4-Speed Project: 1969 Chevrolet Nova SS 396

From 1968 to 1970, Chevrolet installed more than 13,600 of the 396 cubic inch V8s into the compact Nova. Offering between 350 and 375 horsepower, these were formidable muscle cars given they were much lighter (in curb weight) than the mid-size Chevelles. The seller says this 1969 Nova is a real-deal SS “big block” with a piece of a build sheet to back it up. But the car is rusty and has been neglected – plus the 396 engine has been replaced (with something smaller, we believe).

In 1969, you could order one of two versions of the 396 V8. The L34, which produced 350 horses, saw just under 2,000 installations, while the 375 hp L78 was more popular at more than 5,200 units. We don’t know which was in this Chevy to begin with, but it looks like a 327 is there now given the style of the air cleaner. After sitting for more than 20 years, the car will start up – but the seller says water comes out of the bell housing, signaling big problems.

We suspect this automobile has spent much of the past two decades out in the elements given the amount of rust present (from the inside out). It once wore blue paint and likely a black vinyl top to match the bucket seat interior. This is a 4-speed Nova, and we assume that the transmission is still intact. The shifter is housed within a console, so perhaps this was a well-equipped Super Sport when it was built.

Restoring this car will be a challenge. And if you can locate a period-correct engine, this Nova will not be numbers matching. It doesn’t look to have an SS hood and the front bumper is from 1970. But since there are a lot of SS clones out there anyway that command big bucks, maybe that’s not the end of the world. If you choose to restore this Chevy, it can be found in Chillicothe, Ohio, and it’s available here on eBay for $10,000 OBO. Mitchell G. brings us this tip from a seller that identifies as a dealer.