Do You Prefer Your 1970 Chevrolet Nova Mild or Wild?
Before Burger King co-opted it, “Have it your way” was Chevrolet’s advertising slogan for its 1970 Nova. This stylish, economical compact could be anything from a mild-mannered family sedan to a fire-breathing muscle coupe, and Americans responded in kind with 274,344 examples sold that year. This model has been popular for decades, both as a durable and reliable used car and now as a bona fide classic, and surviving examples regularly trade hands through the Hemmings Marketplace.
We found a pair of 1970 Nova V-8 coupes that were at different ends of the performance and price spectrums, and thought it would be fun to compare and contrast them. Chevy built more than 200,000 Nova coupes that year with engine choices including a 90-hp 153-cu.in. four-cylinder, 230- and 250-cu.in. inline-sixes, and V-8s that ranged between 307- and 402-cu.in. and made 200 to 375 horsepower. The Super Sports were the exciting ones, with the circa-19,560 built featuring a standard 300 hp/380 lb-ft version of the four-barrel-carbureted Turbo-Fire 350-cu.in. V-8, power front disc/rear drum brakes, black trimmings for the grille and rear decor panel, black lower-body trim, simulated hood and front-fender louvers, and 14 x 7-inch Magnum 500-style Sport wheels. SS transmission choices included a manual four-speed and automatic two-speed Powerglide and three-speed Turbo Hydra-Matic. Those wanting still more heat could order a 402-cu.in. Turbo-Jet 396 rated at 350 or 375 hp and 415 lb-ft of torque.
Mild: Basic 350, Bench Seat
Fathom Blue 1970 Chevrolet Nova coupe low front quarter
This Fathom Blue Nova coupe was not built as a Super Sport, but its seller indicates the 350-cu.in. V-8 under its hood has been there since day one. This car looks sharp with a black vinyl roof cover and SS-spec 14 x 7-inch Sport wheels covering four-wheel drums. The split-back bench front bench seat matches the rear bench and offers room for six, while a trio of under-dash dials keep the driver informed and the roomy trunk contains a spare Rally wheel mounting a radial tire.
1970 Chevrolet Nova coupe dashboard
The aforementioned V-8 features a four-barrel carburetor, headers, and dual exhausts, and it’s paired with a column-shifted three-speed Turbo Hydra-Matic transmission.
Fathom Blue 1970 Chevrolet Nova coupe 350 V8 engine bay
This car’s attractive paint is a respray, and it presents well outside, inside, and underneath.
Fathom Blue 1970 Chevrolet Nova coupe high rear quarter
“This classic Chevy Nova is said by the seller to be in ‘excellent’ condition. Under the hood is the believed-original 350 V8, backed by an automatic transmission. Additional details include power steering, manual brakes, and BFGoodrich tires. There are no mechanical issues with this 1970 Chevrolet Nova Coupe, asserts the seller, and its Fathom Blue paintwork appears in very good condition.”
Wild: Built 427, Bucket Seats
white 1970 Chevrolet Nova 427 profile
This Nova has all the proper SS hallmarks –including the simulated front fender louvers and black lower-body trimmings– and more. The white car has the same black vinyl roof covering as the example above, and ups the aggression with a steel 1970’s Baldwin Motion-style Stinger hood, upsized 15 x 8-inch Sport wheels, and a Custom interior with Strato-bucket front seats and aftermarket accessory gauges.
1970 Chevrolet Nova SS black Strato-bucket interior passenger side
The “427” emblems on the front fenders and the “MOTION” trunk lid badge are more indications this ’70 has more going on than Chevy envisioned for its smallest model. The V-8 under that Stinger hood is said to displace 468-cu.in. and make a dyno-verified 710 horsepower thanks to the impressive array of go-fast parts that include a Holley fuel-injection system and a set of Doug’s headers. It sends all that output through a Hurst-shifted Muncie M-22 four-speed manual to a Posi-equipped 10-bolt rear end, and four-wheel disc brakes rein in the fun.
1970 Chevrolet Chevelle SS custom 427 V-8 engine
There’s a lot to unpack with this body-off-restored car, whose ad includes numerous detailed build photos and multiple videos.
white 1970 Chevrolet Nova SS rear
“Frame Off 8 Years Ago. I Have A Book With Pictures Of The Restore. Body Is Believed To Be All Original. The Nova Is A Trophy Hunter & Does Well At Shows. My Nova Is A Light Rendition Of A 70’s Style Baldwin Motion Nova.”
Given the choice, which of these Novas would you prefer, and how would your perfectly spec’d example look?
