What we've got here sure is one sweet looking Chevy. This 1974 Chevrolet Nova is tough to beat, with aggressive performance and an interior that not only looks great but is very comfortable. The aggressive stance on this Nova is owed to some larger but matching Federal blackwall rear tires, allowing for optimal grip to put power to the pavement. 1974 was the very last year of the 3rd-generation Nova, which had began its life in 1968. For 1974, the Chevrolet Nova got a centered bow-tie grille emblem, as well as modified bumpers that added two inches to the length and helped cushion minor impacts. Nova sales continued to surge as they had since the 1972 model year, approaching 400,000 in 1974 due to the oil crisis. After waiting for hours in gas lines and fretting about the prospect of fuel rationing, thrifty compacts looked pretty good to plenty of Americans and the Nova fit the bill. This one, however, dares to be different. Powered by a 350 C.I. V8 breathing through a 4-barrel carburetor, this Nova gets underway like a champ. Torque from that 350 gets to the rear axle through the use of a 3-speed automatic transmission on the column, allowing for both smooth cruising and for going a little faster. What really sticks out on this Nova is the glossy black paint, reflecting like a mirror in the sun after being buffed to a brilliant shine. The interior is just as nice, with black vinyl bench seats that provide excellent support for cruising. Options fitted to this Nova include power steering, 4-wheel power disc brakes, air conditioning, a vintage-style AM/FM radio, Bosch underdash gauges, a Bosch tachometer, seatbelts, newer speakers, and a dual exhaust system. The car rides on a sleek set if chrome Rev wheels over "Federal" blackwall tires, skinnier out front and fatter out back. This is one Nova that runs and drives even better than it looks, which is really saying something. All it needs is a new driver, and we think you'd look pretty good sitting behind the wheel.

VIN and Cowl Tag decode as follows:
VIN- 1XY27L4L107963
1: Chevrolet Motor Division
XY: Nova Custom
27: 2-door sedan
L: 350 C.I. V8, 4-barrel carburetor "LM1"
4: 1974 model year
L: Van Nuys, California GM Assembly Plant, U.S.A.
107963: Serial number, 7,962nd 1974 Chevrolet built at Van Nuys Assembly

COWL TAG-
74: 1974 model year
1XY27: Chevrolet Nova Custom, 2-door sedan
L: Built in Van Nuys, California, U.S.A.
014794: Fisher Body unit number (no relation to VIN)
766: "Light Neutral" perforated vinyl trim (replaced with black during restoration)
A52: Bench seats
5353: "Light Gold Metallic" exterior paint (repainted to black during restoration)
08E: Production date in the 5th week of August, 1973