61k Original Miles: 1967 Chevrolet Nova SS
Enthusiasts considering a classic purchase often face the decision as to whether they should preserve their unmolested investment or if treating it to a cosmetic restoration is the best option. That is the choice facing the new owner of this 1967 Chevrolet Nova SS. It presents well for its age, but the seller admits it would benefit from a fresh coat of paint. That hasn’t deterred potential buyers, with this Nova generating healthy interest since being listed here on eBay in Wakeman, Ohio. Bidding sits below the reserve at $30,100, with plenty of time remaining in this auction.
Chevrolet released its Second Generation Nova in 1966, with the new model bringing sharper and more modern styling compared to its predecessor. However, it enjoyed a short-lived production run, with the last cars rolling off the line in 1967. The Super Sport was the range-topping variant, with our feature car being one of those vehicles. Its first owner ordered it in Granada Gold, a shade it retains. The paint shines nicely for its age, although it reinforces why I emphasize the importance of in-person inspections before handing over the cash for a classic purchase. The seller supplies clear photos and this YouTube video, which shows the car at its best. However, they admit the paint isn’t perfect, and the Nova would benefit from a cosmetic refresh. The overall presentation suggests the winning bidder might be able to opt for preservation as a viable option, but that will depend on how willing they are to compromise between originality and perfection. The panels are straight, and the seller confirms this rust-free vehicle spent its life in a dry climate. The chrome and glass look excellent for their age, with the spinner hubcaps and narrow whitewalls adding the perfect finishing touch.
This Nova’s interior possesses the “wow” factor, trimmed in Gold vinyl, featuring bucket seats, a console, air conditioning, and a pushbutton radio. The supplied photos aren’t as detailed as I generally prefer, but there are no visible signs of significant wear or abuse. The seats are excellent, the dash is equally impressive, and the pad is crack-free. An in-person inspection may reveal imperfections, but first impressions are positive. The seller admits the radio and clock are inoperative, but the new A/C compressor should allow the system to blow ice-cold.
Nova buyers in 1967 faced a wide selection of engines to power their new purchase. This car’s original owner selected the 283ci V8, producing 195hp and 285 ft/lbs of torque. They handed shifting duties to a two-speed Powerglide transmission, with stopping power provided by power front disc brakes. This was the least potent V8 combination buyers could order in 1967, but its performance still satisfied most owners. Keeping pace in heavy city traffic shouldn’t pose a challenge while cruising at freeway speed should be effortless. The seller states they recently replaced the fuel tank, sender unit, shocks, starter, and wiper motor. They claim the SS has a genuine 61,000 miles on the clock, although they don’t mention verifying evidence. That V8 fires up at the turn of the key, and this classic runs and drives well. It appears to be a turnkey proposition for the winning bidder.
This 1967 Nova SS is a promising classic, and the nineteen bids submitted suggest potential buyers like what they see. It has no immediate needs, allowing time for the winning bidder to build a relationship with it while contemplating their preferred future path. I would probably opt for preservation if an in-person inspection confirms its imperfections aren’t severe. It is hard to make such a call on the photos alone, but what do your instincts tell you?
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Comments
Probably one of the best designs GM ever put out. The range of engines available was impressive. This is a great example.
May just be the way the light is hitting it, but it looks like there is mismatched paint between the different body panels.
Looks like the back half was resprayed
If it needs paint anyway….with that gold interior? Jet black. With shallow rallys.
IMHO
Looks to me like the genuine article. Pretty little car.
It could have been in a minor fender bender at some point of it’s past life. OR, it could have been painted when the human painter ran his barrel of paint low and had to change out while in the middle of the process.
If the obvious paint shade differences came from minor damage early you can bet that the damaged panels were replaced with new ones. Bet it was well insured.
Just my gut feelings about that. By the condition of the car as a whole I tend to think that the person who purchased this car new was most likely middle class and appreciated nicer things but worked for their money.
Just a feeling I get.
Way to expensive ! These were very cheap cars .
The styling of the 2nd generation Nova was so clean and straight but not so much for the third generation. What happened? I always wondered why the Nova got so bloated compared to earlier Novas.
With this color not often seen, I’m all for keeping it with the gold interior. If it needs a respray for reasons from sharper eyes than mine, so be it. Pretty as it is. I always thought these 2 years were the best design of the ’62-’67 years. Correct me if I’m wrong, but I think in earlier years you could get a SS Nova with the 6 popper. Yuk. So paint, fix the clock, upgrade to AM-FM radio and enjoy!
Actually my neighbor had this exact car with the exception of a 6cyl…..
One of my favorite cars. Two year body style that was somewhat dated even when new. Would be the end of hardtop and convertible in this size and price point except for at Dodge and Plymouth. Great little car that will probably need a bigger motor and more than 2-speeds in the transmission for some.
The two-speed Powerglide has found a second life as a drag strip transmission and can be rebuilt to take serious power. The 283 is a solid street performer and as is the case with many Chevy engines, some jugging of parts, combined with some judicious machine shop work, may get you to somewhere over 300 cubic inches (305, 307?) with the stock block. Consult your machinist or a Chevy performance expert for confirmation.
Just a minute there, Mr Nelson sir. In 1967 I bought my first car. A 1957 Chevrolet Bel Aire 2dr. HT. It had a 283 with a 3sp manual on the column. After my uncle schooling me as to the potential of my little 283 and 6 months later. My 283 became a 302ci rear axle wheel hopping gasser.
Moral of this story. Don’t underestimate the length of rope attached to the pail of the bucket!
Of course traction bars became a necessity. My little car gave the new Camaros and the Mopar crowd a pretty good run for the money.
Miss that car every now and again.
Ha! Exactly. I already said how nice this car is, dated styling aside. The potential of a little sbc is common knowledge. Unless you’re new to this site you’re well aware of the comments recommending turbo charging, LS swaps and big blocks for sweetly preserved cars like this. But, nevertheless, bring it on.
Clean and period correct specimen. The powerslide transmission is a hoot to experience. It is like shifting from 1st to 3rd. Hopefully the next owner keeps it as original as possible.
I had a 66 Impala 396,325 horsepower, turbo 400. My friend had a 66 Chevelle SS 396 ,350 horsepower, Powerglide. Both stock in in 1975. We raced them, I pulled him off the line, mine shifted to 2nd while his was still in low,he caught me. Our cars shifted into drive at the same time, then stayed side by side till we let up. Fun days.
Build a scteaming 301 and replace the Poeerglide with a 4 speed
So much nicer than the 66 Chevy II rust bucket I had. A one inch space would open at the top of the fender when you jacked it up. I replaced the tired 6 with another one that ran great but fouled one plug. The kid I sold it to put an 8 in it? With that lack of unibody left, it had to break in half in a few months…
The interior is beautiful in this one…
I’m a Ford guy, have been all my life. I’m 68 years old and I’ve been a Gearhead all my life. GM’s cars have always left me cold. As I have gotten older I now appreciate a lot of cars I never liked in my past. I liked these 67 Novas right from the start. I always have seen a 55 Bel-Air in this body. The hooded headlights, and the taillights is where I see the 55s heritage. The decision to leave it as is or restore is easy for me. I always like my cars to look like they just rolled off the showroom floor. Isn’t the goal to always have them look their best? I say yes it is. So, that means we give them everything they need to keep them as good as new. I also learned long ago they must be kept as stock as possible. However, I think if it needs mechanical updates to make it a better driver then do it. Things like fitting it with at least front power disc brakes, or improving the cooling system are acceptable. If those things were available at the time it was built I would have included them from when new. Unless you’re jonezen to build a race car, leave it all stock. That will always add the most value. It’s then a true example of it’s original self, and that’s what it’s all about.
Makes me wish I’d kept my 67, if it had of been in this good of condition I probably would have. I’d pretty much leave it as is other than a repaint in the same color, a set of polished wheels and white letter tires and dual exhaust with some throaty mufflers. Oh, fix the AC and put in a retro look AM/FM.