The style of the 1973 Nova was the result of a major redesign, and Chevrolet introduced the new hatchback two-door coupe. The front and rear of the car were completely restyled, and as a result of a government mandate, the car received bumpers that were capable of absorbing a low-speed impact of 2.5 mph. Unfortunately, they were big and unsightly.
The Super Sport option was still available, but it only got buyers a $123 dress-up package that included SS badging, a blacked-out grille, and Rally wheels. No longer an exclusive option, it could be ordered with any Nova engine. After 1970, the only engines you could get in a Nova were the six cylinder, and the small-block V8. The Nova was considered and economy car, and for 1973 carried a base price of $2,375 for the two-door coupe.
While the 100 horsepower six-cylinder engine was great for those seeking economy, the 307ci V8 gave you an additional 15 horsepower. You heard correctly, the V8 only delivered 15 more horsepower than the six-cylinder engine. Stepping up to the 350ci V8 engine, gave you two choices: One with a two-barrel carburetor (145 horsepower), and one with a four-barrel carburetor (175 horsepower).
In 1973, if you ordered your Nova with either a six-cylinder or a 307ci V8, it was available with either the three-speed manual or the two-speed Powerglide automatic. This would also be the last year that the Powerglide would be available as an option. All cars with a 307ci engine could also be had with either a Turbo 350 automatic, or a three-speed manual. The 350ci V8 with the two-barrel carburetor gave buyers the choice of either a manual or automatic three-speed transmission, while the four-barrel-equipped 350ci-powered Nova came with the Turbo 350 automatic, or the manual four-speed transmission.