[Allen]

[ QUOTE ]

Allen, first, why do you want a Deuce? History or speed? If it's speed (aka fun to drive), find a LT1 and drop it in a nova, do it right, all the stripes and call it a tribute, clone etc. You can then drive it, run the heck out of it, and have fun with it.

Rich

[/ QUOTE ]

History.

As you consider my next statement, keep in mind that Novas are my favorite. I appreciate many other fine GM cars, but I've been a Nova fan for a long time.

Unlike the '69 427 COPO Camaro that could be ordered by any dealer with the knowledge (Yenko or otherwise), there doesn't appear to ever have been any other dealers besides Yenko Chevrolet ordering and selling factory LT1 equipped Novas in the United States.

It was only Yenko's special COPO package that created the LT1 Nova, and only a handful were built. There doesn't appear to be any evidence of a person having the ability to walk to any dealer with the right option codes and coming out with an order for a non-Yenko Nova with an LT1 and 4.10 gears.

I like the look of the unique add-on equipment (hood tach and stripes), bare interior, rare factory-installed drivetrain - basically the whole package deal that was created by Yenko. He had a vision, found a way to get it done, and the result speaks for itself as a cool little car.

So, the reason is..... history. I appreciate it for what it is.

If I were to put together an LT1, 4-speed, 4.10 equipped Nova to only abuse and have fun with, I wouldn't go for the Yenko stripes and emblems. I wouldn't want it to be a clone or tribute to anything.... it would just be a fun ride.

For appreciation of the history, I'd want a real one... with the real VIN... factory original matching drivetrain.... complete and correct interior and appearance.

My original question arose from all of that. If that silver Deuce had its body shell replaced, but is the correct VIN and assuming it has the factory original drivetrain (I don't know if it does or not. Does anyone else know?), would those few numbers on the firewall make a significant difference in appreciation for the car, historical significance, and the fun in driving?