1970 Chevrolet Nova SS For Sale With 23,000 Miles ShownAutoblogKyle EdwardTue, September 22, 2026 at 10:12 PM UTCAdd us on GoogleAutoblog and Yahoo may earn commission from links in this article.Documentation is what separates a real L78 from a well-built tribute, and this Nova carries a full set. The engine, transmission, and rear axle numbers align with the Protect-O-Plate, an NCRS Shipping Data Report and a Certificate of Authenticity accompany the sale, and the seller reports authentication by Larry Christensen. Bidding stands at $22,000 with three days remaining and nine bids placed.1970 Chevrolet Nova SSBring a TrailerWhat it's worth right nowChevrolet built 3,765 L78 Novas for 1970 against 19,558 Super Sports overall, and the ceiling has moved sharply. A numbers-matching L78 showing 11,319 miles set a nameplate record at $275,000 at Mecum's 2025 Dallas Fort Worth sale, while Classic.com records earlier results including $36,300 at Mecum Kissimmee in 2018.AdvertisementAdvertisementThis car sits between those poles. Full documentation and a four-speed with PosiTraction support the upper half, while a repaint, a hydraulic lifter conversion, and 23,000 miles against that record car's 11,319 pull back. Fair value lands between $62,000 and $95,000, with $75,000 most likely. The current bid of $22,000 carries nine bids and three days to run.1970 Chevrolet Nova SSBring a TrailerCondition and detailsProvenance is the strength. The Nova was delivered new to Jerry Biggers Chevrolet of Elgin, Illinois in Autumn Gold with black pinstripes, and the numbers on the engine, transmission, and rear axle match the Protect-O-Plate photographed in the gallery. The sale includes the owner's manual, the Protect-O-Plate, an NCRS Shipping Data Report, a Certificate of Authenticity, a seller-provided three-page summary, a car cover, and spare parts.1970 Chevrolet Nova SSBring a TrailerThe lifter conversion needs weighing. The L78 is a solid-lifter engine by definition, and the solid units have been replaced with hydraulics, which changes how the engine behaves and moves it away from correct specification. The seller reports the engine and transmission have not been overhauled, that he has driven 700 miles without issue, and that the original owner made the change. A Winters aluminum intake and chrome valve covers are also fitted.1970 Chevrolet Nova SSBring a TrailerCosmetic history is straightforward. The car was repainted some time before the seller acquired it in 2019, and it rides on 14-inch Sport wheels with BFGoodrich Radial T/A white-letter tires over power front discs and rear drums. The seller states the Colorado title carries an actual-mileage designation reading 22,456, which reconciles against the 700 miles he has added. A pre-purchase inspection should verify the engine stamping independently.1970 Chevrolet Nova SSBring a TrailerAdvertisementAdvertisementThe offerSpecificationDetailMakeChevroletModelNova SSYear1970Mileage23,000 miles shownEngine396ci L78 V8Power375 horsepowerTransmissionFour-speed Muncie M20 manualDrive typeRear wheel drive with 12-bolt PosiTraction and 3.73:1 gearsExterior colorAutumn GoldInterior colorBlack vinylCurrent bid$22,000 with three days remainingInterested in this car? View the listing here.What makes the Nova SS uniqueUnderstatement was the Nova's weapon. Chevrolet dropped the 375-horsepower L78 396 into a compact most buyers associated with grocery runs, and the combination worked because the car weighed far less than a Chevelle carrying the same engine. Both big-blocks were special-order items, with the 300-horsepower small-block listed as the top published engine, which is why so few were built.1970 Chevrolet Nova SSBring a TrailerRarity has finally been recognized. Only 3,765 L78 cars left the factory for 1970, the model spent decades priced below its Camaro and Chevelle siblings, and that gap has closed rapidly, with a record example bringing $275,000 last year. Verification matters more here than almost anywhere, since L78 Novas are among the easier muscle cars to clone.My takeAt $22,000 with nine bids and three days to run, my call is $75,000, with $95,000 reachable if bidders weigh the documentation the way this market now does. What makes the case is the paperwork, because a Protect-O-Plate matching the engine, transmission, and axle numbers, plus an NCRS Shipping Data Report and a Certificate of Authenticity, answers the question hanging over every L78 for sale. What holds it under the record cars is the hydraulic lifter conversion and the repaint, since the L78 is a solid-lifter engine and a buyer chasing correctness will want it converted back. Verify the stamping, price the lifters, then bid.AdvertisementAdvertisementDisclaimer: This post is for informational purposes only. We are not a dealership or broker. All vehicle specifications, pricing, and availability are subject to change without notice. We are not responsible for typographical errors, omissions, or the accuracy of the provided information. Please verify all details directly with the seller.Autoblog aims to feature only the best products and services. If you buy something via one of our links, we may earn a commission.This story was originally published by Autoblog on Sep 22, 2026, where it first appeared in the Car Buying section. Add Autoblog as a Preferred Source by clicking here.