350-Powered 1973 Chevrolet Nova Hatchback Project
The third-generation Chevrolet Nova received an exterior update for the 1973 model, with a hatchback option becoming available for the first time as can be found on the rear section of this one. Details are sparse from the seller here, but from the looks of things, it’s probably been a while since this Nova’s been on the road. However, despite a few negatives, it’s a mostly complete car with the largest V8 you could get for the ’73 model. Zappenduster, thanks a lot for the tip here!
Two versions of the 350 were available under the hood in 1973, including the two-barrel configuration rated at 145 horsepower, or stepping up to the four-barrel chamber increased this number to 175. Unfortunately, the seller doesn’t provide any engine photos or specify which version this one is, but he does tell us that it’s not running with no specifics given as to why. Otherwise, we do get a fairly good selection of pictures to check out, and it’s apparent that some of the body suffers from rust, which seems to be more pronounced on the passenger side.
The hatchback provided some good room in the back for cargo, and it’s nice to see that the struts are holding the component up on its own. This also gives us a pretty good view of what the would-be trunk section looks like, although it’s sort of difficult to tell just how solid the metal is in this area. There’s plenty of rust on top, but whether or not the corrosion goes beyond the surface is a mystery. Having once owned a ’73 Nova, I can tell you the openings around the taillights are prone to water leaks, and this may have contributed to what we’re seeing here.
Inside, things could use a thorough refresh, with the plastic bag over the driver’s seat keeping us from being able to see the material underneath. However, from the side view, it’s obvious that the bench is going to need some new fabric. I had to enlarge the photo to figure out that the object protruding from the dash near the column is a wiper delay, with the wiring routed underneath.
Some good news here is this one’s priced at $3,000, so if you’re feeling a project, the initial cost will be relatively low. The rust levels in certain places may be a bit concerning, but at least this is a mostly complete example, and once you get it running the 350 has some decent power for an X-Body platform. This 1973 Chevrolet Nova is sitting in Ashland, Missouri, and can be found here on Craigslist. Is this one at a reasonable starting point for restoration?
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Comments
The hatchbacks didn’t leave , the cars did ! All the minivans and now the SUVs have hatches . Sadly, you see fewer and fewer cars on the roads , even TV ads only show SUV s now
I had a1975HB SS i drove for 27 years,,350’202heads,built with the best they made,6.7kon the tac was easy,,,over those years i replaced every running gear part on the car ,,borg warner super T10 4 speed kept it movin,,its like new sittin in a friends garage.
$3,000? We used to call those beaters, now they’re “projects”. We used to buy them for $50, drive them around for a few weeks, and then sell them for beer money. Times have changed.
Funny how cars like the Nova were considered “compact” and they were available with a V8, a 350 no less. I got to say though I never saw one of these on the road back in the day. Or if I did, I didn’t realize it was a hatch. They’re a good idea but the early ones, like my Chevy Cavalier type 10, Wore out the struts holding up the glass after awhile.
All compacts pretty much had an available V8 ,though some at first were only available as a six cyl. Its what some customers wanted, so the companies were more then happy to oblige if it meant another sale – Falcon, Mustang ,Valiant ,Nova ,Maverick, Hornet, etc..
Hatch struts are just another wear item , they wear out like anything else