The biggest challenge in owning a custom classic is that the parts are never easy to get when you need them. If you’ve got a laundry list of aftermarket parts from different companies, it’s going to be challenging to fix a breakdown when you’re on the road. Even if you do, it’s likely just a band-aid-type fix. This 1969 Nova, built by Rick Garcia of Kennewick, Washington, was built with ease of repair in mind, and everything on the car can be easily bought over the counter at nearly any auto parts store.

“Everything can be bought over the counter,” Rick said. “I made it so that I wouldn’t’ get stuck somewhere, and this car is 100-percent home-built. The powerplant is a modern LS3 engine with all GM performance parts, Fitech EFI, a Turbo 400 transmission, and a 10-bolt GM rearend with 3.73 positraction gearing. It’s got plenty of power with 430-horsepower, but it just sips gas,” Rick told us.

The Nova has never been wrecked or seriously damaged, and almost all the steel is original. The only thing that’s been changed, is the cowl hood. The stance has been changed so the car sits lower to the ground and has a meaner and more aggressive look to it. The dark gray with the black stripes and dark-colored wheels add to the look.

“It’s a real easy, friendly car,” Rick continued. “It idles real nice.” The car is small, agile, and powerful, yet it’s not unwieldy because of how much power that it has. With an upgraded suspension, this car handles like a modern street machine.