Greater than its sum of parts

[novanewbie17]

I couldn't go through with selling my Nova.

Really I think I needed vindicating that it was more than an ornament, it's just
some glass fibre on a beetle isn't it- I should spend the money on the house.

BUT - when I advertised it I was struck by the responses:
Some examples of the comments I received were:

If that was at a show between a McLaren and a Ferrari everyone would go to yours.

My favourite car of all time above Ferrari and e-type.

I want to buy it- will it drive back to Italy? (No, it really won't).

and many more>

Then a guy came to view that wanted one for his collection- Ferrari and Lamborghini collection
that is, he actually owned a Countach!

I went to the Ascot Historics auction in the morning before the viewing and there were
Lamborghini, Ferrari etc but I knew if there was a Nova i would have gone straight to it,
like I do at Brooklands Museum when Lauren or John have theirs there, so why sell mine then?
I got grumpy knowing later that day I may sell it- fortunately the guy went away to think-
after I just felt relief!

I've had other offers too, but I think the car is safe once again and house improvements can wait-

the Nova is more than its sum of parts...

[BlueNova]

Wonderful news NN17!!

I’m sure you won’t regret it. Hopefully we can meet up at Stoneleigh, Newark or wherever one day once both our Novas are road legal.

All the best, Alistair

[Spacenut]

Hi Mark - I'm glad to hear that you are keeping the Nova. I contacted Anthony when I heard about the Facebook advert, but he had already seen your car advertised on Car & Classic.

I have been to see Anthony's collection and it is indeed very impressive. But perhaps more so is his appreciation of the Nova as shape that can hold its own against any Italian styling house, and even with a VW floorpan and a 1600 twin-port deserves credit in its own right. It is a shame that more people cannot see that.

Lauren

[Phill]

You're absolutely right. The Nova really is greater than the sum of its parts. But the opening canopy is what really makes it stand out. And because it is so unique it really does deserve classic status.

I have had visitors to my unit - many of whom are wealthy business people that drive very expensive cars like Porsches - yet they still drool over my beetle based kitcar. And even when I enlighten them as to it's humble origins they still marvel at its beauty.

[steve]

Good to hear man

[Spacenut]

Incidentally, I'm loving the rear grille treatment which will do wonders for engine cooling, but I was wondering if the Fiat 850 lights would look better upside down? That way the curvature of the lens would match the curvature of the lower valance. Some lights have to be fitted in a certain orientation, but others are quite flexible (the Bedford bus units fitted to Elam Mk1 cars like mine can be fitted horizontally or vertically).

In the US, the Sterling was marketed with TR7 rear lights, mounted upside down to match the contours of the rear panel.

Just a suggestion

Lauren

[BlueNova]

You're absolutely right. The Nova really is greater than the sum of its parts. But the opening canopy is what really makes it stand out. And because it is so unique it really does deserve classic status.

I have had visitors to my unit - many of whom are wealthy business people that drive very expensive cars like Porsches - yet they still drool over my beetle based kitcar. And even when I enlighten them as to it's humble origins they still marvel at its beauty.

Couldn't agree more Phill ... and it's encouraging to hear your experience with wealthy business folks!

[Peter]

Pleased to hear you are not selling the Nova, So many VW (and Ford) Based kit cars end up as donors to other restoration projects. as they have no regard for the body or history, I would only sell Ukhozi to someone who would retain it as it is and not break it. Banging the price up helps avoid that too

[Phill]

I came across this video of a Eureka and thought it worth sharing. The enthusiasm for the car is infectious, and what a gorgeous example it is too. I really think The Purvis Eureka with it's improved canopy giving extra headroom was as good as it can be without spoiling the lines. If you have a spare 17 minutes give it a viewing. I didn't understand a single word, but really enjoyed it:-

【愛車紹介】800㎏！300万円！？絶滅危惧種のPurvis Eurekaが降臨！！天井ごと開く『キャノピードア』 - YouTube

[steve]

Yeah nice. Agreed about the Purvis styling, the canopy mod really works well,
I also like the Countach-style rear scoops, larger engine opening and single panel 'louvre'.