39k-Mile Survivor: 1969 Chevrolet Nova SS
As the 1960s ended, more and more muscle car buyers were shifting to smaller platforms. If an Impala or Chevelle SS was more can than you wanted, you could order a Nova SS in 1969 with either a 350 or 396 cubic inch V8. We believe the seller’s car has the former (he/she doesn’t say which) and it’s described as a 40,000-mile survivor with its original paint. As a Nova fan myself, this edition warms my heart!
The 1969 model year saw a big uptick in Nova SS sales, from 5,571 units to 17,564 copies. 59% of the latter came with the L48 350 which produced 300 hp. Another 11% opted for the L34 396 (350 hp) and the remainder went really big and sprung for the 375 hp version of the 396-barn-burner (L78). We don’t know how many were purchased with a 4-speed manual transmission like in the seller’s car vs. a 3-speed Turbo-Hydramatic.
We’re told this is a numbers-matching original with low mileage on the odometer. This Chevy has factory air conditioning which would not have been available with the L78. The seller says the reverse lock-out still works, so we assume that means they often do not. “Time capsule” is another term the seller uses to describe this Butternut Yellow Nova which comes with bucket seats that look quite nice and comfy.
This is said to be a three-owner automobile that sports tons of original stuff, including the exhaust. However, some parts of the interior have been renewed, like the upholstery, headliner, and carpeting. The seller has the original title from California and the “blue” license plates. Located in Scottsdale, Arizona and available here on craigslist, an asking price for this beauty is not mentioned (only a placeholder). The seller would rather field offers and see where it goes.
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Comments
Be fun to see this line up w the 69 gt350 posted just above it 🏁
We read a road test on the 69 GT350 in an old Car and Driver magazine. Brock Yates said it was so slow it was embarrassing. While he was getting gas, a Z28 was waiting on the corner of the street, presumably to challenge him. He patiently waited until he left.
Not sure about this year. But 66 and 67 Nova SS cars could come 6cylinders as well.
The 300hp 350 was the base engine for the Nova SS in 68-70.
Steve R
You could also order these Novas with a 153 cubic inch 4 cylinder engine.
Pretty rare now human nature being what it is.
There was a red ‘69 Nova prowling the streets of Montreal that was badged as a 454.
I imagine you could talk a dealer into a special order for that.
My ‘71 was a parental compromise. A 307 with three speed Muncie on the floor , and positraction.
She’d scoot pretty good but that compromise probably saved my life.
Don’t think you could COPO an engine bigger that the 396/375, but Baldwin and Yenko would build one for you. I’ve seen one Yenko 427 with factory air. I’m building a 396 SS with a 74 Hatchback w/ factory air as a starting point. Hope it turns out. Been waiting for paint job to be completed for 2 years!
I like to take photos of cars for customers from the shady side of the building. Eliminates all those interior and underhood shadows. Love a butternut yellow Nova.
Cool Nova.This car looks very similar (same color, same supposed lower miles and original paint, a California blue plate car) that was for sale in Nevada a little over a year ago. Asking price was a bit over 40k, IIRC. I am not a fan of the “lets talk price” tactic here. As a prospective buyer I would always be leery of a car for sale with no price or “submit an offer.” I don’t like playing those games. As a seller; put a price, negotiate and honor your word and complete the deal – done. Should be the simple tenets of selling a vehicle.
Right you are. The seller needs to post a price, or have a reserve of an auction. OTOH if you ask about my car that is not advertised for sale, be prepared to make an offer.
Honestly, that’s the most infuriating aspect of dealing with classic cars and parts: “What’s it worth to you?” A lot of that depends on what it’s worth to YOU, dear seller. You obviously have a number in mind, so give me an idea whether I’ll think the conversation is “worth” continuing. If I can’t get an idea early on, I walk. If I wanted infuriating games, I’d stay home and play chess with the dog.
I also agree with Nelson C about offers on a car that’s not for sale. At that point, it IS completely up to the potential buyer to determine a value. A few years ago I found an unrestored 1970 ‘Cuda 340, 4-speed, stripe delete, elastomeric bumpers with no vinyl top (or Shaker, sadly). A zero-rust survivor sitting neglected, but not for sale, in a pole barn. It was just so… RED. I told him I’d give him $45K for it. He politely smiled and said, “Well, you’re third in line. A distant third, but third.” Fair enough. It was a solid offer based on its condition, but he’s apparently declined better–his call. The car’s still there, along with several others of greater value.
There was a lady we all knew that had – had a 1969 GTO Judge we were kinda all after. Each would go by not knowing about the other and she would just smile at you through the screen and say she got a better offer. It was slowly sinking into the ground under a big old cotton wood tree…..but still all orginal. Think my last offer was around $6000 back about 2003. I remember she getting the left quarter smashed up when it was sitting on the street where she worked…..something she would deny one time when I brought it up…..I think I first noticed it about 1976 where she worked.
Well let’s not forget Yenco Novas with the hairy chested 427 ready for the Iron fist in a velvet glove treatment!
It’s at 54k today.
I like his tags……
“Chevy, Chevrolet, ford, dodge, parts, motors, trucks, Porsche, Audi, Ferrari, Lamborghini, McLaren “
Rally wheels, SS emblems and hood, dual exhaust… and yet it’s still a sleeper.
I love it.
if you’re going to put rally wheels on it put the correct year caps.54k bit too much $
Low mileage – but steering wheel is covered.
Hard to believe exhaust is original – with the 2 pipes going into the big sideways muffler. Those pipes make 90 degree turns – & that’s where they developed holes rather quickly.
Much better & longer lasting to put 1 muffler for each pipe under the back seat floor area.
I wonder if this or a ’69 camaro would be faster – with identical specs.
@ $ 42,500 I dunnu..