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Aunt Hilda Bought This 1976 Chevrolet Nova 48 Years Ago, Good News Under the Hood

1976 Chevy Nova 21 photos
Photo: eBay seller gard-beck
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The trends in the automotive space in the mid-'70s were pushing more customers to more economical cars, and the compact Nova was a key part of Chevrolet's lineup.
The battle in this space was getting even fiercer, not just because more American carmakers were more committed to improved fuel economy but also because Japanese companies were now gaining ground.

The affordable Nova was available with the same mix of six-cylinder engines and more powerful V8s, but Chevrolet continued to refine the lineup with almost every new iteration. The 250ci engine remained the base six, while the GM brand offered a 350ci V8 in 1975, later expanding the latter series with the addition of a 305ci unit.

The Nova in these photos left the factory in 1976, and eBay seller gard-beck says it has always been part of the family. It was bought by their aunt Hilda from a dealership in South New Jersey, eventually becoming their car in 1998.

While I won't comment much on its condition because everybody can determine such details by inspecting the photos in the gallery, I can't help but highlight the holes that have already invaded several parts, including the trunk. You should put the car on a lift and inspect the undersides, but overall, the car requires urgent metal work that is absolutely necessary if you want to use it as a daily driver.

The car has been sitting for years, and the seller explains that it was parked because of engine issues. However, the original unit is no longer in the car, so when you open the hood, you'll find good news because the new engine starts and runs with starting fluid. It's a new 250ci six-cylinder unit from a 1968 model, and it'll require additional work before turning the car into a road-worthy model.

The owner explains that further repairs, like new leafs and glass and a thorough verification, can turn it into a daily driver, though I believe that the car requires more work, especially metal-wise.

Meanwhile, the Nova has started the difficult search for a new home, and the best thing about it is that it sells without a reserve. This means that single bid can guarantee that this Nova gets a new home, though the bidding has started only a few hours ago and it's too early to tell how it'll end. The digital fight is projected to end in six days, and considering the starting bid is $2,500, I expect someone to give this car a second chance.

You can find this Nova parked in Edgewood, Maryland, and you'll need a trailer to take it home, considering the engine only runs on starting fluid. An in-person verification before the purchase is recommended.
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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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