Cordia 427 L/88 Fast Track Nova. New find of 09'

[bkhpah]

This may be the Nova find of 09. Owned by Tony Lucas, this is a 1969 Nova built by Cordia Chevrolet in Clymer NY. This was a prototype car called the "Fast Tracks". The car received a very nasty L/88 and many go-fast parts. This car remained in Cordia's inventory from 11-21-68 until 1-2-2007 and sold as a new car. It has 1545 miles from new, all very hard. It is mostly original paint, but has had some "fluff" work to bring it back into shape. The car was a test bed for race parts and had numerous configurations up until the mid 70's when it was retired. It was a L-34 turbo 400 car with 3:31 rear gear new sporting XT wheels and pin stripe whites. It invoiced at a HUGE $2631.45. The car will be part of the Hi-Performance Chevrolet Showcase at GM Carlisle. It is at SCW for some detailing. Some parts were changed during its days as a test bed. It had a Hurst Dual Gate shifter on the floor first, then changes out to another brand. We would like to find a Hurst unit conform to its original design. It was returned to the column, but a new floor mat was installed since the old was was cut up. I am looking for both a Hurst and a good rubber mat. Enjoy the pictures, and come see it in person at GM Carlisle...BKH
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[sYc]

Very cool.... http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/biggthumpup.gif

[bkhpah]

I love the way Cordia used the Corvette style L/88 air cleaner and under-hood air box. I have never seen a hood like this..BKH
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[bkhpah]

Gas mileage is not a concern, but only 1545 have been logged. I just love the way that the fast and crude lead work was done at the factory. One of many "crude" body issues on original cars...BKH
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[1969grb]

WOW !!! http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/drool.gif http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/drool.gif
Grady http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/3gears.gif

[x Baldwin Motion]

[ QUOTE ]
Very cool.... http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/biggthumpup.gif

[/ QUOTE ]

to say the least http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/biggthumpup.gif http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/headbang.gif

[bkhpah]

We are looking for lots of little items. Like wiper arms, some seat belts that are missing, stuff like that. This car is like a wild caged animal. It has block off plates on the headers. I have yet to uncap it, but IT will be soon..BKH

[bkhpah]

Just noticed that it is 4-27-09. A good day to post pictures of this car..BKH http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/3gears.gif

[JK98SS]

So did it sell for MSRP in 07? Neat car.

[bkhpah]

I doubt it...BKH http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/frown.gif

[TLucas]

George Lyons thanks for uncovering this "rare" car. Thanks to Brian, Joe, and Frank for getting the car ready to display at Carlisle. Brian I hope you test the slicks soon. That will make a great picture!

[300deluxeL79]

wow! http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/eek.gifhttp://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/worship.gif

[Salvatore]

Love the wide traction bars and double love the leaded areas at the trunk. NO fluff there! Reminds me of another non fluffed blue nova. http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/biggthumpup.gif http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/3gears.gif

[MrsBillyBobcat]

WOW! http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/eek.gif VERY COOL http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/biggthumpup.gif http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/biggthumpup.gif

Love the color combo! http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/wink.gif

[Mr. Chevy]

What a BEAST!! Very Cool Nova.. Just when you think you have seen them all, the SCW comes up with something else that blows your mind!!

Rich

[Stefano]

Wow, that car looks like Brand New http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/eek.gif

[hvychev]

Amazing......wow.....Brian is there any more info about the cars early days? Any vintage photo's? How was it found and how was it not public till now? The car is awesome! http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/eek.gif http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/worship.gif

[Charley Lillard]

Where is George Lyons ? I think he bought it new in 2007 and kept it a secret...

[Tenney]

Savage. http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/biggthumpup.gif

[ORIGLS6]

WHOA! We need video WITH SOUND when you crack those headers open! http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/biggthumpup.gif http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/biggthumpup.gif

That thing is WILD! http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/worship.gif

[Schonyenko2]

Very cool nova. http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/cool.gif Kinda reminds me of the Monroe shocks give away car. It had the L88 hood too. There's gotta be some old time slips there somewhere. That's gotta be a low 11 sec car at least. http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/biggthumpup.gif

[bkhpah]

We have a lot of paperwork on the car. I would like to see any vintage pictures to help with the re-work we want to do. It had the Hurst Paperwork in its folder, so we know that was part of the original plan. There are pictures of the car at Cordia and of the dealership. Since the car was never sold, I do not know what a car like this would have sold for new. I imagine in the 5,ooo.oo dollar range with the L/88...BKH

[m22mike]

Brian
How do you and Joe keep from drooling... http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/drool.gif... all over that thing ??
Looking forward to seeing it @ the "Solid Lifter Showroom" at GM Carlisle. http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/worship.gif

Mike http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/youguysrock.gif

[Xplantdad]

[ QUOTE ]
Where is George Lyons ? I think he bought it new in 2007 and kept it a secret...

[/ QUOTE ]

I think you are right. I remember George talking tome about it when I ran into him at the 83rd Ave. cruise... http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/beers.gif

[beater68427]

That car is great http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/eek.gif WOW What a killer find!! I will have to refrain from ever seeing it in person though, I do not look good wearing a bib http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/drool.gif...

[bashton]

Let me be the first to say Holy Sh##!!!

Congrats to Tony for becoming the caretaker of such a cool piece of Muscle Car History and to Brian, Joe and the crew for having the opportunity to make a near perfect example even better.

Can't wait to see this baby in person!

Bashton
MCACN Managing Member

[Mr. Chevy]

[ QUOTE ]
We have a lot of paperwork on the car. I would like to see any vintage pictures to help with the re-work we want to do. It had the Hurst Paperwork in its folder, so we know that was part of the original plan. There are pictures of the car at Cordia and of the dealership. Since the car was never sold, I do not know what a car like this would have sold for new. I imagine in the 5,ooo.oo dollar range with the L/88...BKH

[/ QUOTE ]

Brian I can cough up $5,000 grand for the car now!!!! http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/haha.gif http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/haha.gif

Rich http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/beers.gif

[hvychev]

[ QUOTE ]
Very cool nova. http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/cool.gif Kinda reminds me of the Monroe shocks give away car. It had the L88 hood too. There's gotta be some old time slips there somewhere. That's gotta be a low 11 sec car at least. http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/biggthumpup.gif

[/ QUOTE ]

http://www.yenko.net/photos/data/500/medium/File0021.jpg

[Kim_Howie]

11.90 maybe http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/biggthumpup.gif The 427 Gibb cars ran a 12.05. Granted this is a L-88 vs a 425 motor but I dont think it would have been 6 to 8 tenths faster. JMO By the way very nice find. Nothing like a time capsule. http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/worship.gif http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/beers.gif

[Keith Tedford]

Back in '71 I spent six months in the lead booth on the "B" body line in Oshawa. If our jobs turned out that bad we would have heard about in quickly. When a new guy came into the lead booth, quality took a hit until he learned the job. At more than one a minute, you don't have much time. I think there were 3-4 guys on each side of the line, giving about 4 minutes start to finish. Each had a progressively finer disc. Our Baltimore built Chevelle had terribly finished roof joints. Even in silver you could see it from a few feet away. I always joke that, with my minimal talent, I could probably do an accurate body restoration. To make the cars truly nice you need the SCW or similar, but that isn't factory. Far too nice. http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/wink.gif As for the L88 versus the L72, the stock exhaust hurt the L88 a lot more than the L72. Beare Motors sold an L88 Vette. The salesman took the cars for a little drive and told me that the L88 didn't really feel much different from the Chevelles as far as performance went. I've never ridden in an L88 car, (I'd like to) so I'm just going on what he said.

[PLATINUM6BBL]

SWEET! I love finds like this. I too would like to hear the story behind it.

[Z28DL]

I contacted George Lyons who is currently on a business trip and without computer access. George will reply to the post in a few days and will have plenty of info to add to this very unique car. Stay tuned!!!!!
Dave L.
SoCal

[markjohnson]

WOW! What a great car and I love the functional hood and Corvette air cleaner. It looks like a very high quality hood, especially from that time period. I bet it's a runner too. I've always put good running L-72's at high 11's to low 12's. This car would have to be good for 11.40's to 11.60's on a good day. I built an L-88 to factory specs about 20 years ago and dropped it into a heavier Chevelle where it was good for solid 11.70's.

[Xplantdad]

[ QUOTE ]
I contacted George Lyons who is currently on a business trip and without computer access. George will reply to the post in a few days and will have plenty of info to add to this very unique car. Stay tuned!!!!!
Dave L.
SoCal

[/ QUOTE ]

Thanks Dave! I can't wait....

[JoeG]

Real clean all business machine.........Nice!!!!

[47Hammer]

Love the Cragars too! http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/headbang.gif http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/headbang.gif

[enio45]

Nice car Tony!

[Nova Jed]

I just had a heart attack! I think I found the future wife! OMG! That thing is killler! Won't sleep tonight! Thanks bkh for the pictures and info.

[396L35]

[ QUOTE ]
Love the wide traction bars and double love the leaded areas at the trunk. NO fluff there! Reminds me of another non fluffed blue nova. http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/biggthumpup.gif http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/3gears.gif

[/ QUOTE ]

Who made those traction bars Sammy? I know someone else that has a set. http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/beers.gif

[markjohnson]

Those are Chapman traction bars!

[mssl72]

That car is just plain cool!!!
http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/worship.gif http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/beers.gif http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/3gears.gif
I've always loved Nova's. Something like that would be awesome to have and drive. Keep us posted on the progress. AND don't forget pictures!

[GeorgeLyons]

GREETINGS, Just returned from a business trip and playing catch-up. I have a great story to tell of my 20+ year knowledge of this car and how lucky I was to buy it from a fine gentleman, Jim Cordia (NHRA Super-Stock '57 Chevy 150 Record Holder circa 1966). I will very shortly post more detail on this awesome car but don't have the time right now. By the way, Mark Hassett saw this car in my garage a while back.............and did keep quiet per my request. Thank You and I'll be back. George Lyons

[bad1racing]

George,That car is just how I would have it sitting in my garage if I could.Correct color,engine,trans,the whole shootin' match.Just plain B I T C H I N !!!!! http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/worship.gif

Kendall

[jeff-san]

what a great find. I guess they're still out there.
CONGRATS on the find and thanks for sharing it with us.

[SS427]

Awesome find and going in a very nice, new and continually building collection that Tony has been putting together. He only wanted a few in the beginning but he seems to keep finding more to add. http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/biggthumpup.gif Tony is a great enthusiast and a pleasure to deal with. Can't wait to see some of them at upcoming shows. http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/beers.gif

[brent396]

Nice car any older pics of it at the race track or any before pics at all.Nice color http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/biggthumpup.gif

[Charley Lillard]

On page 80 of July Hot Rod is a pic of a 56 Chevy Wagon on the drag strip at the 1964 Nationals. On the side is painted "Cordia Chevrolet...Home of the Fast Tracks." Apparently it was Jere Stahl's car...as in Stahl headers Cool stuff.

[beater68427]

That car is just the best http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/biggthumpup.gif I just noticed the rear tires look like the ones off my 68, Mine say LTR Cheeter Slick I never have seen LTR before http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/dunno.gif

http://i226.photobucket.com/albums/dd132/1972cutlass/DSC05300.jpg

http://i226.photobucket.com/albums/dd132/1972cutlass/beater026.jpg

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[sean70ss]

What size rims are those on the back? I think I am gonna do my nova the same!

Sean

[black69]

this is definitely the coolest car for 09! I can't even imagine what a ride would be like with an L88 in such a light little car! wow and its mint! definitely a dream car garage keeper..

[x Baldwin Motion]

[ QUOTE ]
That car is just the best http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/biggthumpup.gif

http://i226.photobucket.com/albums/dd132/1972cutlass/DSC05300.jpg

Inside display rain or shine Saturday Jun 27th?
I just decided what I really wanted to do on my birthday and the family is cool. ROADTRIP (http://www.carsatcarlisle.com/ce/events/gm-nationals/) !! http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/headbang.gif http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/biggthumpup.gif

[bkhpah]

14X6...BKH