Once a formidable, compact-sized muscle car, the Nova SS for 1973 had become an option package that included appearance items and a heavy-duty suspension. It could be had with any engine on the Nova hit parade, for which the list was shrinking due to rising insurance costs. This ’73 Nova SS needs paint, interior work and engine compartment detailing, but is said to be a good runner. It can be found in the San Francisco Bay area and here on craigslist for $7,500. Another tip from our pal, Pat L.!

The Nova began life as the Chevy II in 1962 and was in GM sales brochures through 1978. The second generation, 1968-74, was hugely popular and spawned clones at Pontiac (Ventura), Oldsmobile (Omega) and Buick (Apollo). 1973 would be the nameplate’s second-best sales year ever, and also the second best year ever for the SS. Chevy pumped out 369,509 Nova’s then, up 6% from the prior year, even though the car received a restyle that made it look a bit bloated compared to ‘68-72. At 35,542 copies, the SS nearly tripled its results from the year before. The Nova was still an automotive property in demand. A nod, please, to Nova Resource for the production info.

This ’73 Nova SS is rather mild compared to what was a couple of years earlier. It has a 307 cubic inch V-8 that has received a dose of bling and has a floor-shifted 3-speed manual. We’re told it’s a numbers- matching car. But there’s no mention if the engine has been fiddled with to find more horsepower. There is no mention of mileage in the seller’s listing, so we’re going to assume it’s racked up its fair share. The body looks pretty straight as does the chrome parts. The seller says there are no dents and no trace of bondo, so perhaps a paint job will spruce it up.

Whenever we see loose fitting seat covers, we assume the worse. Figure on new upholstery fore and aft, as well as carpeting because what’s there is pretty grungy. The dash pad and one door panel look good, but we don’t know if the headliner needs to be added to the shopping list. But while you’re on the hunt, see if you can snag a set of trim rings for those rally wheels (and get the wheels powder-coated).

When it comes to resale value, the SS badging on 1973-74 models isn’t likely to jack up the price appreciably. Hagerty places Concours-quality versions of that range of Nova to be in the high-teens. So, it you snagged this car at the seller’s asking price, you’re probably spend the difference and more sprucing this one up.