The Best Cheap Muscle car? 1975-79 Chevy Nova Buyers Guide

Stay tuned for future episodes! If you enjoyed the video don't forget to subscribe, like, and comment. Thanks for watching!
Instagram! / maddenmadne. .
Reed - / reed_madden. .
Drake - / drake_67_gt. .

[@TheREALOC1972]

I agree with every point you made, I just paid $1500 for a 76 Base Nova with the 250 Strait Six as a "drive it while I fix it" project. The 4th gen Nova's, as well as it's corporate cousins and all the mid-late 70's Muscle cars for that matter have become THE HOT build, atleast out here in the Southwest/West. Since the Convid "outbreak" and shutdowns people have started looking for a cheap muscle car to tinker around with and the mid-late 70's Nova/Omega/Skylark/ Ventura/Apollo, Cougar/Thunderbird/Torino, Duster/Aspen/Volare fit that bill perfectly. There's even clubs specifically FOR the mid-late 70's Muscle cars popping up in the L.A./Vegas/Phoenix area's. The previous "Unloved" cars are getting ALOT of love now because they are cheap for the guys just wanting something to tinker around with and they're also cheap for the Noob to get into the car hobby with for not much money. The plans for mine are simple, I'm just going to keep the 250 in it and rebuild it and not change much other than the paint, it's Burnt Orange now but I'm going to paint it Black Rose, the Deep Dark Purple that GM had in the mid-late 80's.

[@maddenmadness]

Loved reading this comment, glad to hear more and more people in your area are showing theses mid to late 70s cars some love. All of them are worth saving. Good luck with your project sounds awesome!

[@xanderharmening8166]

As the owner of a 77, I can tell you it's not everybody's cup of tea in terms of gearheads. But to people who just like seeing old cars, they love them. I live in a small town so I have a lot of people who have stories about maybe owning or knowing someone that did own one and they've been pretty positive. I bought mine back in 2021 for $800. As you would think at that price point, it definitely had it's issues. First of all, it sat for over 30 years. But in terms of how it ran, it ran like a goddamn sewing machine...until it overheated. But even after overheating, that little 305 kept going. But tomorrow hopefully I'm gonna start yanking that out to put in a 350 and maybe even a manual. But overall, I love my Nova. The family has owned it for over 30 years as it was my great great grandmas car. I will be totally transforming it.

[@maddenmadness]

Great car/story, good luck with engine and transmission swap.

[@ElChivoJ]

I have a 78 Nova Rally Sport and yes I agree it’s not everybody’s favorite gen. But I get a ton of compliments and most people think it’s an older style😅

[@80LittleJohn13]

I had 76 ss for $1000. 1996 in for my first car. Had fun with it. One thing is Close to my heart is that I took now is my wife on our first date in it. We been together for 24 years. Also big loud cars& trucks.

[@skitch666]

My 78 nova was my most loved and favorite car I've ever owned .

[@shitbox82]

As a 4th gen Nova owner I will admit they’re certainly not the most desirable cars of all time, but as you stated, on a budget you can’t beat the functionality for the money, some even came from the factory with an 8.5” 10 bolt axle which is plenty strong for the street, and if you find a factory 350 car, all you need is a cam, heads, converter, gears, and you’re on your way to having a fun street car for not a lot of money.

[@nicholasyoder]

Holy Shout! That’s actually me at 3:33 in the video lol I paid $3000 for that car! No way a disco Nova worth over $3,000. I’ve owned several Nova’s. I did see a 1976 with a 69 doghouse on it and it looked awesome. I still love the 4th gen nova but people want way too much money for them around here. I’ve got better deals on 72-74 nova around here actually.

[@faststang85]

Not anymore they're going for decent money now.

[@doperuns]

Im in the need for a new car and an older guy down my street is selling his 78 nova. Thought about what I could do with it and came here. Thanks for the info, glad they have the image of being reliable because that’s what I need the most right now

[@maddenmadness]

thanks for watching, there's definitely more reliable cars out there but as far as classics go this is one of, if not the best

[@brianwilson6403]

I had a 76, base model. Bench seat, L250, 3 banger on the floor, no air. One of the best cars I ever had, wish I could find another, but with air!!!

[@maddenmadness]

If these were easier to find with AC I'm convinced a ton of people would be driving them

[@YoungoneYoung-lm4xe]

The thumbnail pic is the best looking nova I've ever seen. If that doesn't give you an idea for the potential these cars have, nothing will.

[@FreeformThoughts804]

These are good car project for LS Swaps as well. My 78 I put some "decent" money into it to make it a good runner. I also reconditioned the 350 and added a mild cam. Although mine could make a good car for the track, I just wanted the reliability of being a great cruiser. I just underwent a total blackout of mine and get plenty of looks and props for it. Great video and look forward to plenty more!

[@maddenmadness]

Thanks man, And your Nova sounds sick!

[@kingsosaguwap6724]

I just bought a 78 for a project, still trying to figure out if i want to Ls swap or not. Trying to go the cheaper route right now

[@FreeformThoughts804]

@@kingsosaguwap6724 good stuff....Ive considered a LS swap but there is nothing wrong with my 350 that I invested in. I would say that if your engine is good run with it until it fails you. But if you're looking to invest some money into it and make it a showstopper go ahead with the swap

[@FreeformThoughts804]

@@kingsosaguwap6724 I got a spreadsheet for all the things needed for a swap.....believe me...it aint cheap

[@kingsosaguwap6724]

@@FreeformThoughts804 😂😂I know man, I been thinking bout just getting the crate 350 and just dropping it in there man

[@user-zx8de8op9l]

These cars make sense as a daily driver. A daily driver doesn't have to be fast. I last drove a 1978 Z-28 daily in 1997. it was not perfect.

[@michaelfleming40]

I remember when the 1975 Nova was a brand new car. They had an upscale version called an LN. 😊❤

[@jcmoney4125]

I have a 79 nova on my channel that I did a 3 year build on. I’m on the hunt for another for daily driving. Although I have other vehicles I miss driving an old car more often and mine stays in the garage quite a bit. I bought a new sports car last year and sold it pretty soon. Ideally a supercharged LS with a 6 speed and air conditioning will be my next build and something I’ll drive everyday in the warmer months. I want it nice but not too nice that I’m afraid to drive it all the time. Tired of driving pickup trucks everyday.

[@Harold_gooberson]

I got a 77 omega with a sbc350 rebuilt with intake jegs manifold and edelbroc 4 barrel Il sell it for the right price

[@michaelfleming40]

I also remember the 1976 Nova had an upscale model called a Concourse. 😊❤

[@gatorunleashed275]

I just bought an all original 77 Nova Concours, 305 2bbl with a TH 200 automatic which I had never heard of. 46K original miles on it. I love the Nova's.

[@maddenmadness]

Sounds sick man, feeling jealous. enjoy that thing

[@mark3179]

This brings back memories. I had a '75 hatchback with a 262 ci V-8.

[@The_Implications]

My family has one of these I've been working on. Hardly a grandma's car. 4 speed standard v8 with front bucket seats and sounds mean. I'd love to swap a newer 350 with a T5 into it

[@joe-hp4nk]

They're high maintenance compared to new cars, but 4th gen novas are basic simple cars that are vey easy and cheap to work on and fix.

[@maddenmadness]

Yes, because of everything you said plus the cheap price. its one of my most recommended cars for people looking for a muscle/classic car project

[@isaactristan6427]

My son has a ‘77. Cleans and runs good. I’m thinking about dropping a hotter cam in it and seeing what else I can do. Me, my car is a ‘64 Nova. 1st Gen

[@maddenmadness]

a father/son nova duo is just awesome

[@jeffscott3160]

Still have my '78 grandma and grandpa gave me for graduation way back when gas was still .85 cents a gallon=p Black 2 door hatchback with the grossly underpowered 180hp 350 and the TH350 auto. Car came with A/C, power windows and locks, tilt steering and cruise control. Let my sister use it when I went into the Navy after high school and she trashed the engine. The only thing not original to the car now. Wish I still had that block just for nostalgia's sake. Guess that means I can LS swap it now with a 6.0!

[@maddenmadness]

Great story! it's cool you held on to it. most people sell them and Reget it later on. And oh yeah, a 6.0 LS in one would be insane.

[@kennimitz5241]

Had 77 ss and 78 with 450hp 383. Excellent.

[@nlpnt]

These were praised in their day for good handling, as good as the Camaro and far better than earlier Novas and "Ride-Engineered" Ford Granadas. Don't pass up the 4-doors, they look way better than the '68-73 ones since GM lightened their greenhouse considerably with a Hofmeister kink. B-O-P versions still used their own V8s and the Skylark and Omega also used the Buick V6 while Pontiac Ventura/Phoenix sixes had the Chevy straight-6. Far from muscle-car territory, in 1977 only you could get a Pontiac Ventura with an Iron Duke 4-cylinder - it cost extra because it came with a 5-speed instead of the 6's three-on-the-tree, but for those especially keen to get smoked by VW Microbuses it could be had with an automatic.

[@Bowtie4me]

i just bought a 1977 with the factory 350 4spd stick shift 2door coupe. factory fresh how i wanted it. im the 3rd owner w/ 75k miles. i grew up with my parents daily driving a 75 SS 350 4spd its still in our family but its been apart for 4yrs now. i wanted to buy the 75 but my old man is too stubborn so i bought a clean exemple!

[@maddenmadness]

Wow, both of those are like the idealist verson with the v8 and the 4 speed. good luck with yours and hopefully the 75 will be back on the road soon

[@andrewwatts970]

Dale Earnhardt Sr. drove a 77 Nova for his 1986 Busch win! So that’s kinda cool.

[@maddenmadness]

that is cool, wish i'd known. Would of mentioned it.

[@ryanjacobsen9557]

I had a 76 gold I bought from the original owner it had a landau top on it and a 305 it had 67k original miles and this was in 2013

[@geraldscott4302]

These cars definitely are not cheap, and it's almost impossible to find one in good condition. 30+ years ago I had a '77 Pontiac Ventura. I turned it into a fake GTO. These cars would make great hot rods, and can be insured as collector cars, eliminating the requirement for emissions testing in my state. But while the '74 and earlier Novas were very popular, and there are a lot of (VERY expensive) ones around, it seems most of the '75-'79 models wound up getting crushed.

[@user-yt6er4yd3k]

Love the nova’s specially, the 68 Chevy nova chev2

[@marc196050]

I remember all musclecars were cheap. Especially when the oil embargo happened in the 70’s. Practically giving the cars away or ended up being scrapped.

[@maddenmadness]

Wish it were still that way, minus the oil embargo

[@sannissansanjuan5074]

my child hood car back in 1977

[@w.stuart668]

good luck finding any replacement panels. i know because i have one and its a nightmare.

[@mr.2cents.846]

This 4gen really has potential. I like the looks. The only thing that bothers me is that the doors have window frames. Although it is at least a two door. If it were a real coupe, the cool factor alone would double.

[@maddenmadness]

I agree

[@bruceh92]

How about the 78-82 Malibu and it's Pontiac sibling. Even the sedans aren't bad.

[@The_Implications]

I've been working on the families 2d nova custom v8 4 speed. Been sitting for 15 years parked running. Really a shame buy I'm hoping to get it back on the road soon

[@maddenmadness]

sounds sweet man, good luck.

[@ForgottenName]

Got my crew cab wire a 454 for $1500 best money I ever spent

[@jessemadden2743]

The working man's muscle car. There not bad looking ol cars either.

[@maddenmadness]

yeah, I've always liked them. was tempted to buy a couple of them while making this video.

[@orion2250]

Every GM division had a version

[@longhairscorpio3976]

the shark is cool

[@tomcat630]

Like these too, use same chassis parts as F bodies.

[@Spurs19921993]

Me gustó el video, muy buena narración.

[@maddenmadness]

gracias

[@timcarpenter818]

Love them forever

[@kimmartin6063]

I had a 78

[@timc2346]

I thought the mid 70s rusted away.😉 Brothers had Mavericks the 70 was in pretty good shape but the 73 was awful for rust.Also my 74 firebird never did anything with trunk and quarters to far gone.

[@maddenmadness]

I've wanted to buy a maverick a couple times but yeah, they haven't aged well or any car from the 70s for that matter. I'm glad there's quite a few left though.

[@donaldblankenship8057]

Early 70s cars had rust. Detroit was getting far far past Toyota and Honda in rust prevention technology. There are plenty of GM '70s bodies out there but few Japanese late 70s remaining uneaten up with rust. GM used Zinc coat over steel (i.e., Galvanization, re: wiki entry 12.bkst.43z.aaymbs109). Japan couldn't or wouldn't try to compete in the zinc market.

[@donaldblankenship8057]

@@maddenmadness I had a Maverick. Cbeapest and worst by far car I ever owned. Cute but not cuddly.

[@Bigz28]

Do you have any tips on what to look for and what is a good price to pay for one ?

[@jimthomas1989]

@Bigz28 • , I got a 75 Nova body for $400.oo

[@patrickstar8585]

where are you finding them sub 20k? I always see them 30k+

[@maddenmadness]

The only website I use is fakebook marketplace

[@user-ez9dc9iz1t]

حلو❤❤ بس اسم الاغنية 🤨🤨

[@ryacat1]

kzbin.info/www/bejne/jnbHc5SVg8hqiMUsi=07_a-P52NGbD4FzF 1978 Nova. My first car I still own today. Very realiable, both on street and strip. It's a trophy winning bracket car and turns alot of heads on street. Don't pass on the opportunity to do one of these up if you cross paths with one. I am in Florida now and hit up a car show in Longwood where a videographer wanted to do a video of her. Happy hunting.

[@Legend22-]

Got me a 77

[@ericvest284]

Maple motors will buy your car s

[@maxr4448]

They are CHEAP anymore....DUH

[@jeffreylieberman1668]

I think these are actually the ugliest vehicle years ever made.

[@CrowSpirit1977]

Kinda gay!