1973 Chevrolet

Nova SOLD

SOLD

1973 Chevrolet

Nova

Description

1973 Chevrolet Nova

It's the classic cautionary tale about the pitfalls of doing business in foreign countries that can be found in hundreds (if not thousands) of books about marketing: General Motors introduced their Chevrolet Nova model of automobile into a Spanish-speaking market, then scratched their heads in puzzlement when it sold poorly. GM executives were baffled until someone finally pointed out to them that “nova” translates as “doesn't go” in Spanish. The embarrassed automobile giant changed the model name to the Caribe, and sales of the car took off. As the facts prove this is indeed a tall tale, however it lives on in internet infamy.

For consignment and ripe for the picking here at Classic Auto Mall, this Dark Toreador Red 1973 Nova sedan, this completely restored example is showing off as a very juicy morsel of Detroit metal and sculpting, from our inventory. With straight steel panels, nice chrome, beautiful interior and 14-inch American Racing wheels we can have you red with envy, and ready to turn the key and go off into the sunset albeit somewhat fast!

Exterior
From its single headlight on either side upfront, silver egg crate grille with outboard marker lights, shiny trim surround and nice bumper below we are firmly planted in 1973 bowtie muscle, the beginning of the end of an era. Straight Dark Toreador Red painted steel minds its gaps and has bedecked on nearly every panel with some hand done pinstriping. Chromed window trimmings add a nice contrast to the dark red, and all the glass is crystal clear. For 1973 smooth long nicely descending B pillars frame the rear glass, and seamlessly melt into the trunk deck. A side view has great lines and bringing up the rear is a rounded back roll pan with wrap around bumper and tail lighting just above. On all 4 corners are 14-inch American Racing wheels wrapped in raised white letter tires. A period correct bowtie muscle car that has received plenty of attention.

Interior
A swing of the doors and black vinyl molded vinyl with chrome levers and cranks, and a horizontal door pull show up as straight as arrows on these door panels. Turning our attention to the interior, we see a low back split bench seat with smooth black vinyl bolsters, and black tuck and roll inserts which are looking nearly unused. This is in front and a nice black full vinyl bench in back all float in a nice calm clean sea of black carpeting. Above in front is an original configuration dash direct from GM surrounded by an added wood applique. Fronting the dash is a 3 spoke steering wheel with an added tachometer on the column and a small aluminum switch panel hangs below to the left and holds the switches for different sirens. The aftermarket AM/FM/CD radio is all in and working great. In the center hanging from the bottom of the dash are a trio of aftermarket gauges monitoring water temp, oil pressure, and volts and we note a microphone hanging from the ashtray door but it is not plugged into anything. In the middle of the buckets protruding from the black carpeted hump is a Mr. Gasket shifter with a sword hilt topper. Above is a nice tight headliner, which presents as new.

Drivetrain
Pop the hood and within the restored engine bay now sits a V8 engine in 350ci form. It is painted Dark Toreador Red on the block and has chrome valve covers. The air cleaner cover is now a polished scoop style and underneath a Carter 4-barrel carburetor feeds the fuel and air, and power goes rearward through a TH350 3-speed automatic transmission. On the back is a 10-bolt rear axle assembly. Keeping things cool is an aluminum radiator and clutch fan. We note a large amount of wiring ran through the engine bay for the different sirens that are controlled by the switch panel on the dash.

Undercarriage
Just black as far as the eye can see. Minimal patina and road dirt is noted, and we see shiny stainless steel dual exhaust with glasspack style mufflers snaking its way rearward past independent coil spring front suspension, and leaf spring rear suspension. Front power disc brakes work with rear power drums to bring this muscle machine to an abrupt halt. A very nice job if I must say so myself!

Drive-Ability
My partner in crime decoder and resident car expert, (why do you think I sound so knowledgeable??!), loves late 60s and early 70's muscle so he took it for a spin and returned with just a smile on his face! He reported snappy acceleration, bias free panic stopping, good handling and all functions working just fab, including the siren, train horn and other noises that my partner in crime emanated from the switch panel during his drive.

A juicy example of the Nova, now with a healthy drivetrain, snappy excellent black vinyl interior, sword hilted shifter and a beautiful deep end of the pool exterior painted surfaces. Some tasteful modifications that all work well together, so if you are into turning a key and no wrenching required this one is prime fruit.

VIN DECODE
1X27F3W278250
1-Chevrolet
X-Nova
27-2 Door Sedan
F-307ci 2bbl
3-1973
W-Willow Run, MI Assy Plant
278250-Sequential Unit Number

TRIM TAG
ST 73 1XX27-1973 Nova 2 Door Sedan
BDY W281040-Willow Run Body #
TR 751 A52-Black Knit Vinyl Bench
PNT 74T-Dark Red Metallic, Neutral Vinyl Top
05E-5th Week May Build

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Specs

Basic

Year
1973
Make
Chevrolet
Model
Nova
Miles
98,604
Vin
1X27F3W278250
Stock
4006

Engine

Engine Size
350 V8
Fuel Specification
91 Octane or below
Engine Type
Gasoline
Transmission Type
3 Speed Automatic
Drivetrain
RWD

Body

Body Color
Dark Toreador Red Metallic
Body Style
Sedan
Doors
2

Interior

Interior Color
Black
Seating Type
Split Bench
Seat Material
Vinyl
Shifter Type
Floor

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