INTRODUCTION: This Nova's journey is almost as incredible as the
car itself! Built on TV in collaboration with some of the top
suppliers in the muscle car industry, it was created to showcase
their best products and craftsmanship. It debuted at SEMA, toured
events across the country, and was featured by MotorTrend, Hot Rod
and others. Even better, the owner of AMD drove it on the Hot Rod
Power Tour, proving it functions every bit as good as it looks. I
can personally vouch for that- I drove it 45 minutes to a car show
one Sunday and loved every second of it. This is a showstopper you
can actually get in, turn the key and enjoy!
EXTERIOR: This car literally started as barely more than a shell.
Auto Metal Direct (AMD) completely rebuilt the body using their own
products, with all new sheet metal throughout. It was assembled by
AMD's team of experts with precision, resulting in zero rust and
excellent panel fit throughout. The body is finished in stunning
PPG Blue Heaven Vibrance topped with Glamor clear. The metallic is
laid out evenly, and the finish is polished to a glass like finish.
Satin black hockey stick stripes run give it a sharp contrast.
Virtually everything on the exterior is new, including AMD glass,
weatherstrips and seals, chrome, trim and bumpers. The marker
lights, antenna and emblems were deleted for an exceptionally
clean, streamlined appearance. It's rolling on highly polished
Schott Mod5 cover-loc wheels, 18x8s in front and 18x11s in back,
wrapped in Yokohama performance tires- wider rear stance finishes
off the look perfectly.
INTERIOR: Man, does that lipstick red interior make a statement-
and that was exactly the intention! Even more impressive, the owner
of Legendary Interiors, one of the premier upholstery manufacturers
for these cars, personally helped install this interior. The seats
are upholstered in glove soft genuine leather, with sport bucket
seats up front featuring extra bolstering. Custom fitted 1967 style
door panels give the interior a clean appearance. The floor was
lined with HushMat sound deadener before the neatly fitted red
carpet was installed, with the 5-speed shifter coming up through
the hand made boot. One of the coolest modifications is the 1967
dash, which was carefully fabricated to fit this car. It is much
more attractive than the original '71-style dash. It's fitted with
VXH analog gauges for a classic appearance with modern
functionality along with electric slide climate controls. A Flaming
River tilt steering column is topped with a cushioned grip three
spoke wheel. It also features RetroSound Bluetooth stereo, 6x9
speakers in back, and retro style seatbelts. The entire car has
been rewired, completing an interior that's not only bold but
exceptionally well thought out.
ENGINE COMPARTMENT: Under the hood is a serious motor that was dyno
tuned at 590 horsepower and 475 lb-ft of torque! Grimes Racing
Engines started with an LQ9 iron block, completely remachined and
bored, then fitted with JE pistons and an LS2 Twister Stage 2 cam
package. Up top are CNC ported LS3 aluminum heads with roller
rockers, a GM aluminum high rise intake and a Holley 750 dual-feed
carburetor. Muscle Rod headers handle the exhaust. A cool aspect is
the old school appearance of a modern LS-based powerplant.
Fabricated valve covers and the carbureted setup disguise much of
its modern heritage and give it the look of a vintage muscle car
engine. A Concept One front runner system keeps everything compact
and clean with blacked out components, serpentine belt system, a
mini A/C compressor, one-wire alternator and modern power steering
with a remote billet reservoir. It also features MSD ignition and
Vintage Air. The cooling system is thoroughly upgraded with an
AutoRad aluminum radiator, dual electric fans, and aluminum water
pump. The firewall has been smoothed and fitted with a DSE
Select-a-Speed modern electric wiper motor, while a Wilwood master
cylinder handles the brakes. Overall, the engine compartment is
exceptionally clean, neat and well organized.
TRUNK COMPARTMENT: It is absolutely rust free metal with a neatly
applied spatter finish and a carpet mat. The jamb and underside of
the trunk lid are finished in the same slick Blue Heaven as the
exterior. The battery has also been relocated to the trunk, helping
keep the engine compartment clean and uncluttered.
UNDERSIDE: This car was rotisserie restored, and literally
everything underneath was replaced with new. Of course, there is
zero rust in the all new AMD floors, which are neatly protected
with black chip guard. The suspension was seriously upgraded with
Hotchkis Sport Suspension 3-inch lowering springs, Bilstein gas
shocks up front and staggered Detroit Speed gas shocks in the rear.
A Delphi quick ratio steering system gives it much sharper
response. The braking system is equally impressive with Wilwood
4-wheel disc brakes, including massive 14-inch drilled and slotted
rotors with 6-piston calipers up front. A beautifully fabricated
Pypes polished stainless exhaust sounds perfect. Fuel is supplied
by a Rick's fuel tank and pump. Looking up at the engine, you'll
find an aluminum oil pan and high-torque starter. The Keisler
transmission package includes a Legend SS700 5-speed manual
transmission, RAM clutch and custom driveshaft. Out back is a
heavy-duty 12-bolt Legend Gear rear end equipped with 35-spline
axles, 4.11 posi gears and a finned cover.
SERVICE: We take pride in our cars and our reputation. Every
vehicle goes through our service department where it is inspected,
test driven, and we address the essentials before offering it for
sale.
CONCLUSION: This is truly a one of a kind Nova. The talent,
craftsmanship and premium products that went into the build are
impressive enough, but its celebrity like history takes it to
another level. You're not only buying an absolute head turner that
you can get in, turn the key and enjoy, you're buying a car with a
documented story and pedigree that can't be duplicated. It has the
looks, the performance, the quality and the history. It truly has
it all!
Vehicles are displayed in a museum setting. Admission applies
without an appointment and is refunded with purchase, including a
one-year museum membership.
815-385-3644 (9-5 Central)
[email protected] - Prompt responses
Air conditioning
Power steering
4 wheel disc brakes
4.11 posi
Leather upholstery
Sport seats
VHX gauges
Cushion grip wheel
Tilt column
Retro stereo system
Select-a-speed wipers
Hockey stick stripes
Schotts wheels
