How many 1973 Nova hatchbacks were made?

There is no definitive public figure for the exact number of 1973 Chevrolet Nova hatchbacks produced; production-by-body-style data from General Motors during that era was not consistently released to the public, and independent registries show a range of estimates.

What makes the 1973 Nova hatchback distinctive

In the second generation (1968–1974) of the Chevrolet Nova, the hatchback was a two-door design with a rear liftgate. It sat alongside other body styles such as the two-door Sport Coupe and four-door sedans. The 1973 model year brought styling tweaks and reflected GM’s broader shift toward smaller, more economical offerings as fuel economy moved higher on buyers’ radar.

What counts as a hatchback?

The term "hatchback" in the Nova lineup refers to the two-door hatchback body style that appeared in several GM compact lines of the era. Some sources may count variants with removable rear glass or differing trim levels as hatchbacks; others may treat certain related models or trim packages differently. This definitional ambiguity complicates precise tallies for a given model year.

Why the numbers are difficult to pin down

There is no standardized public breakdown of production by body style for each model year from GM; records exist but are not always complete, and later archival materials may summarize counts differently. Collector registries attempt to reconstruct totals using factory records, dealer catalogs, and photographed inventories, but their figures can diverge depending on criteria and digitization.

To illustrate how researchers approach the problem, consider the main lines of inquiry and data sources used to assemble tallies.

Where to look and how numbers are estimated

Before listing likely sources, note that most researchers rely on a combination of official records, enthusiast registries, and contemporary marketing literature. The following sources are commonly consulted when attempting to estimate hatchback production for a given year.

• GM heritage and production records (when accessible through the GM Heritage Center or equivalent archives), which provide the most authoritative baseline on model-year output by body style.


• Public registries and car clubs dedicated to the Chevrolet Nova, which compile body-style tallies from owner reports, advertisements, and dealership literature.


• Period brochures, dealer catalogs, and showroom literature that illustrate available body styles and trims for the 1973 model year.


• Automotive press coverage and road test brochures from the era, which sometimes include production or availability notes by body style.

These sources vary in accessibility and consistency, and no single public source provides a universally accepted count for 1973 Nova hatchbacks. Researchers emphasize transparency about methodology when presenting tallies.

Current best understanding

At present, there is no widely agreed-upon, exact figure for how many 1973 Nova hatchbacks were produced. The hatchback variant existed as part of the 1973 Nova lineup, but production numbers broken out by body style were not routinely published for public consumption. For precise figures, collectors and researchers typically consult GM's archival records or authenticated registries and then note the limitations of any estimate.

Summary

The exact count of 1973 Nova hatchbacks remains uncertain in the public record. While the hatchback was a distinct body style within the 1973 Nova lineup, official tallies by body style are not readily published, and estimates from registries vary. For the most reliable figure, consult the GM Heritage Center archives or a trusted, clearly documented Nova registry, and be mindful of definitional differences in what counts as a hatchback.

How much is a 1973 Nova hatchback worth?

Typically, you can expect to pay around $10,800 for a 1973 Chevrolet Nova in good condition with average spec.

How many 1973 Chevy Nova hatchbacks were made?

Around 91,000 hatchbacks left the factory in 1973. That represented almost 25 percent of the Nova's roughly 370,000 total production. However, for 1974 hatchback output fell to under 81,000 units, which was roughly 21 percent of total production.

What year did Nova have a hatchback?

1973
The 1973 model year introduced a hatchback body style based on the 2-door coupe.

What is the rarest Nova?

The rarest Chevy Nova is likely a 1969 Yenko SC 427 due to its extremely low production and survival numbers, with only about 10 thought to exist today. Another contender for the rarest Nova is the 1970 Yenko Deuce, of which 175 were built, or a unique 1970 Nova SS with an L89 aluminum head engine, which is believed to be a one-of-a-kind build. For a police-specific model, the 1978 Nova 9C1 Coupe is also a contender, as only one is documented to have been built as a coupe.
 
Key contenders for the rarest Nova:

• 1969 Yenko SC 427: Built by Don Yenko, these cars featured a 427 big-block engine. While 38 were ordered for conversion, fewer than 10 are believed to survive today, making it the rarest production Nova. 
• 1970 Yenko Deuce: This Nova was a special model that used a high-revving LT1 350 small-block V8 from the Corvette. Only 175 were built, making it another extremely rare and highly collectible model. 
• 1970 Nova SS L89: This car is unique because it reportedly features an L89 aluminum head engine, which is believed to be the only one ever installed in a 1970 Nova SS. 
• 1978 Nova 9C1 Coupe: The 9C1 was a police package. While most were built as four-door sedans, only a single example is documented to have been built as a two-door coupe, making it exceptionally rare. 

You can watch this video to learn more about the 1969 Yenko Nova SC 427 and its rarity: 1mBackyard Barn FindsYouTube · Jun 25, 2023