However, Nova SS production soldiered on with bigger and more powerful engines, culminating in the 1970 model with a 396-cubic-inch big block V8 that pumped out 375 horsepower.

Without question, the fastest Nova in 1969 would be a Super Sport equipped with the optional L78 396-cubic-inch motor that produced 375 horsepower, backed by a 4-speed manual transmission.

That’s some decent power, but curb weight is rated at a hefty 4,078 pounds with driver onboard. In the other lane is a 1969 Chevy Nova SS396, which features the 396 cubic-inch V8 L78.

1970 was a pretty important year for the Chevrolet Nova SS. It was the moment when the GM brand decided to give up on the SS 396, so starting with 1971, the car came fitted with various engine ...

Back in the 1960s, many of the so-called street racers weren’t seeking attention by means of high-buck muscle cars. The Chevrolet Nova SS 396 was more than enough for them, especially when ...

All the gauges are crisp and legible. Beneath the hood, the Chevy Nova SS is equipped with its matching-number 396 cubic-inch Big Block fed by a four-barrel carb, and producing 375 horsepower.

The new Chevy II Nova sold over 200,000 units overall, and then in 1969, the name was changed officially to Chevy Nova as GM dropped the Chevy II badges. The result was 254,242 units sold in 1970, ...

Thus, if you own a 1970 Chevy Nova SS 350 V8 small block or a 396 big-block (actually a 402) in your garage, you have a really rare piece of auto history. The SS396 was dropped in 1971.