1965 CHEVROLET NOVA SS 'DOBBERTIN'S' CUSTOM

When the Dobbertin Nova was unveiled in 1982, it turned the custom car world on its ear, prompting Hot Rod Magazine to name this mean machine its Street Machine of the Year. The Pro-Street scene was in its infancy, and 30-plus years later, custom car enthusiasts still remember the car and its impact on hot rodding history. Making its debut at Car Craft Magazine's 1982 Street Machine Nationals, the Dobbertin Nova was named Grand Champion, and also captured awards for Best Engine, Best Car, Best Pro-Street Car and Best Engineered. In 1983, the Nova again swept those same categories at both the Car Craft Magazine's Street Machine Nationals as well as the Street Machine Nationals-East. It was also awarded Champion status that year at the International Show Car Association's Northeast Division. This groundbreaking machine has appeared on the cover of 14 magazines and has been featured in over 100 publications around the world. When Hot Rod Magazine celebrated its 65th Anniversary in 2013, they invited former Hot Rod Magazine feature cars out to Pomona, CA, for a Homecoming. The Nova went, and its presence prompted an inside cover and two-page spread in Hot Rod Magazine's August issue. It is, without question, one of the most significant and important custom cars ever built, and to this day remains a benchmark for innovation and excellence among hot rod enthusiasts. Rick Dobbertin devoted more than 3,000 hours over the course of three years to create this legendary performance vehicle. He started with a '65 Chevrolet II, then transformed it with twin Roto-Master turbochargers, a BDS 6-71 supercharger, an 8-port nitrous oxide system, a 454cid LS7 V8, Holley 750cfm carbs, twin radiators, B&M Comp Turbo 400, DANA 60 rear end, JFZ rear brakes, full roll cage and Deist Flame Out fire suppression system. The driver is kept advised by the 17 Auto Meter gauges and two Auto Meter Pro-lites. Polished Center Line 'Auto Drag' wheels have the requisite big and little tires that are the hallmark of any Pro Street custom. And in case the JZF disc brakes with drilled rotors failed to provide sufficient stopping power, Dobbertin mounted twin parachutes out back. Two custom-upholstered racing buckets are surrounded by a full roll cage, and safety is enhanced by the 5-point safety harnesses and a hand-held fire extinguisher. The interior does not disappoint, with a great mix of top-notch racing equipment blended with the original radio, speedometer and clock, as well as several original knobs modified to suit non-stock purposes. The Nova is in exceptional condition. With exception of the front wheels, the car is still 100% original to the day it was built. Sure to be a showpiece in any collection, the Dobbertin Nova is a piece of automotive history that will continue to inspire custom car builders for decades to come.

1965 Dobbertin Pro-Street Nova. Street Machine of the Year in 1982, two-time winner Car Craft Nationals, 14 cover appearances, 22 articles and 100 mentions. 454ci, automatic.