Although Novas may have been conceived as mere transportation, their light weight has made them a favorite with racers since their introduction. "Hard-core performance guys still prefer '68-and-later Novas," says Maney. "If you can't put a big-block in a Nova, something's wrong." With these plusses going for it and its siblings getting more expensive, Nova popularity has greatly increased over the last 10 years or so. That still leaves the X-body trailing its more illustrious brethren, but that may not be bothering those who go the Nova route. "The sense I get from most Nova guys is that being less popular is fine with them," according to Maney. "It makes the stuff cheaper."
And while we've phrased this article as a competition of sorts, how could we ever declare a winner? Popularity is subjective, and each example has things going for it. We think Goodmark metalsmith Craig Hopkins sums things up very nicely when he says, "I would think that the guy getting into the hobby is going to go for what floated his boat when he was young." And therein lies the key-while there are still Camaros, Chevelles, and Novas left to build, we've all got a chance to get what we've always wanted.
Resurrection Central
Most of Goodmark Industries' energies are spent manufacturing reproduction sheetmetal and trim. Experience showed the Goodmark crew that more was needed, specifically, a place where body panels could be installed properly and punctually. This idea led to the creation of the Goodmark Installation Center. "All we do is hang sheetmetal," says Barbara Hillick. This was certainly part of the plan, but what Goodmark didn't expect was how much sheetmetal they'd be hanging. And by that we don't mean they see lots of cars. Oh, they do-the Installation Center was full of Camaros, Chevelles, and Novas when we called, with many more scheduled for the months to come. What we mean is that Goodmark is hanging lots of sheetmetal on each car they see. "We went into this assuming we'd be replacing body parts," explained Installation Manager Craig Hopkins. "But people are replacing entire bodies." Hillick agreed: "We're seeing cars that need everything from the firewall back," she chimed in. Hopkins came back in a more direct manner, saying, "They're plowing fields and diggin' theses cars up." And the bottom line, Hillock pointed out, is that people are willing to put money into these cars. It's the nature of the beast that is today's musclecar hobby. The good cars may be gone, but that won't stop the true believers.
Box Novas remain popular with enthusiasts, but are harder to come by than their younger brethren. More than a few '62-67 examples were destroyed doing commuter duty back in the day, but many were also held on to and babied by their owners. These cars now command premium prices. | 
Except for one less headlight at each corner and a revised grille, '71 Chevelles are almost identical to '70 versions. Four Malibu models were available; the top-of-the-line brute came in SS and SS 454 varieties. |  |