SHOWSTOPPER: This Multiple-Award-Winning Custom 1967 Nova Means Business
November 20, 2024
Posted by Barrett-Jackson
Featuring exceptionally clean styling and taut proportions in a great-looking and relatively lightweight package, Chevrolet’s 1966-67 Chevy II-based Nova remains indelibly burned into the collective memory of hard-core drag racing and street machine fans ever since it was new. This fully customized 1967 Chevrolet Nova SS celebrates its unforgettable heritage utilizing classic looks combined with ultra-modern modern performance and handling with a Pro-Touring theme, accentuated by an award-winning build quality.
Beginning with a Roadster Shop Fast Track chassis, unibody delete and 0.75-inch dropped body shell, the Nova is the multiple-show-winning product of thousands of hours’ worth of body, paint and interior work by Ron Jones Garage. The multitude of subtle body mods – too many to fully list here ‒ include the narrowed, tucked and modified front bumper with air intake, the front “chin” spoiler, 2-inch cowl induction-style hood with Mercedes-Benz hood latches, custom radiator cover, one-off square-pattern aluminum grille with stock grille bars, hidden turn signals and a new firewall-to-trunk floor pan.
Other select details include the deleted vent windows and window trim, modified drip rails, electric door locks, Nu-Relics electric windows, custom rear spoiler, deleted backup light, custom rear air diffuser and a one-off aluminum two-piece trunk inlay with “Blownaway” script. Stretched rear wheel wells accommodate the huge rear wheels and tires and accentuate the Nova’s wicked stance, the fuel filler was relocated behind the left digital brake light and the narrowed rear bumper was reworked to match the body contours. This car was used by Fesler USA to help develop its flush-mount series for ’62 to ’67 Novas, and it also features flush-mount windshield and rear glass. To crown off the Nova, Ron Jones Garage applied the eye-catching Spies Hecker custom Glacier Ice Blue Pearl paint, and Ogdon Chrome handled all the nickel-plated brightwork.
While the Nova could be ordered with formidable small-block Chevy power when new, this car delivers awesome performance with power delivered by a GM Performance Connect & Cruise LS3 V8 engine rated at 525 horsepower. A Whipple 2.9-liter air-to-water cooled supercharger delivers forced induction to a 103mm throttle body, and the power flows through a Tremec 6-speed manual transmission to a narrowed Strange rear axle. The engine was set back 4 inches and lowered 2 inches for improved balance and hood clearance. Supporting items include an AFCO radiator, Ultimate headers, a 3-inch stainless exhaust with Magnaflow mufflers and electronic cutouts with push-button control. Stopping power is provided by Baer 6-piston calipers and 14-inch front and rear rotors controlled by a Wilwood pedal assembly.
The Nova’s luxurious yet businesslike interior includes a custom metal console and raised dash fabbed by Ron Jones Garage. JJ’s Upholstery supplied the Relicate leather upholstery adorning the Lexus 6-way adjustable front seats and Lexus rear seats. An Ididit steering column and Billet Specialties steering wheel greet the driver, and an AutoMeter InVision digital dash monitors the Nova’s vital signs. A Vintage Air system delivers climate control on demand. Other choice details include push-button starting and controls for the windows and exhaust cutouts, plus a one-piece headliner. If the Nova’s wicked exhaust note isn’t enough entertainment, the Kenwood stereo delivers the tunes and includes a useful backup-camera screen. One-off Curtis Speed Equipment wheels by Mike Curtis, wrapped with Michelin Pilot Sport ultra-performance tires, finish it off.
Following completion, this showstopping Nova SS has numerous awards and accolades, including a Top 10 Battle of the Builders pick at SEMA 2023, selection as a Muscle Machine finalist at the 2023 Goodguys Texas meet, and finalist status for Goodguys GM Iron Builder of the Year and Best Use of Colors. It was also a Goodguys Colorado Top 10 pick in 2023 and a Pros Pick at the NSRA Nationals 2023 in Kentucky. Other honors include selection as a 2023 Street Machine of the Year finalist at Goodguys Ohio. At the 2024 in Omaha, Nebraska World of Wheels show, the Nova captured First Place, Pro Touring and Best Street Machine awards, repeated at the 2024 Salt Lake City, Utah World of Wheels. Near and dear to our hearts, the Nova was one of 50 cars selected to participate in the 2024 Barrett-Jackson Cup.
Set to cross the stage with No Reserve, this multiple-award-winning custom 1967 Chevrolet Nova SS is but one of the early featured consignments to the annual Scottsdale Auction in January. Be sure to register to bid and see it in person January 18-26 at WestWorld of Scottsdale!
Written by independent automotive journalist David Neyens