Based on Chevrolet’s basic ‘senior compact’ sedan developed from the Chevy II line of the early 1960s, the Nova SS was a miniature muscle car built for body racers with a restricted budget and a passion for large amounts of power. Although they were big cars by European standards, in their humble six cylinder form the Nova SS provided everyday transport for thousands of American who regarded cars as mere domestic appliances. With the V8 engines fitted, however, the Nova took on a new personality; it became one of the most respected off the shelf hot rods around. The SS package offered small and big block V8s, the latter delivering up to 375 bhp in solid lifter L-38 form. These cars available only by special order and not always officially catalogued could complete a quarter mile (400 m) dash in 14 seconds and top 120 mph (192 km/h). There were three and four speed manual and three speed automatic transmission options. The SS package also included special decals, sports wheels and hood ornaments to let other drivers know what they were dealing with. It has an awesome engine of 5737 cc equipped with Monocoque chassis with independent suspension.
Other options included significantly beefed up suspension and front disc brakes. Power steering was an option the steering was very heavy without it, but despite this the Nova SS was well regarded for its handling. Hot rod like the Nova became less socially acceptable as the 1970s dawned, and after the 1972 no more up rated SS versions were offered. This helped to make it a highly collectable vehicle.
