How much did a 1974 Nova cost new?
A new 1974 Chevrolet Nova typically started around $2,900 in base form, with options and higher trims pushing the final price into the low-to-mid $3,000s.
Context and pricing framework
The 1974 model year was the last for the second-generation Nova, produced during an era of rising fuel prices and evolving safety standards. Base prices varied by body style (2-door coupe, 4-door sedan) and by engine choice (inline-6 vs. V8), with additional options adding to the sticker price. The figures below reflect rough guide prices in U.S. dollars before dealer adjustments or regional incentives.
Pricing by trim and body style
Below is a rough guide to what a new 1974 Nova might have cost, depending on configuration and options.
- Base Nova 2-door coupe with an inline-6 engine: approximately $2,900
- Nova variants with small V8 engines or higher trims: roughly $3,200–$3,500
- Nova SS or Deluxe/Custom packages with added features: around $3,800–$3,900
Prices could vary by dealer location, optional equipment (air conditioning, automatic transmission, power features), and any regional incentives or promotions at the time.
Additional factors that influenced price in 1974
The 1970s brought stricter safety and emissions requirements, as well as shifting consumer preferences toward more fuel-efficient cars. For buyers of the Nova, those changes sometimes meant higher base prices or increased option costs, even as manufacturers sought to keep compact cars affordable in a volatile market.
Summary
In summary, a 1974 Nova’s base price hovered around $2,900, with higher-trim and V8 models climbing into the low-to-mid $3,000s and approaching the high $3,000s for top-equipped variants. The exact amount depended on body style, engine choice, and optional equipment, with regional variations and dealer markup affecting the final sticker price.
