1965/66 396ci V8 Turbo 350 3-Speed Racing Bucket Seats Mostly Original Interior

1970 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 an in-progress car, as we can see from the photos. The car runs well and is restored to where the consigner wanted to go mechanically and interior wise, however it's the exterior that needs attention.

Exterior
Starting life (see VIN decoding) as a vinyl topped Green Mist car, it now shows that top has been removed, and resprayed green mist, as has the remainder of the body. Recent rust remediation attempts have been made with body filler and gray primer sanded in areas such as the driver's rear wheel well, driver's door, on the nose of rearward facing scooped hood, and the passenger rocker panel. Invasive rust remains around the passenger rear wheel well. Panels are fairly straight. Chrome bumpers show some staining, as badging is dirty with some early signs of corrosion. Crager 5-spoke wheels upfront and Weld Polished and drilled dish style wheels are on the rear.

Interior
Mostly original save for the racing buckets in black, that replace the original bench in green. A few additional gauges have been added…a triple cluster hanging from the bottom of the dash in the middle, and a column mounted tachometer. Also renewed was the original shifter which has been replaced by a B&M shifter which sits within the original carpeting. Also, the rear bench seat appears to have arrived with the original car build and remains on this car, as do the door panels. Speaking of changes the fuel cell and battery have moved to the trunk. Lastly noted is a crack in the padded dash on the driver's side.

Drivetrain
Replacing the original engine, a healthy 396ci V8 and based on its serial number, looks like it's from 1965 or 1966 vintage. Added on is a Holley Carburetor, an adjustable fuel pressure regulator, a hi rise single plane aluminum intake manifold, and long tube headers. A TH350 3-speed automatic transmission is attached to the healthy mill.

Undercarriage
Some patina surfaces, and minimal surface rust are noted underside, all structural parts are rust free and solid, and the engine presents nicely. Front discs and rear drums function well.

A restoration which someone is in the middle of and needs completion to bring this car to the next level. A healthy engine, smooth transmission, and solid underpinnings merely needs a little TLC on the top side, in particularly the body panels. Otherwise mechanically sound.

VIN Decode
113270W312812
1- Chevrolet
13-Nova L6 Engine
27-2 Door Sedan
0-1970
W-Willow Run, MI Assy Plant
312812 Production Sequence Number

Trim Tag Decode
ST 70- 1970 Model Year
11427-
1- Chevrolet
14-V8 Nova
27-2 Door Sedan
WRN-Willow Run Michigan Assy Plant
279488-Sequence Number
TR 745-Dark Green Cloth Bench Seat
PNT 45- Green Mist Paint
04c-3rd Week April Production Date
G-Dark Green Vinyl Top