Autoblog and Yahoo may earn commission from links in this article.This 1971 Chevrolet Nova Coupe, finished in Vista Blue and packing a built 355ci small-block V8, is listed for $49,999. With just 1,656 post-build miles on the odometer, a fully redone interior, Wilwood 4-wheel disc brakes, a 12-bolt posi rear with 4.10 gears, and enough go-fast parts to make a parts catalog blush, this is a purpose-built street machine that means business.According to Classic.com, the average sale price for a third-generation Chevrolet Nova (1968 to 1972) sits at $49,887, which puts this car almost exactly at the market average. Classics on Autotrader places the average asking price for the same generation at around $46,272, with listings ranging from $9,495 to $113,998. So at face value, $49,999 is right in the thick of it for a third-gen Nova.AdvertisementAdvertisementBut this isn't a stock Nova with fresh paint. The build sheet reads like someone gave a serious performance builder both a budget and a free afternoon. The TH400 transmission, 3,000 RPM stall converter, Cal-Tracs traction bars, Moser axles, line-lock system, and M/T drag radials all point to a car built to cover a quarter mile quickly rather than sit in a garage collecting compliments. The ceramic coating and mirror-finish paint say it can do both. At $49,999, you're getting a turn-key, show-ready drag machine at market average pricing. For what it is, that's a fair ask.The offerMake: ChevroletModel: NovaYear: 1971Mileage: 1,656 (Exempt / TMU, post-build miles)Engine: 355ci small-block V8Power: Not officially rated (estimated 350+ HP based on build specs)Transmission: TH400 3-speed automatic with 3,000 RPM stall converterDrive type: Rear-wheel drive (RWD)Exterior color: Vista Blue (PPG base/clear with ceramic coating)Interior color: BlackAsking price: $49,999Vehicle location: Manville, New JerseyInterested in this 1971 Chevrolet Nova? View the listing here.Need new tires? Save up to 30% at Tire RackFind the perfect tires for your exact vehicle and driving style. Click here to shop all top-tier brands, including Michelin, Bridgestone, and more, directly at Tire Rack.1971 Chevrolet Nova listing detailsUnder the aggressive 4-inch cowl induction hood sits a 355ci naturally aspirated small-block V8 built properly for street performance. The Holley 750 CFM double-pumper carburetor feeds a "Motha Thumper" camshaft paired with roller-tip rocker arms and a ceramic-coated aluminum intake, all of which combine to produce a lumpy, aggressive idle that announces the car's intentions before you even see it. The MSD ignition system handles spark duties, while ceramic-coated headers and a full 3-inch Flowmaster dual exhaust give the engine room to breathe and a voice to match. Power routes through a TH400 three-speed automatic with a 3,000 RPM stall converter, offering crisp, aggressive acceleration well-suited for strip use.Out back, the 12-bolt posi-traction rear end with Moser axles and 4.10 gears ensures this Nova hooks hard rather than spinning aimlessly. Cal-Tracs rear traction bars, frame connectors, and Competition Engineering adjustable shocks keep the chassis planted under hard acceleration. The Wilwood 4-wheel power disc brakes with vented rotors handle the job of slowing things down, which at this performance level is a genuinely important detail.AdvertisementAdvertisementThe Vista Blue PPG base/clear paint has been cut, buffed, and polished to a deep, mirror-like finish, then sealed with a ceramic coating. The all-steel body, including the cowl induction hood, is described as extremely straight and solid throughout, floors and trunk included. 15-inch Weld Pro-Star wheels with M/T drag radials out back give the car a purposeful, slightly sinister stance.Inside, the full black interior has been completely redone. Pro-Car adjustable front bucket seats anchor the cabin, while new upholstery, carpeting, headliner, and door panels give everything a fresh, cohesive look. A carbon fiber dash cluster housing AutoMeter gauges and a B&M Pro-Ratchet floor shifter keep the performance theme going without feeling overdone.1971 Chevrolet Nova quick takeThe third-generation Chevrolet Nova has long been one of the most popular platforms for American muscle builds, and for obvious reasons. It's compact, it's clean, and it responds well to just about every performance modification known to man. This particular example leans hard into the street and strip end of the spectrum. With 4.10 rear gears, a stall converter, drag radials, a line-lock, and traction bars, the seller isn't pretending this is a boulevard cruiser. It's a purpose-built quarter-mile machine that also happens to be finished to a show-quality standard.At $49,999, it lands right at the market average for a third-gen Nova, which is honestly a bit of a bargain given the depth of the build. This isn't a parts-swapped Nova with a coat of paint, it's a cohesive, well-executed performance build with low post-completion mileage and the kind of spec list that would cost significantly more to replicate today. If you're in the market for a Nova that's as happy on the strip as it is turning heads in a parking lot, this one makes a compelling case.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.This story was originally published by Autoblog on May 19, 2026, where it first appeared in the Car Buying section. Add Autoblog as a Preferred Source by clicking here.