Clone Car: 1969 Chevrolet Nova SS 350 Tribute – Sold?

October 9th Update: While updating our Free-For-All Friday database, we noticed the Craigslist ad for this ’69 Nova we first featured last month expired.  With no replacement listing found, we’re assuming this car “Sold!”  This one may have got away, but if you have your heart set on something similar, email us the details of what you’re looking for or call Rudy directly at (908)295-7330.

Chevrolet Nova Super Sport production totaled 17,654 in 1969. Not exactly limited production even by late sixties Chevrolet standards as it represented some seven percent of total Nova production that year.  While it’s safe to safe the vast majority of those nearly eighteen thousand SS versions rusted away to the big scrap heap in the sky, a cottage industry of officially Chevy-sanctioned restoration trim pieces makes it easy to convert a humble six-cylinder X-body into the Nova SS of your dreams. When completed properly (to us that means brakes, suspension, and power train in addition to all of the trim pieces) you can have a tribute car that replicates the experience of the original at a much more affordable price.  That’s what we have here with this Marina Blue 1969 Nova SS tribute listed originally in September 2020 on Craigslist in Albertson, New York (Long Island) with a 350 cubic inch small block connected to a four-speed manual with an asking price of $21,500.   Using a 350 equipped based Nova as a proper comparison, the Hagerty Insurance Online Valuation Tool confirms this private seller has his Nova priced between the #2 “Excellent” appraisal of $23,100 and the #3 “Good” estimate of $18,000.

Chevrolet introduced its third-generation Nova for the 1968 model year featuring a full redesign and restyle on a longer 111-inch wheelbase that was just one inch shorter than that of the midsize Chevelle coupe.  One notable change was a separate front subframe housing the powertrain and front suspension (similar to the front part of the frame of GM’s full-size, full-framed vehicles). Although the front subframe design was unique for the Nova, the Camaro introduced one year earlier was the first to incorporate such a design.

For 1968, The Nova Super Sport transformed from merely a trim option to a performance package for 1968. One of the smallest muscle cars ever fielded by Detroit, the Nova SS now included a 295 horsepower 350 cubic inch small block V8 along with a heavy-duty suspension and other performance hardware.  Optional V8 engines included two versions of the big-block 396 cubic inch Rat motor.

The Nova SS continued into 1969 with the addition of a locking steering column. Stylists added simulated air extractor/vents below the “Nova” script on the front fenders. The standard 350 cubic inch V8 topped with a four-barrel carburetor received a five horsepower bump to 300 horsepower. 1969 models were the first Nova SS version to have standard front disc brakes.

While the narrator of the Old Car Memories YouTube channel can be monotone at times, his videos are very informative.  Here’s his take on the third generation Nova:

When equipped properly, a clone car doesn’t know its not the real deal and neither will you when you are behind the wheel.  This appears to be a faithful recreation you can enjoy. About the only nitpick we have is the mismatched interior: light blue seat upholstery is readily available and would be a much more attractive match for the door cards versus what the car currently.  That’s a great project to tackle when the snow starts flying. Until then you can enjoy this Nova one quarter-mile at a time.  Good luck with the purchase!

Here’s the seller’s description:

“1969 Nova SS Clone

Excellent running 350 with a 4 speed & Hurst shifter

Flowmaster Exhaust

Power steering & Power disk brakes(front)

Really Nice Inside & out

Runs & drives excellent

No rips or tears in the interior, headliner is perfect, Seat belts are complete in the front & back .

Headlights, brake lights, signals, interior lights, Dash lights, Radio, cigarette lighter, wipers, heat & parking brake are all in good working order.

Underside , trunk floor & rocker panels are in excellent condition with no rust.

1/4 panels are original to the car

Chrome in great condition, bumpers like new

Paint is very nice but does have some imperfections here & there.

Rear Brake pads, & wheel cylinders just replaced.

Have a folder with a ton of receipts for what was done to the car aswell.

Please check with your wife/significant other, make sure you have room, no trades cash only.“

Do you have a Nova story you’d like to share?  Comment below and let us know!