Ultra Rare '70 COPO 427 Nova

[Allen]

I know there are a lot of experts out there with way more knowledge than I have, but since I have a personal interest in Novas, I felt compelled to comment on that auction.

This Nova looks to be a very nice (and probably quite fun!) driver, but I agree that it is misrepresented as an "Original" and "unrestored" for several reasons.

First, to the best of my knowledge, that 11327 code on the door sticker indicates a 6-cylinder coupe body code. I haven't seen any 6-cylinder Novas come out with 12-bolt posi rears and Turbo 400 trannys.

Also, the SS badging appears to have been added to that "unrestored original unmolested" car.

I believe that '70 SS Novas automatically received front disc brakes. The brake pedal pad on the car does not indicate this. In 14,000 original miles of use, the pedal wouldn't have worn out and needed replaced.

The original steering column is color-keyed to the interior (not black) and doesn't sport the SS badge on the center shroud.

The hood, with its very nice louvers, doesn't have the extra support bracket that factory SS hoods seemed to have.

That front side marker light/bezel is a '68/69 vintage part. I don't think they fit on original '70 Nova fenders with the longer side lights.

The owner contradicts himself by later saying that it isn't an original SS, when it also has never been restored or molested (are we talking about cars or people?). Isn't sticking on badges, changing drive-trains, etc. call modifying? Modifications are cool, but shouldn't be misleading to anyone.

The above notes are just my observations. I have no objections to what was done. It would probably be a sweet package to play with, but don't like to see misleading things like that ad posted out there.

Just my $0.02. Thanks for listening!

[sYc]

I agree, it looks like a nice driver, but am disappointed in the way it was presented. I hope who ever is bidding on it knows what they are getting into, that it is a built car. I hate to say it, but many times people buy BEFORE checking, not after. We here at the sYc, like several other people I know in our hobby, have had to tell someone that their "special, rare" car is not what they were led to believe. I know it is buyer beware, but a lot of the public does not have the knowledge of these cars that we do. Anytime a fake/clone/built supercar sells as a real one, I think it only hurts our hobby. How would you like to be a judge at the Novas Nats and have to judge this car in the original and/or survivor class, which is where the new owner may feel it belongs? Tom

[Edited by sYc (11-20-2000 at 08:01 PM).]

[YENKO DEUCE REGISTRY]

Allen;
Excellent reply, you are right on all counts on this car being a 6 cyl. with the catalog SS parts being added for show!
The car is a very nice car, and would make a great street racer if the price would remain reaonable.
M

[Allen]

Thanks! I guess I'm just picky about those things. I've had four Novas over the years, and my current toy is a '70 Nova SS 396/350hp car. To the best of my knowledge, it appears to have the original factory setup (motor, trans, rear, interior).

Just like you folks with the SuperCars, when I take an interest in something, I try to learn all of the little details that I can. So, based on my interests, I pay attention to the '68-'72 vintage Novas.

I'd love to get one of those prized Yenko Novas, but don't see that happening anytime. My first goal would be to simply ride in or drive one.

[YENKO DEUCE REGISTRY]

Allen;
I have been working on mine for 4.5 years now, and like you have never driven, or driven in, a '70 Yenko Nova! I have probably seen as many, or more, of these '70 Yenkos as anyone, but have never been able to sneak a ride yet. It has always been; bad weather, still a project, at a show, ect... The closest I have gotten was Dave Belk holding a video camera on his sholder while driving his. It looks like I will have to finish mine first!

If you ever want to part with your '70 396/350hp to get into a Yenko Nova, let me know. There are always cars for sale, ('70's that is).
M

[Allen]

I suspect that the cash difference to change from my SS396 Nova to a Yenko would still be somewhat significant.

Here are a couple of pics that are hosted on a Nova website.

http://www.geocities.com/MotorCity/G...372/allen.html

Someday, I'll learn how to type that so that it is actually a clickable link.

What are the details on your Yenko Nova? Well, I guess the primary variable is the color, since most were optioned the same (drivetrain, interior, exterior badging, etc). Do you have the original drivetrain?

Thanks for the details!