52K Original Miles/Survivor Mostly Original/Numbers Matching 350ci V8

1974 Chevrolet Nova Hatchback

The 1974 Chevrolet Nova got a new promotional bent that echoed Volkswagen's approach in pitching the Beetle's lack of change as a virtue. Instead of focusing on any alterations, the 1974 Chevrolet Nova sales brochure explained that, "we've been building essentially the same car since 1968. We think we've got it down pat." These were the years of the first energy crisis as Middle Eastern countries cut back on oil exports. After waiting for hours in gas lines and fretting about the prospect of fuel rationing, thrifty compacts looked pretty good to plenty of Americans. The Nova fit the bill.

A survivor with mostly original fixings, including most of the paint, original engine, original top, and even the doughnut spare and inflation can. This is also a low mileage car at a mere 52,208 original miles. Rust in the wheel wells, but a great driver ready for its new home to be enjoyed with no wrenching needed.

Exterior
Showing in rare form of a hatchback model is bathed in Light Gold Metallic and sports a black vinyl top. Paint shows some bubbling and invasive rust particularly around all the wheel wells. Chrome appears in good condition; front grille seems a bit crooked in the egg crate area on the driver's side near the turn signal. Badging is all there, and both lower rear quarters appears to have been resprayed. Standard rally wheel are on all 4 corners.

Interior
Opening the doors, we see nice straight clean black vinyl door panels with all cranks and handles operational. The front split bench is covered; however, I can spot a bit of wear in the herringbone tweed broadcloth on the driver's side of the bench. We did not remove the seat covers so the overall condition of the front seat remains largely unknown. The rear seat is beautiful and has herringbone tweed inserts and smooth black vinyl bolsters. Black carpet floods the floors and the hatchback cargo area. Back in that area some wear is noted as well as fading of this carpet liner. Headliner is tight and is black vinyl. Dash is in very clean original condition even maintaining the original radio.

Drivetrain
A 350ci V8 numbers matching engine, sits in unrestored state in an unrestored and original engine bay. A 2-barrel carb is on top, and a non-numbers matching TH350 3-speed automatic transmission is on back. This pushes power back to a 10-bolt rear.

Undercarriage
Lots of gray patina metal, some surface rust, and a sturdy frame make up the underside of this car. Independent coil spring suspension for the front ride, and on the rear is a leaf spring setup. Power disc brakes are on the front, and power drums on the rear. Some oiling can be seen on the rear, and around the oil pan upfront.

Drive-Ability
In his description the consigner stated this car runs like a new car, so I took him up on that challenge…and he won! This car rides beautifully, is really mostly original and all controls actually work. This brought back memories of the family car I was able to drive upon first learning, the Pontiac Ventura. Love the hatchback look.

The interior and exterior may need some TLC, however, has the herringbone tweed underpinnings. Nice driver (and he did win), as you will with this original survivor of the rarely seen Nova Hatchback.

VIN Decode
1Y17H4W109992
1-Chevrolet
Y-Nova Custom
17-2 Door Hatchback
H-350CUI V8 2BBL
4-1974
W-Willow Run MI Assy Plant
109992-Sequential Unit Number

Trim Tag
ST 74 1XY17-1974 Nova Custom 2 Door Hardtop
BDY W030374-Willow Run Body #
TR 752 A52-Black Vinyl & Cloth Bench Seat
PNT 53B-Light Gold Metallic, Black Vinyl Top
08E-5th Week August Build