Finding a car that vanished into thin air years ago is akin to searching for a mythical creature. The quest for a singular 1970 Chevrolet Nova SS L89 has become an obsessive pursuit for one individual.
This particular Nova, meticulously restored by Legendary Motorcar, is believed to be the sole example of its kind, equipped with an anomalous aluminum-headed 396-cubic-inch V8 engine a configuration Chevrolet never officially produced in 1970.
Despite overwhelming evidence supporting its authenticity, the car’s existence remains shrouded in mystery. After restoring the vehicle to its former glory, the owner eventually sold it, marking the beginning of a frustrating search to locate the lost treasure.
Now, years later, Legendary Motorcar is appealing to the public for any information on the car’s whereabouts, hoping to reunite this enigmatic automobile with the spotlight. The owner had a 1970 Chevrolet Nova, a car so rare that many experts believed it didn’t exist. Only 311 of its predecessors, the 1969 models, were ever produced, and there was no record of a single 1970 version rolling off the assembly line.
Yet, here was this one, complete with original documentation, including the Protect-O-Plat a metal tag attached to the car’s warranty booklet, a unique identifier introduced by General Motors in 1965. The car housed its original, numbers-matching 396-cubic-inch V8 engine, a beast capable of 375 horsepower, mated to a four-speed manual transmission.
Skepticism hung heavy in the air until renowned Nova expert, Brian Henderson, was brought in. A meticulous examination of the engine confirmed the unthinkable: it was authentic. A mysterious 1970 Chevrolet Nova SS L89 is back in the spotlight, not for its initial debut, but for its current whereabouts. This particular Nova isn’t just any muscle car; it’s believed to be the only one ever built with its specific engine configuration.
Restored to pristine condition over a decade ago by the Legendary Motorcar team, the car boasted a powerful V8 that separated it from the pack, even if its handling didn’t quite match a true sports car. Despite the hefty restoration cost, likely exceeding six figures, the owner’s choice of car was undeniable – a one-of-a-kind Nova destined for immense value.
