WILMASBOYL78 (Tom Williams) Dynamite 1970 L78 Nova

[Xplantdad]

1970 NOVA SS 396

Owned by Tom Williams & Karen Feldman
Hudson, New York

My first hotrod car way back in 1974 was an L78 Nova. It was a Forest Green 1970 bench seat car with power steering and the plain steel wheels. I had no idea at the time what I had!! That car was sold in 1980 and totaled by the new owner in less than 2 weeks. Fast forward 20 years and I began the search for an original L78 Nova to have some fun with. At that point in time Novas weren’t really on the radar screen with collectors, being over shadowed by the Camaros and Chevelles. I finally located this car at Mid-West Car Exchange in Alsip, Illinois. It was offered for sale by the original owner’s son Dave Santowski. Dave’s father Leonard had purchased the car new in December, 1969 from Shaver Chevrolet in Homewood, Illinois.

The car was really well equipped with a number of special options including the L78 396/375hp engine, an M-21 close ratio transmission, posi-traction rear axle, deluxe interior and exterior trim packages, 5 spoke SS wheels and even a block heater!! The car was raced for some time in the early days and then retired to weekend cruise status. This vehicle is a true time capsule and has only 22,678 original miles. The paperwork and original documents are equally impressive. We have both colored broadcast build sheets, the warranty book and protect-o-plate, a copy of the original title, window sticker and 2 of the smaller build-sheets found in the seats.

All of the drive line components are numbers matching and original to the car. The interior is beautiful and shows very little wear for 35 years of service. We have just installed a Gardner exhaust system and OEM style wide oval white line tires to complete the look. Next project will be re-installing the original A.I.R. smog system. The car was shown last summer at the GM Originals display in Carlisle, PA. Survivor big block cars are a rare breed and this black beauty was a big hit at the show.

The car is driven and “exercised” when weather permits and never fails to turn heads when we cruise the local highways. Karen and I enjoy owning this piece of automotive history and also sharing it with others who appreciate it like we do. It will make its next appearance at the Nova Nationals in Hunt Valley, Maryland, this summer.

We owe a special thanks to Wayne Bushey, and the great folks at National Nostalgic Nova for all their help and support.

Vehicle Information

VIN 11427WXXXXXX

Cowl Tag
ST 70 1427WRN152709 BDY
TR 732 19 19 PNT
12C A2

Optional Equipment

Soft-Ray Tinted Glass
Positraction Rear Axle
Engine Block Heater
375-HP Turbo-Jet 396 V8
M-21 Close Ratio Transmission
Sport Wheels
Electric Clock
AM Pushbutton Radio
Rear Seat Speaker
Custom Interior
Exterior Décor Package
Auxillary Lighting
Nova SS Equipment
Black Vinyl Interior
19-19 Tuxedo Black

Engine Stamp…T1125CKO
Rear Axle…..CBT1205G E
Transmission……..P0T01


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[370454s]

Just Beautiful and Stunning. Hopefully my Gobi Beige 70 Nova will look half that good.
Mike

[Tenney]

Cool car. Bet it turns more than heads. Those mini meats out back must not have a prayer.

[kwhizz]

http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/worship.gif http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/worship.gif http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/worship.gif http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/worship.gif http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/worship.gif


Ken http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/flag.gif

[Salvatore]

Tommy, You got way too many of these novas laying around. http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/Can-I-Have-It.gif this one? Please!! You won't miss it. http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/eek.gif http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/drool.gif

[MosportGreen66]

Showoff! http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/grin.gif love those white lines... http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/biggthumpup.gif

[Z-11 396]

<<< TOM >>> WHAT A GREAT LOOKING http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/eek.gif http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/eek.gif http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/eek.gif CAR.. REALLY FANTASTIC PICTURES, AND INFORMATION... THANKS http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/worship.gif FOR SHARING,,,,KASEY .. http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/biggthumpup.gif

[Bill Pritchard]

Beautiful car, Tom http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/biggthumpup.gif Love the block heater and hour meter http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/smile.gif Any more to the story on how the mileage was kept so low for so many years?

[firstgenaddict]

Beautiful just Beautiful... love the original cars...

[Mr70]

I first saw this L-78 Nova in August 1998.
They had just completed the brand new Rt.66 Raceway here in Joliet Il.,and SuperChevy was hosting their very first show there.It was also one of the hottest days on record,with a heat index of 107 on the freshly paved Black asphalt. http://www.benzo.org.uk/images/bzswt.gif
We had just registered and were parking early on Friday morning,when we noticed Dave and his Nova.
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v669/Rick_Peters/wilmasboy0001.jpg

[Mr70]

We were anxious to see it up close,and spent hours on the cars details.Dave was really cool about this and happy to oblige.He was surprised to learn it had a 3:55 posi,as he was uncertain.
You just don't see many Original owner Big Block Survivor Novas,and the SuperChevy judges knew they couldn't give it the recognition it deserved,as there was no Survivor class.
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v669/Rick_Peters/wilmasboy0002.jpg

[Mr70]

The Hour meter was installed By Dave's Father,who was a Truck driver by trade,and was all about monitoring his vehicles this way.I believe the metal clip he used to hold down the engine block heater plug is the same one used on the rarely seen Dual Snorkles PCV hose.
This father & Son team was the truly the REAL deal,and I was saddened to hear of Daves Father passing.
SuperChevy did share a picture of the two of them together with the Nova in the February 99 issue.
A good Guy who really knew his stuff!
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v669/Rick_Peters/wilmasboy0003.jpg

[Zedder]

Very cool car Tom!!! Congrats http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/beers.gif

[Steve Shauger]

Wow, what a great car...and a survivor. Tom what are you bringing to Carlisle this year?

[Stefano]

Cool Car http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/burnout.gif

[bbbenny]

TW, great car, along with the rest of your sable!!!! can i park my nova, next to your collection. at the nova nats? please.bbbenny http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/3gears.gif

[396/425blr]

wow! what a nice one. http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/beers.gif http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/worship.gif http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/worship.gif http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/worship.gif

[jasonL78]

Wait until you see tom's collection in person! If you are going to the nova nationals they will be there. I never seen so many BB nova's in one place they are just amazing.

[737Driver]

Otherwise known as a Hobbs Meter. Great car. Love those high horse Nova's.

[WILMASBOYL78]

Karen and I thank you for all the kind words....special thanks to Rick for posting those shots with the prior owner. This car is a great piece of history and we really enjoy it. Thanks again http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/worship.gif

wilma

ps:GM Carlisle 2006..70 Fathom Blue L78 4spd...The Marine Corps Nova..Semper Fi http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/flag.gif

[Xplantdad]

I think that Novas are way cool cars...and this example is awesome! There is nothing like an original example of a high horsepower muscle car!

Thanks to Tom and Karen for sharing this L78 Nova with all of us! http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/beers.gif

[ORIGLS6]

[ QUOTE ]
There is nothing like an original example of a high horsepower muscle car!

Thanks to Tom and Karen for sharing this L78 Nova with all of us! http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/beers.gif

[/ QUOTE ]

That says it all. http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/worship.gif

Well, except for the obvious..... http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/Can-I-Have-It.gif http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/drool.gif (I promise to take GOOD care of her! http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/grin.gif)

[WILMASBOYL78]

You talking about Karen or the car??? http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/eek.gif

wilma

[Verne_Frantz]

Tom,
No one likes a survivor more than I, but that car needs wider rear TIRES!!!!!!!!!!!!
How do you drive it at all with that constant rubber squealing going on???? http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/naughty.gif

http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/beers.gif
Verne
PS: Looking forward to meeting Wayne at the GM Nats.

[hvychev]

Absolutely freakin awesome car. I would kill to own it! http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/cool.gif

By the way. I believe that Shaver Chevrolet was in the Yenko network of dealers although no cars have ever surfaced as being sold by them.

[ORIGLS6]

[ QUOTE ]
You talking about Karen or the car??? http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/eek.gif

[/ QUOTE ]

http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/hmmm.gif............Let's start with the car. If that works out............http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/naughty.gif http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/naughty.gif http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/grin.gif http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/grin.gif

[Xplantdad]

Nice location in your Bio Dennis. "Just north of SCR9" http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/biggthumpup.gif

[427TJ]

A black L78 with whitewall tires = http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/biggthumpup.gif x 100

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[Gates72ss]

Now i see where all the nova's are......Nice collection. http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/beers.gif