1968 Chevy II Nova L79 Headed To Barrett-Jackson Auction
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Introduced in 1962 model year, the Chevy Nova was initially known as the Chevy II. The Nova moniker was among the top finalists for the car’s name, but lost out as it did not start with the letter “C.” The car would wear the Chevy II nameplate through 1968, with the model’s top trim level named the Nova.
The Chevy II Nova was an economy car and direct competitor for the Ford Falcon. The first generation was replaced for the 1966 model year and the second generation lasted through 1967. For 1968, the previously compact Chevy II Nova received a full redesign and grew in size, looking much like a smaller version of the Chevelle. The wheelbase was lengthened to 111 inches, and overall length was just shy of the midsize Chevelle.
The 1968 Chevy II Nova was the first to introduce a separate subframe assembly that housed the powertrain and front suspension similar to GM’s full-framed, full-size cars. Chevy boasted fifteen different engine choices for the coupes, optional power steering and power brakes, air conditioning, headrests, and rear seat shoulder belts.
Our feature 1968 Chevy II Nova, resplendent in Matador Red, has been the subject of a comprehensive rotisserie restoration. It is one of only 1,274 equipped with the optional L79 327 cubic-inch Small Block producing 350 horsepower, backed by the numbers-matching four-speed manual transmission and matching twelve-bolt rear end. The L79 features the correct Air Injection Reactor pump, original carb, and distributor. Optional equipment includes power steering, power disc brakes, and push-button AM radio. Painted steel wheels wear dog dish hubcaps and are shod in reproduction bias-ply redline tires.
The Chevy II Nova has a glossy finish in its factory Matador Red hue. Front and rear bumpers appear to have been either re-plated or replaced when the car was restored. Panel gaps are consistent with build quality of the period. Stainless trim is well polished and gleams in the sun. Glass and weatherstrip both present as new.
Inside the Chevy II Nova, the black interior is pristine. The black vinyl bench shows no signs of wrinkling or creasing. Carpets are all colorfast and wear-free. The original AM radio is still fitted in the dash. The interior appears showroom fresh, save for two small auxiliary gauges just beneath the dash.
The engine compartment of the Chevy II Nova is spotless as one would expect from a quality restoration. Finishes and components all appear correct, as if this slick little sleeper was fresh from the assembly line. The eagle-eyed will spot the correct battery.
This Chevy II Nova comes with a partial build sheet, correct jack and spare, and a full restoration photo album. It will cross the auction block next week at the Barrett-Jackson auction in Scottsdale, Arizona.
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I had a 1970 Nova with a 350 under the hood as a first car. Great car great memories.
As did I. Yes, it was a great car, ordered it new,350,4spd posi & the radio face flipped in in order to insert your 8 track tape. Chevy was big with the Uniroyal Tiger Paw tires back then. Had it until ’73 & sold it to my sister & then bought a fully loaded black El Camino. The Nova ended up with a family friend & became available to me 4 years ago but turned down the offer. A decision I occasionally regret. Lots of memories.
Too bad it’s not a 68 Chevelle L79.
This is pretty rare. I’d take this over a chevelle any day.
68 Chevelle 300 posts with the L79 weren’t actually growing on trees.
I purchased a 1971 Chevy Nova SS 350 -300 hp. 4 speed 373 posi traction Yellow with black bench interior.
I wanted to order the 396 but couldn’t afford the extra $350.00 for the option. How times have changed! .
I noticed it is not an SS car, interesting since it has everything but the emblems, or so it seems. Yeah, i remember when you could order a car as you wanted, as opposed to today, where you have to buy what they want to load you up with, whether you want it all or not.
Great car. I must point out that the ’68 L-79 in the Chevy II and Chevelle was rated at 325 hp. Basically the same engine as the 66 and 67 but had an iron intake with a Quadrajet and 66-7 had an aluminum intake and a Holley carb. Oddly, the ’68 Corvette L-79 (also iron intake and Quadrajet) was rated at 350 hp. Seems that most manufacturers back in the day played little games with hp numbers.
Thanks for saving me the trouble. As the owner of a 68 Chevelle L79 I noticed that immediately.
Glad you mentioned that. In summer of ’69 while stopping for gas in Minneapolis there was a light blue ’68 Chevelle 300 two door filling up next to me. Looked stock from the outside until I notice flexible hoses running from the square holes in the front bumper back underneath the radiator support. Obviously for air intake. Friendly guy showed me the engine; was an L-79 with headers and an air cleaner probably from a Hurst Olds 442. 4 speed car of course. I thought that car was so cool-still do.
Hello everyone! I purchased a 1976 Chevy Nova Concours from my father. It’s been in the family since it rolled off the line. Always wanted to own it since I was a kid and I made the dream a reality. I’ve wanted to do some more restoration even though she is mighty clean. I’m just having a little bit of a hard time sourcing parts and such. If anyone knew of some good sites or avenues for finding anything I would appreciate a heads up!
Try National Nostalgic Nova for info and parts
Only 2 options 4speed and go fast Glad someone didn’t put hood scopes cut the wheel wells did it say if they had a window sticker build sheet? There l are a lot of novas that started life as a 6 and powegulide
In 73 I bought a 70 Nova SS 396. Kept it a few years and got a 68 Corvette Roadster with a tripower 427. Should have kept them both. The Nova cost $1900. The Corvette was $2800….lol
I had a 69 307, PG, ps, am/fm then went to Vietnam and came back and bought a 72 350, 3spd in the floor, bench seat vinyl upholstery. Had to sell it to get married. Now I’m looking.
I had a 69 ss, originally 396/375. The original motor used excessive oil. Chip Barwick Chevrolet service manager said they had a run of engines that used oil. Offered to replace the short block under warranty with a 427!/425 for extra $100. I had 4.33 gears installed and many other aftermarket mods. The good old days of street racers.
68 L79’S are not 350HP , they are rated at 325HP , GM actually rated the 325HP motors at a lower RPM than the earlier 350HP versins
even though they likely made more peak HP than the earlier 350HP versions , the 350hp had a 585cfm holley carb and aluminum mid rise intake manifold , and the 325HP has a 750cfm q-jet on a cast iron mid rise intake
Cuando me case fui a la iglesia en una impecable que tenía mi viejo, acá en Argentina se fabrico hasta el 78 con esa plataforma. Hoy el mismo auto lo quiero recuperar y me piden 30000 dolares, esta como salido de fabrica
I bought a 1971 Nova it came with a 400 cubic inch. It had broke ring. So I ordered a small long block 396 stroked. It’s 501 Hp and 524.8 lbs of torque. Can’t wait to hear it run. It’s being painted now. And the transmission is going to be a 700R4 with 900Hp and a1000 lbs of torque.