Muscle Car of the Week: 1967 Chevy Nova!

On the outside, the '67 Nova looks nearly identical to it's predecessor from 1966; and like it's "older sibling", it's an extremely popular muscle car restoration option out here on the west coast. Marketed as a 'stylish economy car', the Nova delivered in both looks and functionality.

The only real aesthetic changes to the Nova SS package were with the front grille, deck lid panel, and wheel covers. The aluminum grille was now accented with black which is really the only way to tell it from the '66 Nova from the outside. The deck lid panel was now outfitted with a nifty 'cross-hitch' pattern, and the wheel covers where modeled after what was used on the Impala.

What Chevy lacked in innovated styling though, they made up for in new safety features. The interior was upgraded with softer cushion and visors, and a new energy absorbing steering column.

Under the hood, the '67 Nova experienced some even better fixes. The top of the line engine offered was an impressive 327 cubic inch V8, dubbed the Turbo Fire. Unlike other models that offered Chevy's automatic Powerglide, the only transmission available with this package was a manual, close-ratio four-speed. All told, the Nova had some good numbers in their dyno runs, delivering around 350 horsepower and 360 pounds per feet of torque.

In 1967, a top of the line Chevy Nova went for around $2,600. Nowadays they can get upwards of $45K at internet auction!