A classic piece of Chevrolet history has resurfaced after two decades tucked away in storage, and it’s catching the attention of vintage car enthusiasts across the country. A 1964 Chevrolet Nova station wagon has just been listed for sale, and despite its long slumber, it appears to be in surprisingly good condition.

This classic wagon, currently located in Northern California, is now available on Craigslist, and it’s generating buzz for good reason. The Nova is a model with a rich history and a solid fan base, and while 1964 wasn’t exactly the Nova’s peak year, this specific survivor might just be the perfect restoration project for the right buyer.

A Look Back at 1964: Not the Best Year for the Nova

To understand why this Nova wagon matters, it helps to look back at the broader picture of Chevrolet’s priorities in 1964. At the time, Chevy was shifting its focus toward new models it believed could deliver stronger returns. The Chevelle was one of the big names on their radar, pulling attention and investment away from existing nameplates like the Nova.

As a result, the Nova lineup saw some puzzling decisions that year. One of the most controversial was the discontinuation of the convertible version, despite solid sales figures in 1962 and 1963—Chevy sold about 24,000 convertibles over those two years. But for reasons still debated among classic car circles, the company decided to axe the drop-top option for 1964, leaving fans disappointed and the lineup with fewer options.

Stored for 20 Years – But Still Kicking

Fast-forward to today, and this 1964 Nova wagon is stepping back into the spotlight. After being stored in long-term storage for approximately two decades, the car has been retrieved and is now listed for sale. And while you might expect a car left dormant that long to be falling apart, this one is a surprisingly solid survivor.

According to the seller, the car runs and drives, and the floors are very nice—a rare statement for any car that has been sitting for this long, especially one built in the early ‘60s. Rust, a common concern for classic vehicles, appears to be minimal. Photos of the car show only a few small rust holes, which should be easy to patch for anyone experienced with bodywork. Still, a thorough inspection—especially of the undercarriage—is strongly recommended before making any purchase decision.

Exterior: Solid Bones but Patina Lovers Only (For Now)

Visually, the car wears its age, with a natural patina that only comes from decades away from the spotlight. For those who love that classic, weathered look, this might be the perfect aesthetic. But for buyers dreaming of a factory-fresh restoration or a flashy custom build, a full repaint would be on the to-do list.

The body panels seem to be in good shape overall, and the structure appears sound. That’s good news for anyone considering a restomod project or aiming to preserve its original charm.

Interior Needs Work, But Plenty of Potential

Inside the cabin, there’s no sugarcoating it—the interior needs a full overhaul. After 20+ years of disuse, the upholstery, dash, and overall condition are in need of serious attention. Whether you’re looking to restore the car to its original factory look or go all out with a custom interior, there’s plenty of space and flexibility to get creative.

Nova wagons are a favorite among custom builders because of their roomy cabins and versatile layout. Whether you’re adding modern creature comforts, performance seating, or even turning it into a performance sleeper, this platform gives you room to dream big.

Under the Hood: Original Inline-Six Still Running

Under the hood, this Nova wagon is powered by its original six-cylinder engine—a popular choice in 1964. According to the seller, the engine is still running and the brakes have been made functional with a few minor fixes.

While the six-cylinder engine was the standard option for most Novas in 1964, buyers at the time could also opt for dealer-installed V8s, especially in the Super Sport trim, which gained popularity. There was even a four-cylinder option available, but it saw very limited sales.

This engine may not be a powerhouse, but it offers a reliable starting point for restoration. That said, many enthusiasts would likely consider a V8 swap as part of a full custom rebuild.

Is This a Project Car? Yes — But a Very Promising One

Let’s be clear: this Nova is a project car. It’s not ready to hit the open road just yet. It’s been sitting for over 20 years, and while the fact that it runs is a great sign, safety and reliability concerns mean it’ll need to be trailered home. There’s also work to be done in virtually every area—mechanical systems, interior restoration, and possibly exterior refinishing.

But what makes this car so special is that it offers a very solid foundation. Classic car fans know how rare it is to find a vintage vehicle that’s been sitting this long yet still retains such a good structure, a running engine, and limited rust.

Pricing: $5,500 or Best Offer (Maybe Less?)

The seller has listed the Nova wagon for $5,500, but there’s an interesting twist. The Craigslist title actually says $4,000—possibly a typo, or maybe the seller is simply open to negotiation. Either way, it suggests there may be room to work out a deal, especially for a serious buyer who’s ready to take on the challenge of bringing this classic back to life.

If you’re interested, it’s best to contact the seller directly to confirm the price, ask detailed questions, and—most importantly—schedule an in-person viewing. Seeing the vehicle up close will help you assess the full scope of work and whether the Nova is truly the right project for you.

Final Thoughts: A Great Opportunity for Classic Car Fans

This 1964 Chevrolet Nova wagon is more than just an old car. It’s a rare opportunity to own a piece of American automotive history, one that’s survived storage remarkably well and now awaits a second chance at life. Whether you’re a seasoned restorer, a muscle car builder, or someone looking for their first classic project, this Nova could be your next big adventure.

It’s affordable, solid, and full of potential—and best of all, it’s waiting for someone to take the wheel and write its next chapter.

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