Did Chevy make a Nova SS in 1973?

Yes, Chevrolet did produce a Nova SS model in 1973. The Nova SS was a high-performance variant of the popular Nova compact car, offering a more powerful engine and sportier styling compared to the standard Nova.

The Chevrolet Nova SS in 1973

The 1973 Chevrolet Nova SS was part of the third generation of the Nova, which was produced from 1968 to 1974. The Nova SS was Chevrolet's answer to the growing demand for high-performance, muscle car-inspired compact vehicles in the early 1970s. The Nova SS featured a more powerful engine, upgraded suspension, and distinctive exterior styling cues to set it apart from the standard Nova models.

Engine and Performance

The 1973 Nova SS was powered by a 350 cubic inch (5.7 liter) V8 engine, which produced 175 horsepower. This was a significant upgrade from the standard Nova's inline six-cylinder engine options. The Nova SS also came equipped with a three-speed automatic transmission or a four-speed manual gearbox, allowing drivers to better harness the power of the V8 engine.

Exterior and Interior Styling

Visually, the 1973 Nova SS was distinguished by its unique front grille, hood, and rear-end treatments. The Nova SS featured a blacked-out grille, hood scoops, and a rear spoiler, giving it a more aggressive and sporty appearance compared to the standard Nova. Inside, the Nova SS boasted bucket seats, a center console, and additional performance-oriented gauges and trim.

Popularity and Legacy

The 1973 Chevrolet Nova SS was a popular choice among performance-minded compact car enthusiasts at the time. While not as powerful as some of the larger muscle cars of the era, the Nova SS offered an appealing balance of performance, style, and practicality. The Nova SS continued to be offered through the end of the third-generation Nova's production run in 1974, before the model was discontinued.

Today, the 1973 Chevrolet Nova SS is considered a classic among enthusiasts, and well-preserved examples are highly sought after by collectors and car enthusiasts alike.

How to tell if a 73 Nova is a true SS?

To tell if a 1973 Nova is a true SS, look for the factory "SS" package installed at the factory, which was mostly an appearance package that year. You will need to check the vehicle's documentation, VIN, and build sheet to confirm its authenticity, as features like emblems and bucket seats could be added later. You can also verify it by looking for the RPO Z26 code on the cowl tag, or by checking if it has the original 350 CID engine (RPO L48 or L34) and the original SS badges. 
What to look for

• Cowl tag: Check the cowl tag for the RPO Z26 code, which indicates the SS package was installed at the factory. 
• VIN: The VIN for a 1973 Nova SS must start with "11427" for a coupe or convertible, which indicates it was originally a V8 car, a prerequisite for being an SS during that period. 
• Engine: Ensure the original V8 engine (RPO L48 or L34) is present and that it was originally equipped with the SS package, as this was required for some of the higher performance versions. 
• Badges and emblems: Genuine SS models should have a specific grille, fenders, and rear end with SS badges. 
• Trim and features: True SS models often have unique interior and exterior trim, bucket seats, console shifters, and special steering wheels. 
• Documentation: Check for the original build sheet, which is the most reliable source of information on a car's original options. 

What is less reliable

• Enthusiast add-ons: It is easy to add SS badges and emblems to a standard Nova after the fact. 
• Bucket seats: Bucket seats could be ordered as an option on many non-SS Novas. 
• Performance upgrades: While some SS models came with performance upgrades, they were mostly cosmetic add-ons that could be easily replicated on a standard Nova. 

What years did they make the Nova SS?

The Chevrolet Nova SS was produced for the years 1963–1976, although the performance-oriented muscle car era for the model is generally considered to be from the mid-1960s to 1972. The SS (Super Sport) package was available on various model years during this period, with significant performance upgrades and engine options becoming available in 1968 through 1970. 
You can watch this video to learn about the history of the Chevrolet Nova SS: 1mClassic Car SecretsYouTube · Aug 25, 2025

• Original SS production: The Super Sport package was introduced in 1963. 
• Muscle car era: The Nova SS gained popularity as a performance muscle car from the mid-1960s through 1972, especially with big-block V8 options becoming available between 1968 and 1970. 
• Later years: The SS package continued to be offered, but the focus shifted towards efficiency in later generations. The SS badge was used until the 1976 model year. 

This video explains the different engine options for the Chevrolet Nova SS: 1mShooting CarsYouTube · Oct 27, 2024

How much is a 1973 Chevy Nova SS worth?

A 1973 Nova SS can range from around $14,200 for a good, average-spec car to over $30,100 for a high-retail example. Actual value depends heavily on the vehicle's condition, mileage, options, and history, with exceptional examples potentially selling for much more.
 
Value breakdown

• Average condition: Around $14,200 for a good example with average specifications. 
• High retail: Up to $30,100 for a car in excellent, high-end condition. 
• Recent sales: The highest auction price in the last three years was $39,600, while the lowest was $19,800, highlighting the wide range based on quality. 
• Factors influencing value:
  • Condition: Extremely well-maintained or rare examples command higher prices. 
  • Mileage: Lower mileage and fewer miles in general usually mean a higher value.
  • Modifications and history: Desirable features or modifications can increase value, while accident history or title problems can decrease it. 

Where to find a 1973 Nova SS
eBay, Classics on Autotrader, and Classic.com.

Did they make a 1973 Nova SS?

In its peak years, the SS could be ordered with a 350- or 396-cubic-inch engine (1968–1970), the latter being the most powerful ever offered in a Nova. Beginning in 1973, however, the SS transitioned into a trim and appearance package—a stylish, V8-only Nova rather than a pure muscle variant.