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1973 Chevrolet Nova Emerges With a Rare Option and Original Surprises

Rare 1973 Chevy Nova 20 photos
Photo: Bogdan Popa/autoevolution/eBay seller classicautoinvestment
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The 1973 model year witnessed the introduction of a facelift for the Nova lineup, and the most striking changes were the new front and rear bumpers. Their massive design wasn't Chevrolet's choice but a way to comply with the new safety regulations, which required carmakers to fit their cars with energy-absorbing bumpers in case of collisions.
Chevrolet continued to offer a Nova SS, but its magic no longer matched the intriguing offering of the original model available during the '60s.

It was a cosmetic package with a $123 price tag and included only Rally wheels and a new grille design with a blackout pattern. The Nova SS still sold well, probably based on the legacy of the original model, with Chevrolet eventually shipping more than 35,500 units.

The carmaker also produced 3,200 Novas with a Skyroof option, making them some of the rarest configurations for this model year. It's unclear how many are still around, but one recently landed on eBay to look for a new home.

This 1973 Nova rolled off the assembly lines with the base package but still flexed the intriguing Skyroof option. The best part is that everything is working – the car is already serving as a daily driver, so it doesn't need any critical repairs to return to the road.

The engine installed by Chevrolet was a 350 V8 – it was the most popular engine choice for this model year and a potent unit for anyone who wanted the Nova for regular grocery shopping and a thrilling ride on a highway. All numbers match, and the automatic transmission works correctly.

It's unclear if the paint is original, but it exhibits typical issues, including dents, dings, and chips. It shouldn't be difficult to restore it to a tip-top shape, but you must first ask the seller if the paint is the one that came with the car when rolling off the assembly lines.

The cabin is complete and original. It looks good and requires only minor occasional repairs, as well as a thorough cleaning to make it shine like new again.

A complete restoration should also include dropping the aftermarket parts installed by the previous owners, including the aluminum intake, the 4-barrel carburetor, and the dual exhaust. The owner says, "it sounds mean," but someone who wants an all-original package might not be interested in such details.

The Skyroof is the main selling point, mainly because it's hard to find this option on a 1973 Nova today. It's also a reason why the car won't sell cheaply, as seller classicautoinvestment expects to get $17,500 for the Nova. The Make Offer option is also live, so if you believe this rare Nova has a place in your garage, contact them for further negotiations.
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About the author: Bogdan Popa
Bogdan Popa profile photo

Bogdan keeps an eye on how technology is taking over the car world. His long-term goals are buying an 18-wheeler because he needs more space for his kid’s toys, and convincing Google and Apple that Android Auto and CarPlay deserve at least as much attention as their phones.
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