1970 · Chevrolet · United States
1970 Chevrolet Nova: the last year for the 402
Last year the source engine table lists the big-block (as 402) in the Nova. Enthusiast-compiled production: 307,280 cars; Super Sport 19,558.
United States · researched through 2026-09-22
This record's own dek describes 1970 as the last year the source engine table lists a big-block in the Nova, with an enthusiast-compiled total of 307,280 cars, of which 19,558 were Super Sports. This record's own overview states that every count comes from the same single enthusiast compilation, NovaResource.org, whose body, engine and transmission tables are reproduced as separately scoped rows, with ratings carried as SAE gross figures for the year.1
Only two body-style rows are documented, 226,283 cars in a column the source itself labels "2 Door Sedan" and 80,997 four-door sedans, with the 19,558-car Super Sport figure kept separately scoped rather than folded into either; no wagon or convertible row survives in this record's production table for 1970. This record's own production notes state that the source marks its 1968-1971 engine and transmission rows "Includes Acadians," meaning the cylinder-count and installation figures documented here fold in Canadian-market Pontiac-badged derivatives rather than isolating Chevrolet-badged Novas alone.1
Eight engines are documented for 1970: the 153 four-cylinder, two sixes (230 coded L26, 250 coded L22), two 307/350 V8s at lower output (L14, L65), the 300-hp L48 350, and two big-blocks, L34 and L78, both displacing 402 cu in per this record's own engine table. This record's own production notes flag an internal naming inconsistency for that big-block: the production table's column is headed "V8-396," while the engine specification table in this same record lists the 1970 L34 and L78 at 402 cu in, a discrepancy this record documents rather than resolves by picking one figure over the other.1
Seven transmissions carry their own installation counts in this record, the richest transmission list documented for the model line so far: 49,971 three-speed manuals, 13,198 M20 four-speeds, 3,448 M21 close-ratio four-speeds, 11,741 Torque Drive units, 157,920 M35 Powerglide automatics, 77,608 M38 Turbo Hydra-Matic 350 automatics, and 1,236 M40 Turbo Hydra-Matic 400 automatics. This record's own options section documents a single RPO for the year, Z26 Super Sport, restricted to the 27-style coupe and described by the factory kit as adding a black grille with bright upper and lower horizontal bars, a centered SS emblem, and bright hood louver ornaments, though no price or installation count is carried for it in this record.
Eighteen solid exterior colors are documented, from Classic White through Black Cherry, alongside eleven interior trim codes spanning black, blue, gold, green and sandalwood combinations in standard, custom and bucket-seat forms; this record's own specifications and performance sections are both empty for the year. Its identification section documents cowl-tag series and body codes and a single assembly-plant abbreviation, WRN for Willow Run, Michigan.1
This record's own conflicts section logs a genuine dispute over the year's total production: 307,280 from the enthusiast compilation against two different Wikipedia figures, 315,122 in one table and 254,242 in a separate sentence, with this record's own treatment noting that Wikipedia itself gives two different totals in two places while the 19,558-car Super Sport count agrees across both sources. A separately logged unpublished lead cites Wikipedia's claim of roughly 177 COPO Novas ordered and 175 converted by Yenko Chevrolet, held back in this record because the dealer-conversion provenance and an unseen footnote keep it short of promotion.2
Fact sheet · 1970 · United States
The numbers
1970 Chevrolet Nova — Last year the source engine table lists the big-block (as 402) in the Nova. Enthusiast-compiled production: 307,280 cars; Super Sport 19,558.
Coverage: Partial — researched sections are shown; missing ones are not yet sourced. Researched through 2026-09-22.
Every figure is labeled with how sure we are. Reported means a manufacturer, registry, or reference figure we cite but have not reconciled against factory records ourselves. Disputed means credible sources disagree and both are shown. Rows are separately scoped; don't add them together unless the note says they make up a total.
Key facts
- Total 1970 production per source: 307,280.1
Production
| What was counted | Count | Basis | Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| Chevy II / Nova, all series1 US tabulation (source does not state geography) | 307,280 | built, model-year | Reported |
| What was counted | Count | Basis | Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| Super Sport1 Super Sport · US tabulation (source does not state geography) | 19,558 | built, model-year | Reported |
| What was counted | Count | Basis | Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2-door (source column "2 Door Sedan")1 2-door (source column "2 Door Sedan") · US tabulation (source does not state geography) | 226,283 | built, model-year | Reported |
| 4-door sedan1 4-door sedan · US tabulation (source does not state geography) | 80,997 | built, model-year | Reported |
| What was counted | Count | Basis | Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| Four-cylinder cars1 L4 · US tabulation (source does not state geography) The source marks its 1968-1971 engine and transmission rows "Includes Acadians" (Canadian-market Pontiac-badged derivatives). | 2,062 | built, model-year | Reported |
| Six-cylinder cars1 L6 · US tabulation (source does not state geography) The source marks its 1968-1971 engine and transmission rows "Includes Acadians" (Canadian-market Pontiac-badged derivatives). | 167,714 | built, model-year | Reported |
| V8 cars1 V8 · US tabulation (source does not state geography) The source marks its 1968-1971 engine and transmission rows "Includes Acadians" (Canadian-market Pontiac-badged derivatives). | 137,280 | built, model-year | Reported |
| 153 I4 engines installed1 153 I4 · US tabulation (source does not state geography) Source marks this year "Includes Acadians". | 2,062 | built, model-year | Reported |
| 307 V8 engines installed1 307 V8 · US tabulation (source does not state geography) Source marks this year "Includes Acadians". | 98,945 | built, model-year | Reported |
| 350 V8 engines installed1 350 V8 · US tabulation (source does not state geography) Source marks this year "Includes Acadians". | 34,829 | built, model-year | Reported |
| 396 V8 engines installed1 396 V8 · US tabulation (source does not state geography) Source column is V8-396; its engine specification table lists the 1970 L34/L78 as 402 cu in. Includes Acadians per source. | 5,567 | built, model-year | Reported |
| What was counted | Count | Basis | Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| 3-speed manual installed1 3-speed manual · US tabulation (source does not state geography) Source marks this year "Includes Acadians". | 49,971 | built, model-year | Reported |
| M20 4-speed installed1 M20 4-speed · US tabulation (source does not state geography) Source marks this year "Includes Acadians". | 13,198 | built, model-year | Reported |
| M21 4-speed installed1 M21 4-speed · US tabulation (source does not state geography) Source marks this year "Includes Acadians". | 3,448 | built, model-year | Reported |
| Torque Drive installed1 Torque Drive · US tabulation (source does not state geography) Source marks this year "Includes Acadians". | 11,741 | built, model-year | Reported |
| M35 Powerglide installed1 M35 Powerglide · US tabulation (source does not state geography) Source marks this year "Includes Acadians". | 157,920 | built, model-year | Reported |
| M38 Turbo Hydra-Matic 350 installed1 M38 Turbo Hydra-Matic 350 · US tabulation (source does not state geography) Source marks this year "Includes Acadians". | 77,608 | built, model-year | Reported |
| M40 Turbo Hydra-Matic 400 installed1 M40 Turbo Hydra-Matic 400 · US tabulation (source does not state geography) Source marks this year "Includes Acadians". | 1,236 | built, model-year | Reported |
All counts are from one enthusiast compilation (NovaResource.org), which says its numbers were compiled from many sources and carry no guarantee; the underlying Chevrolet documents were not seen. Status is reported, or estimated where the source itself marks a value approximate or rounded.
Rows are separately scoped. Body, cylinder, engine-displacement and transmission rows each describe the whole line from a different angle and must not be added across groups.
A value missing from this table was marked unavailable ("?") or zero in the source and is not shown; missing does not mean zero.
Muscle-focus year. The GM Heritage vehicle information kit (best missing primary source; gm.com returned 403) should confirm SS, L78 and L34 install counts before these rows are promoted.
Engines
| Engine | Factory rating | Availability | Built |
|---|---|---|---|
| 153 I41 153 cu in · 1-barrel carburetor | 90 hp @ 4,000, 152 lb-ft @ 2,400 (SAE gross) | offered (standard/optional status by series not stated in source table) | Not yet sourced |
| L26 · 230 I6 (L26)1 230 cu in · 1-barrel carburetor | 140 hp @ 4,400, 220 lb-ft @ 1,600 (SAE gross) | offered (standard/optional status by series not stated in source table) | Not yet sourced |
| L22 · 250 I6 (L22)1 250 cu in · 1-barrel carburetor | 155 hp @ 4,200, 235 lb-ft @ 1,600 (SAE gross) | offered (standard/optional status by series not stated in source table) | Not yet sourced |
| L14 · 307 V8 (L14)1 307 cu in · 2-barrel carburetor | 200 hp @ 4,600, 300 lb-ft @ 2,400 (SAE gross) | offered (standard/optional status by series not stated in source table) | Not yet sourced |
| L65 · 350 V8 (L65)1 350 cu in · 2-barrel carburetor | 250 hp @ 4,800, 345 lb-ft @ 2,800 (SAE gross) | offered (standard/optional status by series not stated in source table) | Not yet sourced |
| L48 · 350 V8 (L48)1 350 cu in · 4-barrel carburetor | 300 hp @ 4,800, 380 lb-ft @ 3,200 (SAE gross) | offered (standard/optional status by series not stated in source table) | Not yet sourced |
| L34 · 402 V8 (L34)1 402 cu in · 4-barrel carburetor | 350 hp @ 5,200, 415 lb-ft @ 3,400 (SAE gross) | offered (standard/optional status by series not stated in source table) | Not yet sourced |
| L78 · 402 V8 (L78)1 402 cu in · 4-barrel carburetor | 375 hp @ 5,600, 415 lb-ft @ 3,600 (SAE gross) | offered (standard/optional status by series not stated in source table) | Not yet sourced |
Ratings are the manufacturer's advertised figures under the standard shown (SAE gross before 1972, SAE net after). They are not dyno results, and gross and net ratings can't be compared directly.
Transmissions
| Transmission | Availability | Built |
|---|---|---|
| 3-speed manual1 | offered | 49,9711 Reported |
| M20 · M20 4-speed1 | offered | 13,1981 Reported |
| M21 · M21 4-speed1 | offered | 3,4481 Reported |
| Torque Drive1 | offered | 11,7411 Reported |
| M35 · M35 Powerglide1 | offered | 157,9201 Reported |
| M38 · M38 Turbo Hydra-Matic 3501 | offered | 77,6081 Reported |
| M40 · M40 Turbo Hydra-Matic 4001 | offered | 1,2361 Reported |
Options and packages
| Code | Option | Price | Installed |
|---|---|---|---|
Z26RPO |
Super Sport (coupe, 27 style only); appearance content listed by the kit: black grille with bright upper and lower horizontal bars, SS emblem in centre of grille, bright hood louver ornaments | — | Not yet sourced |
Paint
| Code | Color | Built |
|---|---|---|
10 |
Classic White1 | Not yet sourced |
14 |
Cortez Silver1 | Not yet sourced |
17 |
Shadow Gray1 | Not yet sourced |
19 |
Tuxedo Black1 | Not yet sourced |
25 |
Astro Blue1 | Not yet sourced |
28 |
Fathom Blue1 | Not yet sourced |
34 |
Misty Turquoise1 | Not yet sourced |
43 |
Citrus Green1 | Not yet sourced |
45 |
Green Mist1 | Not yet sourced |
48 |
Forest Green1 | Not yet sourced |
50 |
Gobi Beige1 | Not yet sourced |
52 |
Sunflower Yellow1 | Not yet sourced |
55 |
Champagne Gold1 | Not yet sourced |
58 |
Autumn Gold1 | Not yet sourced |
63 |
Desert Sand1 | Not yet sourced |
65 |
Hugger Orange1 | Not yet sourced |
75 |
Cranberry Red1 | Not yet sourced |
78 |
Black Cherry1 | Not yet sourced |
Color names are the factory's. We don't show color swatches, because a screen color is no guide for a restoration.
Interiors
| Code | Trim | Built |
|---|---|---|
731 |
Black vinyl bench (standard)1 | Not yet sourced |
732 |
Black vinyl bench (custom)1 | Not yet sourced |
733 |
Black vinyl buckets1 | Not yet sourced |
735 |
Medium Blue cloth bench (standard)1 | Not yet sourced |
736 |
Medium Blue cloth bench (custom)1 | Not yet sourced |
740 |
Medium Gold cloth bench (standard)1 | Not yet sourced |
741 |
Medium Gold cloth bench (custom)1 | Not yet sourced |
742 |
Medium Gold vinyl buckets1 | Not yet sourced |
744 |
Dark Green cloth bench (custom)1 | Not yet sourced |
745 |
Dark Green cloth bench (standard)1 | Not yet sourced |
746 |
Medium Sandalwood vinyl buckets1 | Not yet sourced |
747 |
Medium Sandalwood vinyl bench (custom)1 | Not yet sourced |
Identification
- Cowl tag series and body codes
- Cowl-tag series: 11 Nova L4, 13 Nova L6, 14 Nova V8; body 27 = 2-door, 69 = 4-door sedan. Super Sport is RPO Z26 on style 11427.1
- Assembly plants (cowl-tag codes)
- WRN Willow Run MI1
Where the sources disagree
Identification
Read a 1970 Chevrolet VIN
The VIN decoder runs in your browser and never sends the VIN anywhere. How the factory numbered this year's cars:
Same model year
Also in 1970
- AMC AMX The last two-seat AMX: a restyled nose, a 360 base V8 and a 325-hp 390. At 4,116 cars it was the rarest of the three two-seat years.
- AMC Javelin Penske and Donohue brought the Javelin to Trans-Am, and the showroom answered with 2,501 Mark Donohue Javelins and 100 red-white-blue Trans Am Javelins, while total production fell to 28,210.
- AMC Rebel and Rebel Machine AMC's intermediate supercar: a 340-hp 390, four-speed and Hurst shifter in the Rebel hardtop, first in white with red-white-blue stripes. Totals reported for the one-year run range from about 1,200 to 2,326.
- Buick Riviera The 455 (370 hp gross) arrived with a restyle; production fell to about 37,300 with some 3,505 GS cars.
- Buick Skylark Gran Sport, GS and GSX Buick's GS went to a 455 rated at 510 lb-ft, the Stage 1 option added 10 advertised hp, and a mid-year GSX package was built 678 times in two colors.
- Buick Wildcat The final Wildcat, Custom trim only, with the 370-hp 455; 23,645 built.
- Chevrolet Chevelle and Malibu SS The year the Chevelle Super Sport split into RPO Z25 SS 396 and RPO Z15 SS 454, with the LS6 454 rated at 450 gross horsepower.
- Chevrolet El Camino SS The Malibu/Custom El Camino could carry either RPO Z25 SS 396 or RPO Z15 SS 454, including the 450 hp LS6; the El Camino share is not separately published.
- Chevrolet Monte Carlo SS The first Monte Carlo, with the SS 454 as RPO Z20: 3,823 of 145,976 Monte Carlos per Chevrolet-report-derived tables.
- Dodge Challenger Dodge's first pony car arrived as a 1970 model with nine advertised engines, base, SE, R/T, and R/T SE hardtops, two convertibles, and a one-year Trans-Am homologation special, the T/A.
- Dodge Charger The last year of the second-generation body: a new full-width grille, three series (Charger, 500, R/T), the 440 Six Pack added to the R/T, and production roughly half of 1969's.
- Dodge Coronet R/T and Super Bee The final Coronet-based R/T and Super Bee: the R/T fell to 2,615 cars, while the Super Bee added a 3-speed manual and kept its Six Pack and Hemi options.
- Dodge Dart GTS, Swinger and Demon With the GTS gone, the Swinger 340 was the only performance Dart; it kept front discs, Rallye suspension and a twin-scoop hood and sold about 13,800 beside the new Challenger.
- Ford Fairlane The last Fairlane year: the name survived only on the Fairlane 500 beneath the new Torino, with a mid-year Falcon sharing the body at the bottom of the range.
- Ford Maverick Grabber The Grabber appearance and tire package arrived in mid-1970 on the new two-door Maverick; no Grabber count for 1970 was found.
- Ford Ranchero GT The Torino-based Ranchero GT could take the 429 Cobra Jet and Super Cobra Jet; reference counts give 3,905 GTs, while Barn Finds rounds the GT figure to about 3,600 of 21,640 Rancheros.
- Ford Thunderbird The 429 at 360 hp was the standard and only engine listed in the 1970 catalog.
- Ford Torino A new, longer body on a 117-inch wheelbase; the Torino Cobra became its own model with the 429, offered in 360, 370 (Cobra Jet) and 375 (Super Cobra Jet) horsepower forms.
- Mercury Comet and Cyclone A new, longer Montego-based Cyclone in three versions: the 429 Cyclone, the small-block Cyclone GT that outsold both others, and the Ram Air 429 Cobra Jet Cyclone Spoiler.
- Mercury Cougar The last first-generation Cougar moved to the 351 Cleveland, kept the Boss 302 as an Eliminator-only engine, and built 2,268 Eliminators.
- Mercury Marauder and S-55 The second and last year of the 1969-70 Marauder: production fell to about a third of 1969's, with the X-100 near half of it.
- Oldsmobile Cutlass, 4-4-2 and Hurst/Olds The 4-4-2 got a standard 455 rated at 365 hp, the W-30 went to 370 hp, and the small-block W-31 moved to the Cutlass and F-85 coupes.
- Plymouth Barracuda and 'Cuda The E-body redesign split the line into Barracuda, Gran Coupe, and 'Cuda hardtops and convertibles, put every Chrysler performance engine through the 426 Hemi on the order form, and added the one-year AAR 'Cuda for Trans-Am homologation.
- Plymouth Duster 340 and 360 Plymouth's new Valiant-based fastback coupe arrived with a 275 hp 340 performance model priced at $2,547; the Standard Catalog lineage counts 24,817 Duster 340s among 217,192 Dusters.
- Plymouth GTX, Belvedere and Satellite Now hardtop-only, the GTX fell to 7,748 cars while its 440 Six Barrel option cost just $119.
- Plymouth Road Runner Production halved from 1969, the 440 Six Barrel became a regular option, and the winged Superbird was built as a Road Runner hardtop to put Plymouth back on NASCAR superspeedways.
- Pontiac Firebird and Trans Am A late-arriving, coupe-only second generation: 48,739 Firebirds, 3,196 of them Trans Ams, and 88 Ram Air IVs.
- Pontiac GTO A new Endura nose, a 455 added beside the three 400s, and GTO production falling to 40,149.
- Pontiac Grand Prix The SJ took a 370 hp 455, Hurst built the SSJ, and production fell to 65,750.
- Pontiac Tempest and LeMans The T-37 and GT-37 bring budget performance to the Tempest.