1975 Chevrolet Nova

The Chevrolet Nova began life as the top-of-the-line trim level in the Chevy II lineup from 1962 through 1968. After the Chevy II nameplate was dropped after 1968, the Nova became its own nameplate and produced through 1979. It was replaced in 1980 by the Chevrolet Citation.

The 1973 and 1974 Nova is considered the 'fourth generation' and its fourth major restyling since its introduction. A hatchback body style on the 2-door coupe joined the list of body styles which included a 2-door coupe and the 4-door sedan. It continued to be built on the X-body platform and among the styling updates were the addition bumpers that could withstand 5 mph impacts. In the back, those bumpers were rated at 2.5 mph impacts in 1973 and 5 mph impacts in 1974.

For 1975, the Chevy Nova received its most major update in eight years. The body became squarer and the interiors were endowed with more luxurious accouterments than previous years. The roofline received thinner pillars and a slimmer roof which increased the total area of glass and improved visibility. The modifications resulted in a 15-percent larger windscreen. It featured rectangular parking lamps and rectangular tail lamps. Body styles included a coupe, sedan, and hatchback along with several trim levels consisting of the 'S', Custom, and LN. The Nova Customs had thin rocker moldings and the LNs were given more luxurious amenities.

Power was from an L-head six-cylinder engine displacing 250 cubic-inches and offering 105 (SAE) horsepower. An all-new 262-CID V8 was also available in three configurations (a 1975-only option). A 305 CID and 350 CID V8 were offered for 1976 only. A three-speed manual transmission was standard and a Turbo-Hydramatic or 'Muncie' four-speed could be ordered as optional equipment.

Chevrolet produced 272,982 examples of the Nova in 1975 with 138,879 of those equipped with six-cylinder engines. Prices began at $3,100 for the Nova 'S' two-door coupe and rose to $3,800 for the Nova LN Sedan with six-cylinder power. The eight-cylinder engine added approximately $75 to the base price.

By Daniel Vaughan | Jul 2016