The Nova had started life in 1962 as the Chevy II, Chevrolet’s rushed answer to the Ford Falcon. It was designed quickly and cheaply, intended as basic transportation with no particular ambitions. By 1969, the Chevy II name was dropped entirely and the whole lineup ran under the Nova banner, by which point the car had grown considerably more interesting.
The 1969 Nova could be ordered with a 375-horsepower 396-cubic-inch V8, making it a genuine muscle car in a compact package — the same front suspension geometry as the Camaro, as it happened. That version carried into the early ’70s, with the 1970 Nova SS 396 still pulling 375 horsepower before emissions regulations started squeezing the life out of big-block options.
The 1973 oil crisis changed the conversation permanently. Chevrolet’s fourth-generation Nova, introduced for 1975 with a full redesign, moved away from the SS attitude and toward something more European in feel — boxier, more formal, positioned as a sensible family car. A catalytic converter came standard, requiring unleaded fuel, and engine choices got considerably tamer.
The Super Sport package, which had been Nova’s performance calling card since the mid-1960s, was discontinued after 1976. What remained was a well-regarded compact with a reputation for durability and low operating costs, which turned out to be exactly what a lot of buyers wanted by the mid-’70s.
One of the more unusual chapters in the Nova’s decade came from law enforcement. The Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department put six competing compact cars through 24 separate durability and performance tests in 1976, then placed an order for 222 Novas — the largest single order for compact police cars in U.S. history at that point.
By 1978, the specially configured police Nova had spread to departments in 47 states. It was a practical endorsement that Chevrolet leaned into, pointing out that the same factory producing police-spec Novas was building the ones on dealer lots. The ’78 coupe started at $3,702 and returned EPA estimates of 26 mpg highway with the standard six-cylinder and manual transmission.
The Nova ran through the 1979 model year, with the last custom-order examples finished in March of that year. Its replacement in Chevy’s lineup was the front-wheel-drive Citation, which represented a fundamental shift in how GM built compact cars. The Nova name came back briefly from 1985 to 1988, but that version was built at the NUMMI plant in Fremont, California — a joint GM-Toyota venture — and was essentially a rebadged Toyota Corolla. The nameplate was then retired for good.
The ads and archival material collected here cover the Nova’s full run through the 1970s, from the hatchback coupe introduced in 1972 to the police car ads that ran later in the decade. They show a car that kept adapting to whatever the market asked of it, year by year, without making too much noise about it.
’71 Nova: A change in attitude
Many people today have changed their attitude about cars. Nova owners say, “It’s dependable. Good looking. Low priced. I like the size. It’s probably as trouble-free a car as you can buy. It doesn’t cost me a lot to run. Don’t change it.”
So we’ve changed our attitude and made only a few meaningful improvements for ’71. We put in new Power-Beam headlamps for improved lighting. We also made the standard 6-cylinder engine a bit more responsive.
But we kept Nova’s not-too-small ways intact. The coupe still seats five adults and the sedan, six. Nova still has a big trunk with steel cargo guard.
We didn’t let Nova get any bigger, either. It’s the same easy size to park and handle. To fit a garage with bikes to spare. To be as secure and dependable as things like Body by Fisher can make it. And it again carries a price tag that, not too big.
Nova. America’s not-too-small not-too-big car. We wouldn’t change that for the world.
1970s Chevy Nova: New Hatchback Nova. Same old reputation. (1972)
Now you can get a Nova with a big back door and a rear seat that folds down to become a six-foot load floor. So you can use it sort of like a wagon.
But, deep down, it’s the same trustworthy, durable and thrifty Chevy Nova you’ve known for years. Motor Service and Service Station Management magazines’ survey of mechanics (July 1972) found Nova: easiest to service, had the least mechanical problems, and was best overall among all compact cars.
Now, we’ve increased Nova’s appeal — without endangering her reputation.
Panning for gold in the Angeles National Forest, California.
The ’72 Nova Coupe
1972: The new Nova 3-door
The Nova Hatchback Coupe doesn’t have a trunk. Which is good.
Because a lot of people think what it has in its place is better — a big back door and a six-foot floor. With the rear seat folded down you can use it sort of like a station wagon. For bicycles, boxes and yes, even luggage.
The new Nova 3-door holds a lot more than its value. As if value weren’t enough. Chevrolet. Building a better way to see the USA.
’72 Rally Nova: Compact car of the Year
Motor Trend Magazine has named the’72 Rally Nova “Compact Car of the Year.” Maybe it was the stripes?
Motor Trend calls it “the happy culmination of what’s happened with the Nova in the past seven years.” True. And we appreciate the kind words. But at the same time, you can be sure we’re going to keep finding ways to make Nova an even better car. Because we want your new Nova to be the best car you ever owned. Stripes and all.
It takes more than style and stripes to win a Motor Trend award. Did you know, for example, that the Motor Trend staff tested over 100 cars from all over the world before finally selecting this year’s seven winners? Tested them thoroughly. Compared performance, features, strengths, weaknesses. Took a close look at workmanship. Dug deep. Discussed. Then voted. We’re delighted that our Rally Nova was a winner.
Rally Nova and friends beside the Hudson River at Cold Spring. N.Y.
Remember the Nova. It can hold out for years. (1972)
’72 Nova Coupe at the Alamo in San Antonio, Texas
1972 Nova Coupe: It keeps on rolling along. (1972)
1974 Chevy Nova hatchback coupe
1974 Chevrolet Nova 6: Economy without cramps
Buying a compact car with a six-cylinder engine can make a lot of room in your budget. If that compact car is an economical 1974 Chevy Nova 6, you’ll also end up with a lot of room in your car. “Automotive Industries’ Roominess Index” says no domestic compact at any price has more head and shoulder room, front and rear, than Nova. The roomy, economical Nova 6 comes in three versatile body styles.
The 2-door Nova: The Chevy Nova basic transportation system. Few cars make as much sense as this one. It’s small enough on the outside to be easy to park and drive, yet has enough room on the inside for six passengers. And it’s as good-looking as it is sensible. The base price for this standard two-door coupe (shown at top left) is $2647.*
The 3-door Nova: You can carry people around comfortably in any economical Nova 6. The Hatchback Nova 6 lets you carry lots of things around comfortably. Open the rear hatch, fold down the rear seat, and you’ll have nearly six feet of flat load space. Almost like having a wagon. Six flat feet are just what you need on grocery shopping or moving days. Right?
The 4-door Nova: The Nova’s rear seat is so roomy and comfortable some people like to get to it fast. The four-door version of the Nova 6 makes this easy. From this point on, the rear-seat passengers are carried economically to their destination by Nova’s proven six-cylinder engine. Just like passengers in other Nova models.
You’ll like Nova’s sporty good looks, and, like other Nova models, the four-door has traditionally maintained a high resale value.
Chevrolet has been building and refining the Nova for thirteen years now, and this year, the Nova seems to make more sense than ever. It’s the car with the room you want and the economy you need. Economy without cramps. That’s the 1974 Chevrolet Nova 6.
The ’74 Chevy Nova: Custom hatchback coupe
1977 Chevy Nova in yellow
Police departments drive ’77 Chevy Nova cars
Last year Chevy Nova captured the Los Angeles Sheriff’s Dept. This year we’re after you.
Introducing the ’77 Nova. Last year the Los Angeles Sheriff’s Department tested a specially equipped ’76 Chevy Nova against five cars submitted by other car makers. They put the Nova through 24 different tests of durability and performance.
When all the tests were over, the LA.S.D. decided to order 222 Novas (the largest single order for compact police cars in U.S. history). The same people who built these Novas for the police build three Nova models for you.
And when you get right down to it, a lot of the things the police look for in a car are the same things you look for in the car you drive. This year, we’d like you to test, a new Chevy Nova. Once you’ve experienced it, you’ll know why Nova won its star.
’78 Chevy Nova: At $3702 its a steal.
The new Chevy Nova Coupe’s price is almost too good to be true. Because Nova’s one of those rare cars that keeps its own special appeal year after year: A great combination of quality and value.
Police Nova: proven in 47 states. Police departments all across the country have tested and applauded specially-equipped Novas for their durability, reliability and overall rugged performance. They’ve made it the best-selling police compact in Arnerica. Nov the same people who build the Police Nova build a Nova for you. And they both have strong reputations.
16 years of experience. Chevy Nova’s a veteran. It’s been dependably pleasing people for 16 years. There’s been a lot of improvement along the way, and a remarkable four million sold.
Easy on gas. 26 MPG hwy. 19 MPG city. Nova, with its standard 250 Cu. In. 6-cylinder engine and manu. transmission, achieved those EPA estimates. Manual transmission not available in California, where estimates are 21 mpg highway, 15 city, with available automatic transmission.
Your mileage depends on how and where you drive, your car’s condition and available equipment The Nova is equipped with GM-built engines produced by various divisions. See your dealer for details. Chevy Nova. A wanted car.
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For those interested in learning more about the Chevy Nova “9C1” Police Car, check out the “Nova 9C1 Police Cars” Facebook group. Many great pictures and information about one of the most iconic police cars ever built!
My parents said they’d match whatever I thought I could afford for my first car. But they wouldn’t match me for the Nova SS I wanted. I was disappointed, but they probably made a good decision!