Question from a Newbie

[69ChevelleSSL78]

Hi all. I've been registered here for a while but don't come often.

I do own an L78 '69 Chevelle SS but I can't say it's numbers matching. I do believe it to be a real L78 car but I didn't really buy it for anything other than driving enjoyment. Not really a "Super Car" but it's fun and fast! Here she is:

http://i1257.photobucket.com/albums/ii507/69ChevelleSSL78/Other%20Misc/20140713_133053_zps4e551f7c.jpg

I've always had a love of the REAL super cars going back to my youth in the late '60s and early '70s. Read Hot Rod, Car Craft and Popular Hot Rodding. Lived in Jersey and often cruised "The Circuit" at Asbury Park.

That being said, I'm a big 1:18 die cast collector and have a thing for accuracy and details.

So, I've been looking for info on Berger Super Novas and it seems as though these things are REALLY rare. I searched the site here and came up pretty much empty. I do have an image in my file which is a pic or scan of an ad (which I do believe I got here)but other than that, there seems to be no info on these Novas on the web.

Am I missing anything or can some knowledgeable member here share some info on these really cool cars?

There are two versions out there (in white and bronze) but I don't know if there were ever any real cars made like that.

Thanks very much in advance and for your patience!
Bob

[markinnaples]

Don't know the answer, but your Chevelle is a beauty.

[69ChevelleSSL78]

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: markinnaples</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Don't know the answer, but your Chevelle is a beauty. </div></div>

Thanks! I feel very blessed to have it in my garage. It is pretty (but not perfect) and it's a hoot to drive.

[x77-69z28]

What part of New York are you? Your chevelle is a beauty!
Buddy

[69ChevelleSSL78]

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: x77-69z28</div><div class="ubbcode-body">What part of New York are you? Your chevelle is a beauty!
Buddy </div></div>

Rockland County. I was just reading an issue of Hemmings Muscle Machines and read that there is a '69 Yenko Chevelle in the same county I live in. VERY cool!

[Schonyenko2]

We looked into Berger super novas years ago and came up with that is was a appearance package. No engine mods, or swaps. They looked cool with the spoiler and graphics, but no one we talked to had any knowledge of enhanced power trains. Had a guy claiming to have one on another site but he never came up with any evidence. We were never able to come up with a number built.

[m22mike]

Can't beat the color.. <<GRAEMLIN_URL>>/biggthumpup.gif Bring that beauty to Strongsville OH. in august

Chevelle show info here (http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/ubbthreads.php/topics/625259/2016-northern-ohio-chevelle-re#Post625259)

[Damien]

Very nice. <<GRAEMLIN_URL>>/biggthumpup.gif How about some more pics?

[SS427]

Very nice Chevelle!

[mockingbird812]

Welcome aboard Bob. Nice to have another Chevelle round here. Enjoy yourself!

[Postsedan]

Welcome aboard Bob,

Why no antenna? Did the previous owner replace the windshield with a '70-72 antenna front windshield?

Are the colors original to the car? Tach and Gauge car? More pics will tell us more.....show some under hood pictures.

Dan

[69ChevelleSSL78]

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Schonyenko2</div><div class="ubbcode-body">We looked into Berger super novas years ago and came up with that is was a appearance package. No engine mods, or swaps. They looked cool with the spoiler and graphics, but no one we talked to had any knowledge of enhanced power trains. Had a guy claiming to have one on another site but he never came up with any evidence. We were never able to come up with a number built. </div></div>

Thanks very much for the information. Very interesting indeed since Berger had a reputation as a tuner as far as I know.

I guess I'll pass on the die cast since there is no way to tell if the models are accurate.

[69ChevelleSSL78]

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: m22mike</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Can't beat the color.. <<GRAEMLIN_URL>>/biggthumpup.gif Bring that beauty to Strongsville OH. in august

Chevelle show info here (http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/ubbthreads.php/topics/625259/2016-northern-ohio-chevelle-re#Post625259) </div></div>

I'm sure that would be a blast! Sadly, I don't have a trailer and it's got 4.10s so the drive would be hectic, long and expensive!

[69ChevelleSSL78]

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Postsedan</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Welcome aboard Bob,

Why no antenna? Did the previous owner replace the windshield with a '70-72 antenna front windshield?

Are the colors original to the car? Tach and Gauge car? More pics will tell us more.....show some under hood pictures.

Dan </div></div>

Thanks for the welcome Dan.

I bought the car done as I'm not all that mechanically skilled. No way I could restore a car! I'd love to try but time and skill levels prohibit me (also money! LOL)

I got the car with no antenna . . . I guess the restorer didn't put in on (perhaps didn't want to drill a new replacement fender?) and the radio is AM only. I don't really need music as the L78 makes beautiful music on it's own.

The story I got from the guy I bought it from was that the original owner bought the car when he came home from Viet Nam to drag race. It's a bench seat, M22, 12 bolt with 4.10s car. AM radio only. It does have the correct L78 tach and gauges. I've had the valve covers off to adjust the valves and it does have the &quot;HIPO&quot; heads. Sadly, the vin was allegedly destroyed when the block was milled. Not a huge difference to me as I do believe the story. Odometer had only 32K on it when I got it. It does have an incorrect Hurst Shifter (out of a GTO I believe) and the carb is not original and the alternator is on the wrong side. Also, the restorer didn't do the Astro Vents correctly. Bumpers could use a rechrome but it is a nice car and a ton of fun to drive!

These things are all fine with me as I didn't buy it to be a show car or 100 point concours entry. I like the way it looks and I like to drive it. It definitely turns heads and goes like stink!