Building a Nova
I always wanted to build a car from the ground up. I decided on a 66 Nova. Why? My sister had a boyfriend in high school that bought a brand new 66 Nova and stuffed a 427 in it. It was Marina blue and the hottest car I had ever seen. So, after 40+ years and some nice cars in between, I found mine in Colorado and had it shipped to me. I drove it for a year and then tore it apart. Between work and life it took ten years to finish but it now is on the road and has 1500 miles on it. Still doing the de-bugging and have not even had it full throttle yet. But, it has exceeded my expectations and probably will get me in trouble when I finally do go full throttle!
Expectations for a Nova Project
All I can say about doing a project like this–do your budget and then triple it. This was a great experience and it’s fun to do it the way I wanted but I guess I’m too old to do another one. The good news is that the aftermarket has so many neat things that make it do-able for a non-professional to build a nice car compared to 25 years ago.
I told my kids to bury me in the car when I go.
Awesome that you got yours finished. I have been having work done again on my 73 Hatchback custom. Finishing touches wheels tires, signal lights and moonroof left to do.
Great job Mark. Beautiful car. I also built my 1964 Nova from the ground up and I agree with your budget assessment!! But to borrow someone else's slogan: Built, not bought. I'm 70 years old now and don't know if I could do another build, but I sure enjoy the one I did do.
Hi Mark, your “triple the budget” quote is definitely sage advice. I too bought a 66 nova the year before I retired thinking I wanted a project…..I have worked on many muscle cars over the years but now at 69 years old and 7 years of frustration, sweat and maybe even a few tears shed, my Nova is drivable, still some bugs to work out but friends ask what car I will do next and I tell them this is the end for me! This Nova took me to the edge, but I hope to enjoy it next summer. Nice job on yours and thanks for sharing your story…..