The allure of classic Chevrolet muscle cars often comes with a caveat: many were optioned with performance packages, necessitating extensive documentation to verify their authenticity and provenance. This can be a significant hurdle for collectors seeking genuine high-performance examples. However, the featured Pick of the Day presents a rare exception – a 1972 Chevrolet Nova SS whose pedigree is intrinsically linked to its Vehicle Identification Number (VIN). This particular example is currently listed for sale on ClassicCars.com by a dealership in Lenexa, Kansas.
When compiling a list of prime Chevrolet muscle cars, the issue of documentation often arises. For instance, identifying a 1961 Impala SS with the coveted 409 engine or verifying the specific “Rat motor” installed in an L78 1966 Chevelle SS 396 can be challenging without original paperwork. Similarly, confirming the exact engine in an L79 1966 Nova SS or the specific 454 variant in an LS6 Chevelle typically relies on such documentation. Even with a first-generation Camaro Z/28, the data plate might offer clues depending on the model year, but definitive proof often remains elusive.
[The 1972 Nova SS, however, sidesteps this common complication. While the Super Sport package itself isn’t directly indicated in the VIN, the engine is. This model year marked the first time General Motors incorporated the engine code into the VIN, a boon for collectors. Crucially, the Super Sport model featured an exclusive engine not offered in other Nova variants. Therefore, a Nova with a “K” in the fifth character of its VIN is definitively an authentic Super Sport. The L48 350 engine, introduced to the Nova SS in 1968, was rated at 200 net horsepower for 1972, a decrease from its 270 gross horsepower rating the previous year. This shift in rating methodology, rather than a significant drop in actual power, accounts for most of this perceived reduction.
Evolution of the Nova
Through 1968, the model was officially known as the Chevy II, with the Nova and Nova SS representing the highest trim levels. In 1969, the Chevy II name was retired, and all models became known simply as Novas. The Chevy II/Nova underwent minimal visual changes from 1968 to 1972, with only subtle aesthetic updates requiring a keen eye to distinguish between model years. The first significant restyle for this generation occurred in 1973, driven by federal bumper regulations.
[ [A Standout Example
Consequently, the 1972 Nova SS is considered the last of the highly desirable Nova models from this era. This particular 1972 Chevrolet Nova SS further distinguishes itself with a remarkably low odometer reading of only 33,000 miles. The seller highlights the inclusion of “the original window sticker, Protect-O-Plate, new vehicle inspection from the original dealer, maintenance logs, [and] owner’s manual, [along with] many historical and restoration photos.” This numbers-matching 350ci engine is paired with a Muncie four-speed manual transmission, power front disc brakes, and a Flowmaster exhaust system. Vintage aftermarket additions include a column-mounted tachometer, Thrush headers, Lakewood traction bars and subframe connectors, an Accel SuperCoil, a Weiand intake manifold, and a Holley carburetor. The car is finished in Golden Brown with a Light Covert cloth and vinyl bench seat, a color combination that is quintessentially 1972.
[While the appeal of a big-block 396 engine is undeniable, these were discontinued after 1970, and authenticating them can be a complex undertaking. This 1972 Nova SS offers a more straightforward path to ownership, providing a level of peace of mind unmatched by many other Nova SS models. Priced at $59,900, the assurance of its documented authenticity makes it a compelling proposition for discerning collectors.
[For more details on this noteworthy example, you can view this Pick of the Day on ClassicCars.com.