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It’s been a few years now since our first experience with heightened EPA emissions standards and the first energy crisis put a damper on V8-powered muscle car sales, but that doesn’t mean that the advertisements and manuals for cars of that era aren’t cool to look back at. Recently we ran across this vintage manual ad for the 1974 Nova Custom SS on Chromjuwelen.com. While it may be outdated by today’s standards, this beauty was actually the top-of-the-line car for the 1974 model year.
The Chevy Nova got its start as an option on the Chevy II platform in 1962. From there it grew as a notable and track worthy muscle car with the Super Sport package being added to the mix in 1963.
By the second generation, the Nova SS was making its mark on the muscle car era with an available 327cui V8. In 1968, the Nova SS went from being a trim package to a performance package, making the third-generation the car to beat with a standard 295-horsepower 350cui V8 and two optional 396ci. engine producing up to 375hp. The SS model also boasted a heavy-duty suspension system and available disc brakes. The 396cui engine was bored out to 402ci. by 1969, the last year the SS396 was available.
After emission mandates took power literally right out of the Chevy V8 engines, the SS package became more of an appearance dress-up package than anything in 1973. That year the dressier Custom Nova package was introduced for sedan, coupe and hatchback models.
The 1974 Custom Nova SS Coupe resulted, giving buyers a special suspension, 14-inch Rally wheels, and a driver-side remote control sport mirror, as well as special SS badging, striping and black-out grill from the SS option. The Custom option added a special “uncluttered” dash with locking glove box, cigarette lighter, and bright instrument cluster framing, as well as passenger compartment carpeting, bright exterior trim and bumper impact strips.
Although the ‘74 Custom Nova SS Coupe was advertised as having a “personality all its own,” there was also a Custom Nova SS Hatchback that boasted the same features.
Vintage advertisements are always interesting to look at. Not only do they showcase classic cars in their glory years, they also boast about things that few of us wouldn’t think twice about. Just the same, they did make an impact on buyers back in the day and we have to give them some credit for getting original owners to buy our beloved classic muscle standouts.
