1973 Chevrolet Nova SS Hatchback

The times were changing, and Detroit began a shift in what used to be the most fierce street performers. The once mighty Nova SS that had for years held major powerplants underneath the hood was now beginning to become more docile...even watered down, if you will...

For 1973 , the Chevrolet Nova gained a hatchback two-door model and a revised nose. The facelift was thanks in part to the federal government's newly mandated five-mph front and rear bumpers. Safety became the hot issue, and here was some of what was in store for every manufacturer for years to come.

To go along with the bigger bumpers, Chevy stylists gave the 1973 Chevrolet Nova a new grille with a loosely patterned crosshatch insert and parking lights located inboard of the headlights.

It's overall wheelbase was unchanged, but the car's total length grew a bit because of the new bumpers. The 1973 Chevrolet Novas also weighed about 100 pounds more than their 1972 counterparts. My guess would be the bumpers had much to do with that.

The SS option for that year Nova remained available, but it in actuality was just a $123 dress-up package that included a blackout grille and Rally wheels. This package could be ordered with any of the Nova engines. As it turns out , 35,542 SS packages were installed, making 1973 the best-selling year for that option group.

Your engine options for 1973 Novas started with the standard 100 hp, 250-cubic-inch inline six cylinder. A 115hp, 307-cubic-inch V-8 was available, along with 145 and 175 hp 350-cubic-inch V-8's.

The hatchback was available only on the two-door model and included a large hinged panel that included the rear window and extending to just above the taillights. Air conditioning added $381 to your price.

Every 1973 Chevrolet Nova got side guard door beams and additional sound insulation, as well as flow-through ventilation systems. Rear springs switched to multiple leaves. A sunroof could be installed, and fold-down rear seats were available as creature comforts.

The price of the Nova for 1973 ranged from $2,377-$2,792. (Hard to imagine getting a new car for that kind of money nowadays, isn't it?) The total number of Novas built that year was 369,509. Obviously not a street beast by any means, but hey, it's still a Nova...and we all know that Novas are cool. Besides...how many owners left them stock anyway? Let's get real folks...