Here’s Lot R234, a 1967 Chevrolet Nova Super Sport convertible. Wait … what? Nova aficionados will quickly tell you that there’s no such thing as a ragtop ’67 Nova SS. Well, there wasn’t one that was produced on the line at GM’s assembly plant, and people who aren’t in the know might even argue that Chevy’s compact hot rod never had a top that could drop down behind the rear seat.

Those debaters would be dead wrong, as the 1962 and 1963 Chevy II Novas were available with convertible roofs, but the factory did not offer the option after those two years (HOT ROD editor Johnny Hunkins says a handful of prototype fastback Novas are believed to have followed the ragtop in ’64, but that is unconfirmed).

This car drew our attention because the hardtop 1967 Nova SS is now a coveted hot rod. It’s interesting and almost unbelievable to see that a customizer would have the gumption to slice the iconic car’s stock lid off, creating a cabriolet of sorts that really gets the pendulum of “cool” swinging frantically.

Unlike the lion’s share of vehicles found posted online for all of Mecum’s auctions, this Super Sport is not listed with an accompanying rundown of special features or intricate details. All we know is that it’s powered by a naturally aspirated 5.7-liter LS1 V-8 engine beneath its cowl hood and an automatic transmission that probably is one of the popular late-model GM electronic gearboxes that typically accompany LS engines. Wilwood disc brakes are on board to slow the hot rod down.

With its tan convertible roof, the Nova SS definitely is a custom-built ride. The exterior color is considered orange and sports correct SS trim, with slick “LS1” badges on the fenders. It rolls on chrome rims, and tan and cream are the hues that cover and accent the interior. That’s all we know and can discern, and the minimal amount of detail increases our curiosity about this unique classic even more.

Our subjective opinion on this one is it’s a neat hot rod that appears to be well-executed, and it probably is a fun car to cruise on nice days. The rear suspension is way too high, but knocking down that aggressive rake (a period-correct throwback to hot-rodding’s yesteryear) and leveling the chassis/bringing the back down to the front’s height is an easy change.

Will the radical modification devalue the custom Nova, or will bidders appreciate its rag roof and wage a bidding war to take it home? Intrigue. Suspense. We’ll know exactly how car guys feel about this ride on Friday, May 17, when it rolls across the block at Dana Mecums’ 37th Original Spring Classic at the Indiana State Fairgrounds in Indianapolis. 

How To Watch Mecum Auctions Indianapolis 2024

Watch live coverage on MotorTrend TV or stream on MAX, May 15–18 from 12–6 p.m. ET
Live coverage will simulcast on Discovery, May 18 from 12–2 p.m. ET