1968 Chevrolet COPO Nova SS 396

[BlueOvalFitter]

I'm still drooling after reading this article.

Rare Rides: The 1968 Chevrolet COPO Nova SS 396

The 1968 Chevrolet COPO Nova SS 396 was one of the rarest muscle cars of the Golden Era. This month, Rob takes a deep dive into its history and specifications.

www.chevyhardcore.com

 

[tyman]

As much as I dislike Novas and think they're ugly, a COPO 396 would have been badass

 

[BlueOvalFitter]

As much as I dislike Novas and think they're ugly, a COPO 396 would have been badass

Hey, easy now. I once owned a 1970 SS Nova.

 

[BlueOvalFitter]

These are the ONLY 2 pics I have left of cars that were mine and my dad's. My dad dug them up for me before he went into a nursing home. My ex wife burned almost EVERYTHING I owned!
The 1st one is my 1972 SS Chevelle I sold to my brother before I moved to FL. in 1987. I had started the restoration but couldn't finish it. I installed the front clip and started the body work. In the background is a donor 1976 Camaro. I used the interior and other misc. parts for my 1977 Z/28.
The 2nd pic is my son standing by my dad's 1956 Buick Special.

 

[tyman]

Hey, easy now. I once owned a 1970 SS Nova.

They look like shortened not-political correct versions of Chevelles. Blech

 

[measureman]

B

They look like shortened not-political correct versions of Chevelles. Blech

Back in the day looks took a back seat to speed.

 

[JeffKeryk]

My favorites are the 66 and 67. A friend had a beautiful blue 68, with the little tail lights. 307 and 3 on the tree. Great car.

 

[Chris142]

I never cared for the 68+ nova body style. But a L- 78 396 could change that lol

 

[odotb]

I had a 1968 Camaro with the L-78 396. Got my uncle Sam
letter and had to sell it.

 

[PF52]

I always liked Novas, but I am probably biased since a '71 was my first car. I am probably fortunate it wasn't a '70..... The car had been my Grandma's, and she was notorious for always buying the cheapest model available. 1971 was the first year that didn't have a standard four-cylinder engine. Besides that, it had no AC, no power brakes, no PS, no radio, no carpeting, no disk brakes, etc. etc....

 

[Scuder]

What class did these run? Maybe SS/CA?

 

[MotorFan]

Back in the day my parents bought a new 1973 Nova with the 350 V8....biggest piece of crap they ever bought!

 

[SteveSRT8]

That particular Nova was at least exciting under acceleration. But that generation drives like a truck, wallowing understeer and poor brakes.

I think it looks great, though...

 

[wpod]

That particular Nova was at least exciting under acceleration. But that generation drives like a truck, wallowing understeer and poor brakes.

I think it looks great, though...

Most cars back then did handle poorly.

 

[Chris142]

Back in the day my parents bought a new 1973 Nova with the 350 V8....biggest piece of crap they ever bought!

What was wrong with it? Did the 350 eat a cam?

 

[BlueOvalFitter]

I always liked Novas, but I am probably biased since a '71 was my first car. I am probably fortunate it wasn't a '70..... The car had been my Grandma's, and she was notorious for always buying the cheapest model available. 1971 was the first year that didn't have a standard four-cylinder engine. Besides that, it had no AC, no power brakes, no PS, no radio, no carpeting, no disk brakes, etc. etc....

The perfect platform for a drag strip MONSTUH!

 

[BlueOvalFitter]

Back in the day my parents bought a new 1973 Nova with the 350 V8....biggest piece of crap they ever bought!

My friend had a1973 SS Nova, 350, 4 speed, 3:73 10 bolt posi. His ran like a raped ape!

 

[CheezWhiz]

the thing about those cars is the sensation, you feel, hear, and smell everything. the days when a 396 nova was top dog are long gone, but driving something like that is still a very intense experience.