Some cars transcend their origins and become something greater with the passage of time. Cars like this 1971 Chevy Nova SS, whose rise from humble origins to serious performance machine makes it one of the biggest bangs for the buck today, just as it was when it was new. OK, so the black isn't this car's original color (that would be code 78 Rosewood), but nobody will argue it doesn't look downright awesome. However, given the... thoroughness of the color change and the quality of the workmanship underneath, I doubt anyone will complain. That's all-original sheetmetal, too (well, except for that cowl-induction hood), and since this car comes from the warm south, it was never a rust bucket that needed major surgery. Just the same, any 40 year old is going to need a nip and tuck here and there, so it got a full makeover. The result is a slick black Nova, and with a black vinyl top it looks a bit upscale, polished and sophisticated, and far more upscale than a Nova has any right to be. All the trim and chrome was treated to a few swipes with the polish, and it has a blacked-out SS grille to go with the overall sinister vibe. Take a long look at this car and ask yourself again why you'd want a Camaro. Buckets and a console in a Nova is always a very pleasant find, and in this '71 everything was new when the restoration was finished a few years ago. Showing minimal wear, it still looks awesome, with seats that wear correct seat covers, original-style carpets, and a dash pad that seems impervious to UV rays. The original instruments are just the basics, so it includes a quartet of white-faced auxiliary gauges on the center console. A Hurst cue ball manages the 4-speed gearbox, so it's never boring to drive, and even when you're not running hard, the A/C will keep you cool. And when you're in the mood for some tunes, the old school AM/FM radio will keep you entertained. The trunk is finished to stock specs, including a very neat-fitting mat with a full-sized spare and jack assembly. The engine is a 1972-vintage 350 that's been rebuilt and freshened to deliver a lot more than its original 175 horsepower. Topped by a Holley carb and a Action Plus intake, it has a wonderful torque curve and impressive throttle response. It looks familiar with chrome valve covers and air cleaner, plus the Chevy Orange paint, which will never go out of style and you can't go wrong sticking with the (mostly) factory look. Long-tube headers and twin Flowmasters stand out on the very clean chassis, and the 10-bolt rear hangs on a pair of monoleaf springs for better ride and handling. And on the compact Nova, those staggered 14/15 inch American Racing torque thrusts look awesome wrapped in Mastercraft Avenger G/T radials. This Nova is another one of those cars that catches you off guard with how cool it is, all at a very affordable price. Call today!