L72 427-powered 1969 Chevrolet Nova SS 396

Description

Under the leadership of Chevrolet General Manager John Z. DeLorean, the muscle car wars witnessed an unprecedented array of performance options in 1969 for various Chevrolet models, including Camaros, Chevelles, Impalas, and Novas. The 1969 Chevy Nova maintained its two-model lineup, offering both a two-door coupe and a four-door sedan, and for enthusiasts seeking greater power, the Nova SS variant provided the option to either 350 or 375 horsepower versions of the big-block 396 V8. 

While the SS 396 was the highest performing model in Nova history, there is no physical reason Chevrolet couldn’t have produced an SS 427 Nova; the engines have the same exterior dimensions. General Motors, always trying to be a good corporate citizen in the face of calls for greater automotive safety, prevented cars outside of the Corvette and Impala from offering the 427. But if Chevrolet had offered a Nova SS 427, this might be it. The car has been beautifully restored inside and out to like-new condition, but instead of the factory 396, it features a genuine 427 “L72” cu-in V8. Rated at 425 hp, this is the same legendary engine found in the 1966 Corvette, and the creation of a Nova that might have been.  

Highlights  

• Ground-up restoration of a Nova SS 396  

• Powered by a true 427 cu-in L72 V8 as verified by its casting codes 

• Floor-shifted Muncie M21 four-speed manual transmission  

• Finished in Corvette Rally Red (974) over Black vinyl bucket seat interior (733) 

• 15-inch five-spoke American Racing REV wheels mounted with Mickey Thompson Sportsman front and ET Street rear tires  

• The chassis number (114279W426619) decodes as: 

  • 1 – Chevrolet 

  • 14 – Nova V8 

  • 27 – Two-door sedan 

  • 9 – 1969 model year 

  • W – Willow Run, Michigan, final assembly plant 

  • 426619 – Plant sequential assembly number beginning with 100001 

• The Body Tag decodes as: 

  • Style: 69-11427 – 1969 Chevrolet Nova V8 

  • Body: WRN242816 – Willow Run, Michigan, body production sequence 

  • Trim: 733 – Black vinyl bucket seat interior 

  • Paint: 52 52 – Garnet Red (now code 974 Corvette Rally Red)

  • Build date: 02C – Third week of February 1967 

Features  

• Frame-off restoration 

• 12-Bolt rear end 

• 3.73 rear axle ratio  

• Lakewood traction bars  

• Sun tachometer and gauges   

• Power-assisted front disc brakes  

• Power-assisted steering 

• Chrome bumpers, front and rear  

• Dual exterior rearview mirrors  

• Front bucket seats  

• Hurst shifter  

• Three-spoke vinyl-wrapped steering wheel 

• Manually operated windows  

• Locking glove compartment  

• Flowmaster exhaust  

• 12-Bolt rear end 

Known Imperfections 

• Minor rust present on the driver's side A-pillar 

Included  

• 1969 Camaro Chevelle Chevy Nova Owner’s Manual  

• Spare wheel and tire  

• Jack  

• Extensive service records  

Ownership History  

This 1969 Chevrolet Nova SS was built at the Willow Run, Michigan, plant and completed on 21 February 1969. The Shipping Data Report from the National Corvette Restorers Society shows it was shipped to Devoe Chevrolet-Cadillac Inc. in Marion, Indiana. The consignor acquired the car from a small dealer in South Florida in 2014. The odometer shows 69,774 miles, believed to be original. 

Additional Notes  

A Broad Arrow Group Consignment Specialist is working as an agent on behalf of the owner of this vehicle.   

Contact: Marvin Waters   Phone: 910.315.2918   email: mwaters@hagerty.com