How rare is a Hatchback Nova?

Not exceptionally rare overall. The Hatchback Nova, typically referring to the Vauxhall Nova (the UK-market version of the Opel Corsa A) from the 1980s and early 1990s, is reasonably common on classic-car markets, though certain high-performance or region-specific variants are noticeably scarcer.

What is a Hatchback Nova?

The term most often points to the Vauxhall Nova, the UK name for the Opel Corsa A, produced from 1982 to 1993. It was offered in multiple body styles, including three- and five-door hatchbacks, and spawned a range of trims and sportier variants. While base hatchbacks are widely available today, rarer versions—especially performance-tuned models or region-specific editions—are more sought after by collectors and enthusiasts.

Variant spotlight

Enthusiasts tend to flag the higher‑spec and limited variants (notably sportier trims) as the rarer end of the spectrum. Three-door versions and certain market-specific editions are generally less common than the standard five-door forms on today’s market.

How rare is a Hatchback Nova?

Rarity in this context depends on year, trim, and market. Broadly speaking, the standard hatchbacks from the 1980s are common enough in Europe and the UK, but certain variants—especially sportier models and limited runs—are rarer and tend to attract higher prices among collectors. There is no single global production figure published for every variant, so rarity is best judged by comparing specific models, years, and regions.

To help navigate this, several factors influence rarity and desirability: variant type, body style, market, and the car’s originality and provenance. The more specialized the variant and the more original the car, the rarer it tends to be in today’s market.

• Sport and performance variants (for example, 1.6-litre GSi/SRi models) are typically rarer today due to limited production and higher collector interest.


• Three-door hatchbacks are generally less common on the modern market than five-door versions, making them comparatively rarer and often more desirable to some buyers.


• Limited-edition or region-specific trims (special colours, unique badging, or market-exclusive variants) can be particularly scarce and valued by collectors.


• Low-mileage, untouched cars with documented history and original parts are among the rarest and most sought-after examples.

In practice, your odds of encountering a Hatchback Nova depend heavily on year, trim, and region. Base hatchbacks are widespread, while the sportier and limited editions are the ones that stand out as rarer in the collectors’ market.

Ways to assess rarity and value

Before evaluating rarity, it helps to know what to look for and how the market currently treats these cars. The following guidelines can help determine how scarce a particular Hatchback Nova is in today’s market and what it might fetch.

• Check production and trim data from reliable registries or clubs (such as the Nova Owners Club, or Opel/Vauxhall registries) and, where available, DVLA/vehicles data for the UK. That helps establish how many were built in a given variant.


• Review classic-car auction results and reputable classifieds to gauge current market availability and pricing for specific variants (e.g., GSi, SRi, limited editions).


• Assess originality—cars with matching numbers, original paint, and documented service history tend to be rarer and more valuable than heavily modified examples.


• Consider regional demand—certain trims may be more sought after in the UK or continental Europe than elsewhere, which affects perceived rarity and value.


• Look for provenance and documentation—comprehensive history, restoration records, and receipts can significantly influence rarity perception and resale value.

Using these indicators will help you determine how rare a specific Hatchback Nova is within your market and what it might be worth at sale or auction.

Summary

The Hatchback Nova is not uniformly rare. The core Nova lineup—standard hatchbacks from the 1980s—remains relatively common on today’s market. Rarity increases with sportier variants (notably the 1.6 GSi/SRi), three-door configurations, and limited-edition or market-specific models. To gauge rarity accurately, consult model registries, check current auction and listing data, and verify provenance and originality. If you were thinking of a different Nova (such as the Chevrolet Nova or another generation/market), please specify the exact model and year for a precise rarity assessment.

What is the rarest Chevy?

The 1969 Chevrolet Corvette ZL1 is considered one of the rarest Chevys ever produced, with only two units ever built due to its high cost. Other rare models include the 1971 Corvette ZR2 (12 units produced), the 1969 Camaro Yenko (201 units produced), and a unique 1968 Camaro Z/28 convertible (1 unit produced).
 
You can watch this video to learn about some of the rarest Chevrolet muscle cars ever made: 55sAmerican ClassicsYouTube · Apr 6, 2025
Extremely rare models

• 1969 Chevrolet Corvette ZL1: With only two examples ever made, this Corvette is legendary for its all-aluminum 427 cubic-inch engine, making it both light and powerful, and its astronomical price. 
• 1971 Corvette ZR2: Only 12 of these were built before the oil crisis and emissions regulations led Chevrolet to discontinue the package. 
• 1968 Chevrolet Camaro Z/28 Convertible: This is a unique one-of-one car, as the Z/28 was never officially offered in a convertible body style. 
• 1983 Chevrolet Corvette: Only one is known to exist, as all 1983 models were set aside and later destroyed, but this one was hidden and eventually restored. 

Other rare Chevys

• 1969 Yenko Camaro: Only 201 were produced, making them highly sought-after muscle cars. 
• 1978 Chevrolet Nova 9C1 Coupe: Nearly all police-spec Novas were four-doors. This specific car is believed to be the only one ever built as a coupe. 
• 1984 Chevrolet Sno Chaser: This special winter-ready pickup truck was only built for a single year. 

How rare is a 74 Nova hatchback?

The '74 Nova was a popular car, with over 390,500 sold. Of that number, only about 80,600 were hatchbacks in both base and Custom trim, which accounted for just over one fifth of total production.

What is the rarest Chevy Nova?

The 1969 Yenko Nova S/C 427 is often cited as the rarest Chevy Nova due to its extreme performance and limited production of just 37 units. Another contender for the rarest Nova is the 1970 Nova SS L89, which is a one-of-a-kind model featuring a rare aluminum head L89 engine. The 1978 9C1 Coupe, a police-spec Nova built as a two-door instead of the typical four-door, is also considered one of the rarest.
 
This video discusses the rarity of the Yenko Nova S/C 427: 58sBackyard Barn FindsYouTube · Jun 25, 2023
1969 Yenko Nova S/C 427 

• Rarity: Only 37 were built, and even fewer are believed to exist today. 
• Key features: This car was a performance modification by Don Yenko's dealership, which involved swapping a 427-cubic inch big block V8 engine into the compact Nova body. 
• Performance: It was a "sleeper" muscle car that looked modest but had the power to compete with larger cars. 

1970 Nova SS L89

• Rarity: Considered one of the rarest because it is believed to be a one-of-a-kind example.
• Key features: This specific Nova SS is unique for being equipped with the L89 engine, which was an aluminum head version of the 427 V8. It also featured a steel crank, steel connecting rods, and a 4-bolt main. 

This video discusses the rarity of the 1970 Nova SS L89: 1mBackyard Barn FindsYouTube · Jun 25, 2023
1978 9C1 Coupe

• Rarity: Documents show only one coupe was ever built with the 9C1 police package. Almost all other 9C1 Novas were four-door sedans.
• Key features: This particular car has low mileage and is original, except for a repaint. It was originally ordered with a long list of factory options, including air conditioning and cruise control. 

What year did Nova have a hatchback?

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