[Mr. Chevy]

Unfortunately there is no way to tell via the VIN Tag. A vin starting with the number sequence of 11427 will tell you that it was a V-8 engine car. Yes, a Nova could have been special ordered with the 350/300 HP motor minus the SS package but most usually only came with the SS package. Car sounds like it may be an actual SS if the power disc brakes are on the car, twelve bolt rear & 4 speed. Maybe the hood was swapped out at one time or another and the louvers were not put back on. On the real SS hoods there were two small brackets that were spot welded to the underside of the hood to help support the weight of the louvers. Maybe look for these on the underside of the hood. If there is insilation on the hood you may have to peel it back some to look for these brackets.

I would say the car may be an actual SS unless someone added all of these listed options to a non SS car. I would look closely at these parts like the power booster, 4 speed set up and 12 bolt rear to see if they appear to be original to the car. It was possible to get an SS Nova minus the tach and gauge cluster or counsel.. Would not make sense if someone ordered this car with all of these SS options in 70 and not just purchased an SS car with same!!

Hope this helps you... Rich