53k Mile Survivor: 1968 Chevrolet Nova SS
The Chevy Nova was redesigned in 1968 and buyers would respond favorably as production increased by more than 70%. Surprisingly, sales of the Super Sport edition would drop by more than 45%, perhaps because only two engines would be available. This ’68 Nova SS looks to be an outstanding original with just 54,000 miles, wearing original paint and interior pieces. It also has the potent L48 V8 engine which was available in the car for the first time. Located in Fort Wayne, Indiana, and offered by a dealer, this Chevy is available here on craigslist for $49,995. Thanks, Pat L, for another sweet lead!
In 1968, the leading GM compact was still known as the Chevy II and the Nova was the top trim edition. The new body boosted sales to 183,552 units, its best year since 1963. But this was not a record, which wouldn’t come until 1974 at the heart of the fallout from the OPEC oil embargo. Chevy built 5,571 Super Sport Nova’s in ’68, with the majority (4,601) coming with the 350 engine that’s in the seller’s car. Rarer was the Nova SS 396 which saw just 901 copies in 1968.
The seller’s Nova presents like a time capsule and there is nothing that the photographs show us that requires any attention. The mileage is said to be documented as a likely two-owner automobile. The original Matador Red paint and white vinyl top look as good as the day the car was built. There are no obvious dents, dings, or rust to be seen. The car was built in Michigan in early 1968 and sold in California toward the end of the model year. The trunk looks untouched, and the red-line spare tire may be the one that came with the car new, although likely as hard as a rock now after 53 years.
This Chevy comes across as a true survivor and we’re told all the numbers match, including the SS-exclusive engine. The seller just got back from a 30-mile jaunt to a car show and says it runs and handles great. Given the shift indicator on the dashboard, the automatic transmission is likely a 2-speed Powerglide, which was slowly giving way to the Turbo-Hydramatic by the end of the decade. The car retains its F41 suspension package and 12-bolt rear end.
Of the third-generation Chevy Nova’s, the ‘68s are the rarest in terms of SS production. When you run across a clone or tribute, which is common, you usually see them from 1969-72. The seller’s car is priced at the high end of what some of these machines may trade for, but its overall condition and general rarity would add a premium. But is it a $50,000 car?
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Comments
Beautiful example of a ’68 Chevy II Nova “SS,” but I don’t think it will bring that kind of money with the small block and PG transmission.
If it was a 4 speed and a big block I would agree with the price. It is a great looking car.
Oooo, don’t like the tarp. Hopefully just temporary to protect from dust. Of the age where 50k for a Niva seems insane to me but in these times someone will pay likely.
I use the same covers in my shop to keep normal dust and dirt off my cars. They are not intended to be used as storage covers. Nice appearing car, super low miles, but $50k? I think not.
Sweet car, it’s listed under the for sale by owner section. I hate when dealers play games like that.
Good grief, why do all Craigslist sellers have such a beef with clear pictures? It’s like a fricking disease.
buyer just purchased it for $26,500, guess he wants to double his money
It’s beautiful and as I have owned mine since 1977 when I graduated high school, I’ve always been partial to 68’s. Is it a 50k car? Probably not now, maybe 10 years ago. I’ve completely torn down and restored mine and probably couldn’t get what I have in it but, I restored it because it’s been such a big part of my life for so long. Even taught my younger sister how to drive on it. The car in the ad is nicely optioned. Mine is a bare bones one. Bench seat, column shift, no exterior moldings. I purchased it from the original owners daughter.
Nice car. But he’s into Big Block territory. It’s a nice 25-30k car.
2 speed power glide? Slow and slower??
Not a fan of PG’s, but… they are still kicking butt in drag racing!
I like the Corvette in ’70 Donnybrooke Green sitting just in front of the Nova.
It’s for sale.
Have owned 4 3rd gens. My first one was a 68 with the L-79, 4-sp option. That 327 would wind up tight. Have owned my 69 396 for over 30 years. No plan to ever get rid of it.
That 68 was a blast. They were cheap in those days. Wished now I would of kept that one.
The speedometer look like a roll over the 441 are not in line 53 looks like its in line
They all look like that, all the way to the 1980’s. The car is 50 years old and has 50 year old technology. They were built by a contractor at the lowest cost.
I am with you on the speedo..That is the first thing I look at on a “LOW” mile vehicle…IT SHOULD LINE UP Just IMHO
The SS emblem on the lower molding reading ” Super Sport” looks like the one on a 1970 Big Block Monte Carlo. NEVER have seen this on ANY SS NOVA. Not stock. s add on.
The emblem on the lower rocker molding is from a 1970-1973 Monte Carlo SS BIG BLOCK. This was NEVER on a Nova SS. Gary
The SUPER SPORT nameplate on the lower front fenders are 68 only pieces. Even ones without the exterior decor package had this. I can’t tell you how many times I’ve heard people ask me why I put them on mine, and my answer is, I didn’t, GM did.
I’m no Deuce man, but I have seen this emblem on about a million 68 Novas. How can any Chevy person not know this?
I didn’t know you could get a Nova SS with a powerglide!!
In those days options were all over the chart. Mt 66 Nova SS was a 2 barrel 283, and 3 on the tree.
This is a car that you either wipe with a diaper or drive the S out of it. How about the yellow RS Camaro!!!!!!
This car would be a nice LSX candidate.
@ Gary….
’68 SS Nova’s ALL factory-equipped w/’SUPER SPORT on the lower rockers.
[http://oldcarbrochures.com/static/NA/Chevrolet/1968_Chevrolet/1968%20Chevrolet%20Chevy%20II%20Nova%20Brochure(rev)/b_1968%20Chevrolet%20Chevy%20II%20Nova%20(Rev)-02.jpg]
And described here: [http://oldcarbrochures.com/static/NA/Chevrolet/1968_Chevrolet/1968%20Chevrolet%20Chevy%20II%20Nova%20Brochure(rev)/b_1968%20Chevrolet%20Chevy%20II%20Nova%20(Rev)-10-11.jpg].
I’d rather have that 70 Camaro in the background. As long as it’s a stick shift and an LT1.