Automotive trends are an interesting phenomenon with some lasting only a few years and some making a lasting mark on the industry. Quite often the desire to have a totally restored classic car is intercepted by thoughts of unreliability and lack of practicality. For a lot of enthusiasts, building something beautiful that cannot be driven and enjoyed is a bit of a contradiction. So quite naturally, along comes the Pro-touring car – a classic automobile that has original lines and styling but utilizes drastically improved components such as the suspension, brakes, drive train, and creature comforts.
This 1967 Nova was built with three things in mind: show quality workmanship, top quality parts, and ease of use. The car selected for the build was an 70k mile vehicle in very solid and original condition. The original 283 and 3 speed transmission were removed from the vehicle and she was stripped down to a bare metal shell. What remained after the car was stripped down was a solid rust free car that needed nothing but some show quality paint preparation and a new trunk pan. So, the body was prepped and sanded. After the paint and first coat of clear went on there was more sanding etc… The results speak for themselves as the car is laser straight and the paint is as slick as glass. All of the stainless trim has been polished out and all of the glass is brand new. The undercarriage was finished with a very thin coat of Rhino liner which will keep maintenance to a minimum and alleviate all fears of impending rock chips.
Out the window went all of the old suspension and brake technology and in came the new regime. A Heidt’s front suspension clip now sits in place of the ousted old front clip. It’s hooked up with a precise steering rack and pinion unit and a set of power disc brakes a which go all the way around the car. The rear suspension is comprised of a TCI 4-link kit and the rear diff houses an Eaton Posi unit.
Now for the best part…Bye, bye 283 and hello LS2 engine and 6 speed transmission. This heavy hitting combination makes the car about as practical as it gets – no more under-performing carburetors, weird starting issues, overheating, sloppy shifter linkage… Just turn the key and go! The engine puts out a nasty 425 horse power and the transmission is quick and as precise. This car gets 25 MPG with the AC on full blast. Open the hood to reveal all the magic and it’s about as clean and tidy as it gets, or should we say spotless.
The interior is complete refinished and like new. The Dakota digital dash has more fuctions than we know what to do with and features a 255-MPH speedometer, 0-9990 RPM tachometer, oil pressure, water temperature, fuel level, and voltage gauge. The system also features odometer/trip odometer, turn signals, high beam, check engine, brake, and cruise control indicators…and don’t forget the 0-60 timer, 1/4 mile timer, 1/4 mile speed recall, high speed recall, high RPM recall, hour meter, as well as a service meter. Rumors has it the dash could have feelings and may try to date you but we advise against starting a serious relationship with a digital gauge cluster.
Driving the Nova around is a blast. Its very tight and quite fast and all of the upgrades are quite evident as soon as the motor fires up. The car only has 200 miles since the restoration and is a 10 out of 10 that can be reliably driven anywhere. Just get in and go and all your old maintenance nightmares will quickly evaporate as you hammer the throttle(on a closed road circuit only with adult supervision, signed permission slip, a helmet and any other disclaimer fodder that we’re forgetting).
