The 2020 Goodguys Grand Prize Giveaway 1967 Nova is Ready for the Road – and a New Owner!
The key to any recipe, especially for the Goodguys Grand Prize Giveaway 1967 Nova, is the right combination of ingredients. Start with a new-steel body from Real Deal Steel, the skills of the crew at Designer Street Rods, and scores of high-quality components from many of the hobby’s top suppliers and you have a great finished product. And at the 2020 PPG Nationals in Columbus, one of the lucky qualifiers will put a key into the ignition and drive this stunning 1967 Nova home.
In a world of often bright and shiny cars, the Giveaway Nova exudes an understated, yet powerful testament to good design and well-executed engineering, matched with innovative style. From the satin finish on the bumpers, to the black finish on the window trim, this Nova stands out without needing to scream “look at me!”
1967 Nova Build Up Series
Part 1 | Part 2 | Part 3
Based on an Eric Brockmeyer concept illustration and starting with an all-new-steel body, the Designer Street Rods team could skip the time and work involved in restoring a 50-plus-year-old survivor. Test fitting of components and necessary body adjustments to accommodate the modern drivetrain components began almost immediately after the body arrived at the Cleveland, Georgia shop.
The 720-horsepower supercharged 416c.i. LS3 engine from Edelbrock and Tremec six-speed manual transmission required modifications of the firewall and floor plan. Because of the Nova’s unibody construction, Designer also fabricated custom rails to connect the Detroit Speed front and rear suspension assemblies.
After most other mechanical and body components were test-fitted to make sure there would be no clearance issues after paint was applied, the body underwent final prep work in advance of the primer and paint application. The Designer team used 3M prep and masking materials and PPG primers and paints throughout the finishing process. The two-tone silver and charcoal hues are both late-model Mercedes colors and are divided with a subtle Goodguys yellow stripe.
As final assembly began, the wide array of top-quality aftermarket components were attached, installed, and detailed. BFGoodrich tires, 18-inch B-Forged wheels, and six-piston Baer disc brakes anchor all four corners. A host of components were also needed to complete the powertrain, from the K&N air filter and Concept One pulley system, to the Taylor plug wires, Powermaster starter, and Detroit Speed headers. A Flowmaster exhaust system was matched with Deeds clamps and hangers to expel exhaust gases.
In addition to regularly available aftermarket restoration and accessory pieces, the Giveaway Nova hosts a slew of one-off custom pieces. Greening Auto Company created the custom valve covers and the horizontal trim piece on the trunk that incorporates Goodguys lettering. Eddie Motorsports supplied trunk and hood hinges, taillights, battery tray, and door handles. Speaking of the taillights, one of the neat details is the hinged left taillight assembly that swings away to reveal the fuel filler.
The interior of the Nova is as detailed and as the exterior. Seats and door panels from TMI provide updated and supportive elements that still look at home in a ’60s vehicle. Designer Street Rods created a custom rear package tray to accommodate the speakers that are part of the Kicker stereo system. Passengers can hear those tunes more clearly thanks to soundproofing materials from Vibro Solution and Steele Rubber weather stripping sealing out the wind noise.
Custom Dakota Digital gauges fit in a modified dash, while a Billet Specialties steering wheel sits on a Flaming River tilt steering column. The Auto Custom Carpet supplied materials were massaged to produce form-fitting carpet and floor mats. A Vintage Air system keeps the Nova cool or warm, depending on the time of year.
From top to bottom, front to back, this Nova was assembled with fresh components. Specialty Power Windows supplied the side glass as well as windshield wipers. Clayton Machine interior handles added to the custom look, and seat belts came from Seatbelts Plus and Classic Industries. American Autowire provided the wiring to connect all of the Nova’s systems.
Each Goodguys Giveaway project brings together a combination of high-quality components, creative design elements and talented builders to produce a truly unique vehicle. This year’s Nova is a fitting member of the Goodguys Giveaway family. It’s certainly the newest 1967 Nova on the planet. Could it also be the best? Let’s ask the lucky winner this summer.
Photos by Damon Lee & John Jackson
