1970 Chevrolet Nova Super Sport

The 1970 Chevrolet Nova continued as the entry-level Chevrolet and was little changed in appearance compared to the 1969 version. The one distinction was a new egg crate-patterned grille. And, like the 1969 model, the 1970 Chevrolet Nova was offered only as a two-door coupe or four-door sedan.

Your Basic Nova had a 90-horsepower 153-cubic-inch four-cylinder engine,  new 155-horsepower 250-cubic-inch six, or a popular 200 horsepower  307-cubic-inch V-8. (yawn) But the Nova Super Sport (SS)was transformed from just a “trim option” to a performance package in1968. It’s considered one of the smallest muscle cars ever built by Detroit, and it now included a 295 hp 350 cu in V8 engine along with heavy-duty suspension and other performance hardware, priced at $312. Optional engines included two versions of the big-block 396 cu in V8 rated at 350 hp and 375 hp , which went for $348. Both engines were offered with a choice of transmissions including the M-21 close-ratio four-speed manual, the heavy-duty M-22 "Rock Crusher" four-speed manual, or the three-speed Turbo-Hydramatic 400 automatic transmission.

For 1970, the Nova was basically a carryover from 1969, although the side marker and tail light lenses for the 1970 Nova were wider and positioned slightly differently. This was the final year for the SS396, which in actuality was a 402 Cubic in. engine. All other engines were carried over including the seldom-ordered four-cylinder which was in its final year. (Thank God!) The car simply became known as the Chevrolet Nova this year after two years of transitional nameplates (Chevy II Nova in 1968 and Chevrolet Chevy Nova in 1969). Out of 254,242 Novas sold for 1970, 19,558 were the SS 350 or SS 396 version. Approximately 177 Central Office Production Order (COPO) Novas were ordered, with 175 converted by Yenko Chevrolet.  (The other two were sold in Canada…eh?) The Nova was also used in Trans-Am racing that year.

The SS 396 Nova models had a special hood with simulated air intakes, blackout grille and rear panel, and wide-oval tires on seven-inch wheels.

A Custom Exterior package for lesser Novas cost $98, while a vinyl top added $84.