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The last of the third-gen Novas is a great place to start when you want a compact Chevy with big-block attitude on a small-block budget, and this one is bringing plenty of color to the party. A bright yellow 1974 Chevrolet Nova coupe with a fuel-injected 350 is up for auction on Hagerty Marketplace, where bidding sits at $8,100 as of this writing and the clock runs out Monday, October 12, at 3:00 PM EDT.
1974 was the final and highest-volume year for the third-generation Nova, with production topping 390,000 units. That semi-fastback shape, introduced in 1968, had aged beautifully, and the '74 model only picked up larger parking lights, a new grille emblem, and bigger federally mandated bumpers. This coupe wears that sheetmetal well, refinished in yellow with early-style black stripes on the hood and trunk lid, SS emblems, a black vinyl top, and re-chromed bumpers. Polished 15-inch Weld wheels and halo-style headlights round out the look.
A Fuel-Injected Small-Block With Some Attitude
The real fun is under the hood. The 350ci V8 has been modified and fitted with a FiTech electronic fuel injection system, an Edelbrock aluminum intake manifold, a performance camshaft, MSD ignition, and Holley finned valve covers and air cleaner. A Summit Racing serpentine belt drive with billet pulleys and an aluminum radiator with an electric fan keep things tidy, while headers and dual exhaust with polished tips handle the noise.
And there is plenty of noise to be had. The exhaust uses electric cutouts controlled by a dash switch, so you can flip from daily-driver manners to full choppy-cam volume on command. Power goes through a three-speed TH-350 automatic to the rear wheels, a classic, easygoing pairing for cruising.
Yellow and Black Inside, Too
The seller carried the theme into the cabin, which has been reupholstered in matching yellow and black on the seats and door panels. Modern touches include a Dakota Digital gauge cluster, a custom steering wheel, the FiTech EFI controller, and a stock-location head unit with speakers on the rear deck. The A/C works too, which the seller confirmed in the comments, a real plus for a car that lives in Houston, Texas.
The Nova shows 1,500 indicated miles and comes with a clean Texas title in the seller's name. The seller has replaced the battery, starter, spark plugs, fuel pump, cylinder heads, and bumpers. The listing is upfront about a dent in the passenger-side fender and some paint chips, and the 45-photo gallery shows the car's condition in detail.
Why It Works
With nine bids so far, this Nova has already drawn attention, and it is easy to see why. It has the looks of a muscle-era Chevy, a modern fuel-injected drivetrain that should start easily and run well, and a price that is still well within reach. If you like what a Nova can be, you might also enjoy our look at another 1972 Chevelle SS heading to auction or our roundup of the coolest Chevy Chevelles for sale.
To see the full photo gallery, read the seller's notes, or place a bid, head to the listing on Hagerty Marketplace.
