Gibb COPO Nova Found

[iluv69s]

So did someone here buy it? Charlie? Is it being restored?

[luzl78]

Originally Posted by iluv69s

So did someone here buy it? Charlie? Is it being restored?

Yes. Someone on this site bought it and it will be restored and documented.

[iluv69s]

Cool ! Can’t wait hear/see more of this car in the future !

[chevyman0429]

Originally Posted by iluv69s

Cool ! Can’t wait hear/see more of this car in the future !

Hopefully they share the build with us!

[Pro Stock John]

Bought by someone who is active on the board.

Glad to hear that everyone came together and that this car will get a great restoration.

[Charley Lillard]

Wasn't me.

[COPO140]

It’s been a pretty busy and amazing chain of events around this very special Gibb/Harrell Nova over the last few weeks. I’m very glad that Doug (Dew) was able to use this great site as a resource to help figure out what exactly he had.Thankfully, I was able to connect with Doug early on and have now acquired the car.

Doug deserves a great amount of credit in gathering the facts around the history of this car. With the diligence of Doug and some very good and special friends around him (Carl V. and his son), he was able to put the entire history of this car together which includes all the previous owners including the original owner, Rick G. It’s so very cool that the other previous owners which include Harold S. and Doug are still alive and well to close the loop on the entire history of the car since day 1. This also included Terry, the man who helped build this car when it raced. As stated, this car is indeed a 427-car sold new to Rick as a new car when he got out of the service. He bought the car directly from Fred Gibb.

We had a very special reunion with the previous owners of this car on 11/22/25 in Henry Illinois��. All the owners of this car were reunited for a day with the car including the original owner who traveled from Florida to be with the car. The car was parked in a building where a private party took place with all the owners who are alive. Only one previous owner, Ray E. who was the second owner, was not in attendance as he has passed away. It was quite a day filled with great people, great conversation, great food, great beer, documentation viewing and of course viewing the center piece, the car. Carl V. and his son were great hosts.

Whenever a car like this pops up, we all have reason to celebrate as it’s the hobby we love and the cars we covet. Hats off to Doug in bringing this special car to light. In talking with and visiting with Doug, he is a man of great integrity and great character. That’s also evidenced by the people he surrounds himself with including the previous owners of this special hot rod. This process has resulted in some life long connections. I’m super excited to watch the next chapter in this car’s existence. My plan is to document, restore, preserve, drive and show the car.

Thank you Doug, the previous owners and to the members of this site who have been helpful so far!

[chevyman0429]

Will you be sharing the restoration and any further history with us ?

[COPO140]

Originally Posted by chevyman0429

Will you be sharing the restoration and any further history with us ?

I most certainly will. All the years have been accounted for regarding ownership. The stories are still emerging between me and the former owners. The car was quite the street bruiser and strip car.
The original owner stated he purchased the car directly from Fred Gibb himself. He and his best friend went to the dealership fresh out of the military and purchased their cars together. Rick purchased the green car which I have and his best pal purchased one of the other COPO
68 Chevy ll cars. Both were 427 cars and the other car was red. Rick said he wanted the red car but his buddy got to it first! I’ve spoken to Rick’s best friend who confirmed the story. His best friend referred to the cars as Dick Harrell specials?
I was also able to acquire about 20 additional photos of the car including photos of around the time the car was new.
I’m going to focus on small part restoration until the car can get into the restoration shop in 2026. The restorer is a well known person on this site with a good reputation.

[dykstra]

Awesome!!!!