1970 Nova Wins Goodguys 2013 Hemmings Muscle Car of the Year

GoodguysNova1The crowds gathered ’round in Charlotte, North Carolina to see the winner of the Goodguys 2013 Hemmings Muscle Car of the Year: a 1970 Chevy Nova. But it wasn’t just any Nova.

GoodguysNova4

Knox usually has the car displayed with plastic wrap on the pedals, sun visor, and steering wheel. Photo: Good-Guys.com

Belonging to Donald Knox of Phoenix, the Nova came packed with a sweet 402 cu-in. big block motor from a Chevelle. It’s capable of 350HP at a compression ratio of 10.25:1 and using a four barrel carb. The transmission is a Turbo Hydra-Matic 400 with 3.73 gears in a 10-bolt rear end with Positraction.

Knox had the car restored to showroom quality, complete with a fresh interior and those classic dog dish hubcaps. But rather than make the car a trailer queen used only for car shows, the Nova is outfitted, and indeed used, for consistent performance with a F41 heavy-duty suspension system, as well as power steering and power brakes.

Despite all of its usage, the level of quality and craftsmanship did not go unnoticed by the judges, who held the like-new inside–done by George’s Trim Shop in Concord, North Carolina–in high regard. Regarding the car as a whole, Goodguys had this to say: “This car is simply immaculate–one of the best-showing Muscle Cars we’ve seen.”

Knox plans to have the car displayed at the upcoming 16th Southwest Nationals at Westworld, November 15-17, in Scottsdale, Arizona. It will hold a special spot at the “Champion’s Arena,” sponsored by Street Rod Headquarters.

What do you think about the car? Is it worthy of the honor Goodguys gave it? Or was there a car you wish had won instead? Leave a comment in the section below.

About the author

David Chick

David Chick comes to us ready for adventure. With passions that span clean and fast Corvettes all the way to down and dirty off-road vehicles (just ask him about his dream Jurassic Park Explorer), David's eclectic tastes lend well to his multiple automotive writing passions.
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