1967 Chevrolet Nova for sale $359,900

The 67 Nova may have started life more as a grocery getter than performance machine but it quickly was given the name Innovator based on its build. The Roadster Shop built the Innovator as an example of where the hot rod and the custom industry could possibly head in the coming years. Its clear when you look at the Innovator its definitely a concept rod. Almost every piece of this pristine ride has been handcrafted or purpose made for this vehicle. The results are phenomenal and we arent the only ones who think so. In 2011 the Innovator received the highly sought after Street Machine of the Year award from Goodguys.

The build started with a 67 Nova body that was in extremely rough shape. The team at the Roadster Shop cut out the floors and then put the Nova on a rotisserie and had the body media blasted. From there the body received a tremendous amount of work: The top was chopped ¾ of an inch the fenders were re-profiled and the main mid-section body line was completely removed and new accent lines were created over each wheel opening. New bumpers were made along with rocker extensions and front and rear diffusers. From there the team incorporated a modern circuit board inspired pattern throughout the entire car and in the paint design. The futuristic circuit board theme starts with a custom grille that captures everyones attention. The pattern then continues as an accent down the glossy white doors and up the flat black hood.

To receive an award like the Street Machine of the Year you know that lying under the hood has to be some serious power. And the Innovator doesnt disappoint. Lift the hood and you will find a 454 cubic inch Mast Motorsports LS series small block. Based on a GMPP 454 cubic inch LSX the block was bored to 4.185 inches the LS7 aluminum cast heads were CNC-ported and a custom hydraulic roller cam was installed to help the engine create an incredible 700hp at 6700RPMs and 611lb./ft. of torque at 4900RPMs. However the first thing you notice is how the engine bay is nothing like you have seen before. The engine hides under a custom engine shroud and a custom radiator core support while to the sides of the engine are custom inner fenders. The stock hood hinges have been replaced with custom vents to ensure the engine stays cool. They all combine to create a look under the hood that is incredible. Spent gases travel through custom 1.875 inch long-tube headers through 3-inch collectors and exit out of Borla Mufflers to create an incredible sound. Bolted to the block is a Centerforce clutch and a Tremec T-56 Magnum transmission that sends the power to a Roadster Shop custom 9-inch with a Detroit Trutrac differential that houses a 3.90 gear.

The Nova just doesnt look incredible and pack a ton of power it was built to push the limits of cornering ability. The very first time it hit the pavement was at the autocross course at the 2011 GoodGuys Nationals in Columbus Ohio. On its maiden voyage the incredible Innovator posted a time of 35.30 seconds around the tricky course. Even though that was the first time the Innovator had seen the cones the time would stand as the best of all the Street Machine Finalists. It wasnt too much longer that it was crowned the 2011 Street Machine of the Year.

The great handling that was on display at Columbus comes courtesy of a custom Roadster Shop Fast Track