454 Rally Sport

1978 Chevrolet Nova Rally Sport

454 V8 - 4 Speed Manual Transmission - Yellow Over Black Interior -Tennessee Car - Electric Exhaust Cutouts

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It may look like a simple, vintage Nova but this one has a little more to it than the original concept of an economical family car. This one has a big block V8, 4-speed manual transmission, bucket seats, and remote exhaust cutouts - for good measure. Sounds fun, and flips the myth of the meaning of Nova in Spanish being “no go”. This car has plenty of “go”, and an awesome sound whether the exhaust cutouts are open or closed.

The car originally left the Willow Run Michigan assembly plant finished in Carmine (code 77), rather than the light yellow that the car wears currently. Novas weren't offered in yellow in '78 but the color looks great on this car, and looks like a color that would've been offered by Chevrolet at the time. Thanks to the Z26 RPO which designated the Rally Sport trim, this car has a cross hatch grille, black painted headlight buckets, “Nova Rally” badging, a black horizontal stripe, and body color painted wheels. Chrome bumpers cap each end of the car, and thanks to being from Tennessee, the body is in great condition. No “Rust Belt” vehicle issues here.

A rather simple interior featuring black vinyl bucket seats, factory radio, and single bar steering wheel. The interior is really quite simple, and originally being an economy car that is no surprise. Additions to the interior come in the form of an armrest, Hurst shifter, and a gauge panel having been added so the driver can keep tabs on that large displacement engine under the hood.

Speaking of the engine that was carefully shoe-horned into the engine bay, the term “there's no replacement for displacement” goes a long way with this car. According to the VIN, the car left the factory with a 145 horsepower 305ci V8 under the hood. We can assure you that the 454ci V8 that now resides under the hood pumps out a whole bunch more power than the original 305 did. Not only has the 454 been placed in the engine bay, it's a very tidy install which features polished valve covers, Edelbrock intake manifold, headers, custom exhaust, and 4 BBL carburetor.

“Sleepers” can be really fun cars, and we would definitely consider this Nova Rally to be a sleeper. Surprise your friends and neighbors with a late 70's economy car that is capable of rattling fillings loose, roasting the tires off, and giving muscle cars a run for the money. A healthy rumble of a V8 is the last thing you would expect from this car, but this Nova is a clean vintage car that's ready for cruising…and maybe some shenanigans. We'll let you decide that, just don't miss out on this fun car! Be sure to check out all the photos and video on our main website: Garage Kept Motors. Call if interested or e-mail with any questions. Thank you for looking.