The 1970 Chevrolet Nova Coupe remains a definitive pillar of the American muscle car movement, prized for its lightweight frame and immense power potential. This specific example underwent a significant refurbishment in 2015, trading its original Cranberry Red for a striking metallic orange finish. Paired with a black vinyl roof and SS-style emblems, the car captures the aggressive spirit of the early seventies perfectly. It represents a purposeful build designed for those who appreciate the raw, mechanical connection of a big-block powertrain.
Exterior Restoration and Visual Details
The metallic orange paintwork gives this 1970 Chevrolet Nova Coupe a modern brilliance while highlighting its classic Coke-bottle styling. A black vinyl roof cover and matching side moldings provide a period-correct contrast that breaks up the bold body color. Simulated hood vents and chrome bumpers further enhance the muscular aesthetic, ensuring the car stands out at any local gathering. Despite the color change from factory specifications, the high-quality refinishing work preserves the iconic silhouette of this Willow Run assembly veteran.
Chassis Setup and Traction Control
Handling the torque of a big-block engine requires more than just standard equipment, which is why this coupe features rear traction bars. These bars help minimize wheel hop during hard acceleration, ensuring the 14-inch Sport wheels and BFGoodrich Radial T/A tires maintain their grip. Power steering makes navigating the 1970 Chevrolet Nova Coupe much more manageable, especially during low-speed maneuvers or tight parking. Furthermore, the combination of power-assisted front discs and rear drums provides reliable stopping power for modern driving conditions.
Classic Interior with Functional Upgrades
The cabin maintains a traditional feel with bench seating upholstered in black vinyl, offering plenty of space for passengers. Woodgrain door trim adds a subtle touch of the original luxury appointments found in higher-trim models of the era. A Hurst shifter rises from the floor, providing the driver with a precise and mechanical gear selection process. Additionally, the interior features front vent windows and a functional heater, making the car comfortable for use during cooler morning cruises.
Instrumentation and Driver Feedback
Behind the simulated wood-rim steering wheel, the factory horizontal-sweep 120-mph speedometer remains the primary focus for the driver. For more accurate monitoring of the replacement engine, aftermarket readouts for oil pressure and water temperature are mounted below the dashboard. While the five-digit odometer shows 57,000 miles, the total mileage of the chassis remains unknown given its long history. These extra gauges provide essential data that the original factory warning lights often fail to communicate effectively.
Engine Performance and Mechanical Specs
The heart of this 1970 Chevrolet Nova Coupe is a replacement 396ci V8 that breathes through a Holley carburetor and Hooker headers. This setup is optimized for performance, utilizing an updated MSD ignition system to ensure consistent spark and power delivery. A four-speed manual transmission allows the driver to fully exploit the engine’s power band before sending torque to the 12-bolt rear axle. Both the gearbox and the rear end were overhauled during the refurbishment to ensure mechanical longevity and smooth operation.
Market Summary
This 1970 Chevrolet Nova Coupe stands as a well-sorted example of a classic “street machine” build. The combination of a big-block V8 and a manual transmission makes it a highly desirable configuration for enthusiasts seeking an involved driving experience. Recent maintenance, including a fresh oil change, indicates the car is ready for immediate enjoyment by its next owner. It remains a timeless piece of Chevrolet history that continues to offer significant presence and performance on the open road.
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Source: bringatrailer.com
