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Chevrolet Nova 3rd Gen

Overview

The third-generation Nova, produced from 1968 to 1974, saw Chevrolet offering a more muscular body style with increased engine performance. The SS396 variant provided high-displacement V8s, making the Nova competitive in the muscle car market while still serving as a compact, everyday vehicle.

Distinctions

What sets this car apart, from being selected for the Octane Files to becoming a legend.

In the files

Selected for its history, engineering, or cultural weight.

The scorecard

Rated 1 to 10 on the traits that matter for owning, driving, and holding on to a car like this.

Desirability

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Rarity

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Driving Thrill

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Investment Trajectory

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Usability

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Ease of Restoration

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Cultural Impact

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Electronic dependence

Fully analogHeavily electronic

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Market Data

Demand tier, price trend, and typical values by condition, based on recent sales data.

Desirability Tier

Blue-chipHighSolidEntry

Strong, sustained collector demand. Good examples never wait long for a buyer.

Value Trajectory

AppreciatingStableCooling

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Price by condition

Driver

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Excellent

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Concours

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Buyer's guide

What anyone seriously considering this car should know first.

Why it's worth it

The budget muscle sleeper - a big-block in a light compact; Yenko Novas are among the most valuable.

Callout

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What to watch for

SS396/L78 clones are common on plain Novas - verify VIN/cowl and engine casting; Yenko/COPO cars need airtight docs.

The Story

Driving Character

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Design

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Motorsport Pedigree

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In Culture

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Where it comes from

Related cars from the same manufacturer family, like platform siblings or shared-era relatives.

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Rivals

Cars from other manufacturers that competed for the same buyers when new.

Rivals: Dodge Dart/Demon, Ford Falcon/Maverick. If you like it: Dart GTS, Demon 340.

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Owning One

Why collectors want it

Lightweight compact plus a big-block equals classic sleeper; the SS396 (L78 375hp) and the Yenko/COPO 427 Novas are the quick, desirable end.

Which one to look for

SS (350/396), L78 396/375hp, Yenko/COPO 427 (rare), base six-cylinder cars (skip for muscle).

What owning one is like

Rust (floors, trunk, frame rails), unibody rot, cheap economy interiors, and easy cloning.

Upkeep & Parts

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Resources

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All cars

Country of Origin

USA

Class

Muscle

Production Years

1968–1974

Units Built

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Marque

Chevrolet

Model

Nova

Nickname

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Body

Coupe, Sedan, Wagon

Layout

Front-engine, RWD

Engine

350 small-block, 396 big-block (L78), and the COPO 427.

Transmission

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Designer

GM Styling