Stored 35 Years: 1972 Chevrolet Nova Custom
Chevrolet introduced its second entry into the compact market in 1972, the Chevy II. It was conventional compared to the earlier Corvair (the Chevy II had a water-cooled engine up front). The top trim level was called Nova, and that name would replace the Chevy II moniker in 1969. This 1972 Nova is little changed from 1971 yet gave the Nova its second-best sales year up to that time. It’s the Custom edition which means it sports more chrome doodads. In storage for 35 years, this Chevy runs and drives, but needs a thorough cosmetic makeover.
The most popular era of the Nova was between 1968 and 1972. The redesign and styling struck a positive chord with buyers, including my family who bought one new in 1970 (and we kept it for 11 years). Chevrolet cranked out nearly 350,000 copies of the little cars in 1972 alone, of which about 46,500 were 4-door sedans with a V8 engine like this one. So, this auto was not rare when new and because of the number of doors, will never get turned into a Super Sport clone like a lot of coupes have.
This car had been in storage for 35 years after this dealer took it in on trade and likely planned to restore it but never did. Perhaps its Custom trim caught the dealer’s eye as these cars wore more exterior bling, had extras like chrome bumperettes, and had a fancier interior than your basic Nova. But it appears this Chevrolet lived a hard life before going into hibernation, such as an amateur body and paint repair on the doors on the driver’s side.
The interior will need to be completely redone, replacing what appears to be some rather blah vinyl seat covers that may have once replaced the original fabric. The headliner is almost non-existent, and the floorboards need repairs. But rust overall does not seem to be a major issue. The car is said to run and drive, and the seller can back that up with a video.
New parts include tires, a battery, a water pump, front brakes, and more. Interesting items have survived like its build sheet and owner’s manual. The odometer reads 11,000 miles, but that is likely 111,000 or more. Restoring this Nova to a like-new condition is going to be a labor of love as the cost will exceed its future resale value. But it is a 350 cubic inch V8 car, though the 2-barrel version was rated at only 145 SAE net. The Chevy is available here on eBay in Orange, California. The current bid is $1,425, the reserve is unmet, but the Buy It Now is only $6.000.
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Comments
For a couple of thousand dollars it might be good as a cheap beater, but would make a better parts car due to its options. No way is it a restoration candidate when compared to other late-60’s through 1980’s turn key 4 doors available in the neighborhood of this cars $6,000 BIN.
Steve R
This thing looks to be in worse shape than Axel Foley’s beat up Nova. $6000 is really dreaming. This is a parts car at best.
So a dealership takes this heap in and stores it away for 35 years because they were going to restore it someday ? Really ? A beat up 4 door Nova ? They must think everyone is stupid to believe a story like that. If it was an SS , or even a coupe in good condition to start with maybe, but no some clapped out sedan with a select few options. The car is in California, so its more likely its been on the road until very recently . Any bidders are hoping to win it for the front clip , the fenders alone sell in the $250 to $350 range, the rest will be heading to the scrap yard
The disc brakes, subframe, rear bumper, decklid, and AC all have value too. There are a bunch of smaller parts such as brackets, braces, lights and trim. If someone is willing to do the work there are easily a couple thousand dollars in small parts that could be taken off this car to aid in a restoration or sold. As a parts car it probably has a value of around $2,000, maybe a bit more, anything much beyond that the value is as a driver, but still nowhere close to the BIN of $6,000.
Steve R
Very true, what I meant when saying the front clip I meant the entire front end of the car from the firewall forward, including the engine and Powerglide – the front parts would be where the money lies , and like you said, there are other bits that could be salvaged too. .
That is true. In the past, when I bought parts cars, I’d start my calculations with the “big” items you refer to that I could either use for my project or resell quickly to make my money back, then consider the small parts profit or to fund further work.
The farther you get away from having affordable parts cars, the less people look at the car as a whole and what it brings to the table for someone doing a project. Far too often I’ve seen other people on this site say something is a $500 wreck that should be crushed when the pictures clearly show thousands in salvage parts that could be used to help restore another car.
Steve R
I believe the Chevy II was introduced in 1962, not 1972.
Nice looking car. I’ve always loved the 1969-74 Chevy Nova. My favourites have always been 4 door sedans like this. This looks like it’d make an awesome resto project for anyone interested, or possibly a restomod project. Given its condition, I’d be willing to pay between $1000 and $2,000. I’d still have enough money to have the car repaired to driveable condition, and hopefully upgrade the cosmetics, etc.
Very true, what I meant when saying the front clip I meant the entire front end of the car from the firewall forward, including the engine and Powerglide – the front parts would be where the money lies , and like you said, there are other bits that could be salvaged too. .
Seller needs to accept the bidders generosity and not wait for the buy it now.