Two Not So Common Cars - 72 Rally Nova, 73 Malibu

[Jefferson]

Finally got both cars together for a few pictures! 1972 Rally Nova and 1973 Chevelle Malibu. Both vehicles I restored a few years ago in my early 20's. Both locally sold British Columbia cars, Canadian documented and the Rally even has both build sheets still in great shape.
Quick story on the Rally; I saw it for sale at a local car show here in the lower mainland. Moving from Ontario with the family and fresh out of high school and no friends, I instantly fell in love! She shows 45,000 miles young, all original body panels, seat covers, carpet, even most of the suspension bushings appear original. The engine was swapped out in the early 70's with a high performance #492 headed, #1182 crank 350 small block. Probably out of a z28 camaro or something. Inside the trunk covered in dust was boxes of NOS Rally stripes!! ( couldn't believe that), old school lakewood traction bars, 14x8 American racing mags in absolute amazing condition, along with a few small day 2 go fast goodies. Long story short, I blocked out the original paint, fixed a few minor door dings and painted it original #52 placer gold. You could say this car was my automotive painter apprenticeship haha. She really is a cool fast car, 373 gear, 450hp and a 3500 converter, it lights up those bias plys for blocks!

Moving foward to the 73 Chevelle Malibu. Only a few months after finishing my Nova, an older guy I worked with told me about his chevelle he had in his garage. Similar condition as my Nova, original body panels and drivetrain, she had been sitting in his garage for years and years. Him being 65 years young at the time, he didnt quite have the ability or knowledge to restore his baby back to original condition. So I took on the task! Asking nothing more then a helping hand from him, we block sanded for days on days... on days! to get her arrow straight. Some minor body modifications were done, such as removing the mid body and lower exterior trim for a smooth clean look. Finished off in the original baby poop yellow/brown, I had finally helped his dreams come true. Its nothing special, bench seat, column shift, 350 2bbl, but still a car you dont see everyday, especially in that colour.

[Damien]

Two very cool cars. Nice job with them both. [img]<<GRAEMLIN_URL>>/biggthumpup.gif[/img]

[DW31S]

Love 'em both! all you need is a tow bar, some tabs and a hitch.

[Woj]

You have two nice cars that you can be proud to own. Even better yet, you did the restorations.

Phil Woj.

[img]<<GRAEMLIN_URL>>/biggthumpup.gif[/img]

[markinnaples]

Congrats, those both look great. Was gold the original color of the Nova?

[SS427]

Regardless of the years and colors they look great and I would be proud to own either/both. Congrats!

[Jefferson]

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: markinnaples</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Congrats, those both look great. Was gold the original color of the Nova? </div></div>

Yes, both cars are repainted their original colours.

[68l30]

Great looking pair! I like the Nova's TT's...Did you add a gold edge/highlight in them? Nice custom touch if you did.. [img]<<GRAEMLIN_URL>>/biggthumpup.gif[/img]


BIG

[mockingbird812]

NIcely done Jefferson. Really like the look of your Rally Nova and I am certain you made your buddy very happy restoring his Malibu. [img]<<GRAEMLIN_URL>>/biggthumpup.gif[/img]

[Xplantdad]

Very cool!