built such a vast empire of lovable offerings that some of them just seem to get overlooked. One of the most substantial victims of that unfortunate phenomenon is the storied Nova. Introduced in 1962 as an affordable and traditional compact, the frugal Chevy II was peddled in a wide variety of configurations. But it wasn't until the late sixties that the Nova sprouted some serious cubic inches and grew into a bona fide muscle car. This clean classic is an authentic, Jerry MacNeish-certified L78 coupe that, thanks to quality restoration, wraps correct Tuxedo Black paint around correct Deluxe Black trim. And if you're looking for some awesome metal that's cool, attractive and ready to roll, you simply won't find more muscle for the money!

BODYWORK/TRIM

Shipped from GM's historic Willow Run manufacturing facility on March 6th, 1969, this Nova originally graced the showroom of Colfax, Wisconsin's Hovre Chevrolet. It wasn't long until the car was purchased by Wally Rahl of nearby Eau Claire, who added traction bars, swapped in 4.56 gears, added a Hurst shifter, cut the factory exhaust and added Cragar S/S wheels. And the result was, as he intended, consistent 13-second quarter mile times. Eventually the car benefitted from a comprehensive, ground-up restoration, completed in 2010, that netted better-than-new aesthetics. During that reboot, a solid profile was entirely disassembled, completely striped of its dull, original pigment and fitted with a fresh passenger's quarter panel. With that paint removed, and that metal massaged, correct Tuxedo Black base was sealed in mirror-like clear. And today, this Chevy rolls as one handsome, MacNeish-certified classic that's as attractive as it is exclusive!

The subdued and classy lines of the prototypical Nova are late '60s conservative. And because they're so universal in appeal, they've continued to gain significant popularity. At the front of this sedan, a stainless-trimmed Super Sport grille hangs bright T3 headlamps and a pristine "SS" emblem over a mirrored bumper and stylish square parking lights. Behind that grille, a chrome-trimmed hood leads the eye to like-new glass that's framed by straight stainless trim, matte wipers and body-matched drip rails. At the sides of that glass, a conservative profile centers a polished mirror and traditional GM door handles between wispy fender louvers, stylized marker lamps and tasteful "Nova" scripts. And at the back of the car, 2-tone taillights frame a correct Super Sport valance between a requisite trunk emblem and second mirrored bumper.

ENGINE

Toss the hood and you'll find a correct, 396 cubic inch big block that, after being sourced, rebuilt and installed between this Nova's fenders, twisted 420 dyno-proven horsepower into 406 lb./ft. of dyno-proven torque. Unless you lived near one of the major Chevrolet performance dealers, or knew the correct path through the options list, getting a top-option L78 Nova was a pretty formidable challenge that, according to most sources, eventually limited production to just 7,209 units. Oxygen and fuel enter the exclusive mill's combustion chambers through a polished and decaled air cleaner, new fluid lines and a familiar Holley carburetor. Below that carb, a sea of brilliant Chevy Orange paint covers the block from its aluminum Winters intake all the way to its stamped steel oil pan. At the back of that intake, a reliable points distributor shoots spark through eight Packard TV R Suppression cables. Below those cables, chrome valve covers perfectly contrast Hooker Competition headers. In front of those covers, fresh V-belts spin a stamped and rebuilt 11100837 alternator. At the front of that magnet, a tagged Delco battery complements a correctly decaled radiator that's cinched to pliable GM hoses and tight tower clamps. Those components are, in traditional fashion, seated in a slick, Satin Black frame. And the whole setup, from its green throttle spring to its correct Delco Moraine brake booster, presents exceptionally well.

DRIVETRAIN/SUSPENSION

Under this impressive X-Body you'll find a fully sorted chassis and solid floorpans that, like the car's glossy exterior panels and lust worthy engine, were restored to very high standards. At the center of those floors, an original Muncie 4-speed hangs a familiar 3925660 casting number next to a Muncie (P) M21 (B) assembled on January (A) 11th (11), 1969 (9) assembly stamp and matching 435488 partial VIN. That gear slinger powers a dressed GM 12-bolt, which spins a posi-traction differential and big, 4.10 gears. Holding that stellar drivetrain in place is a tagged and rebuilt suspension that features Gabriel HiJackers air shocks and, as the car's original owner intended, sturdy traction bars. Stops are handled by requisite power front disc and rear drum brakes. Exhaust roars through aggressive FLO-PRO mufflers, which are threaded into large-diameter pipes that, in another nod to the car's original owner, feature free-breathing cut-outs. Power meets the pavement through American Racing Torq Thrust Ds, which twist F70-15 Firestone Wide Oval Super Sport redlines. And naturally, the car's floors wear a smooth coat of Satin Black paint.

INTERIOR

Open the car's light doors and you'll find a correct Deluxe interior that's been restored to a pristine state. There's a duo of vinyl benches that are as tight as the day they left the upholstery shop. In front of those seats, a monochromatic dash hangs a correct Delco radio between classy Stewart Warner accessory gauges and correct, sweeping telemetry. At the bottom of that dash, fade-free carpet floats thick floor mats beneath stainless-trimmed foot pedals and a familiar Hurst shifter. At the edges of that flooring, white-trimmed door panels frame traditional chrome handles. The driver keeps control through an "SS" branded steering wheel that laps a canted Stewart Warner tach. And passengers haul cargo next to a correct jack and full-size spare tire in a fully restored trunk.

PROVENANCE

Since this Nova was inspected by Chevrolet expert Jerry MacNeish, the car is impeccably documented. But, just for good measure, here's a breakdown of this Chevy's VIN and certified Cowl Tag.

VIN: 114279W435488

COWL TAG

OUR SALE INCLUDES THE FOLLOWING DOCUMENTATION

In 1969, this Chevy represented some of the best performance your money could buy. Currently, it represents some of the best affordable muscle on the classic car market. Significant third generation Novas are a rare find. Documented, highly authentic cars are rarer still. Don't miss your chance to own one of the coolest classics on the planet!