- DRIVEN BY NASCAR HOF MEMBER DALE EARNHARDT SR.
- MULTIPLE RACE WINNER
- INDISPUTABLE DOCUMENTATION & PROVENANCE
- 358 CHEVROLET NASCAR V8
- DRIVEN TWICE AT GOODWOOD FESTIVAL OF SPEED
- RESTORED IN 2012 TO RACE READY STATUS
There are very few men that can say they made as big of an impact in the sport of NASCAR as much as Dale Earnhardt Sr. He was without a doubt one of the greatest drivers of all time. Claiming 7 championships, and 76 career victories, The Intimidator ruled NASCAR in his day. Even though he was taken from us way to soon, his mark on the sport is undeniable.
Very rarely do you see one of Seniors rides that he actually piloted arrive at auction, but thats exactly what we have with this 1977 Chevy Nova.
Originally built as a Pontiac Ventura by Dale Earnhardts father-in-law master body worker Robert Gee, the Ventura became a Nova after Dale Sr. discovered that the Chevy Nova drafted better. Even still, with his familiar Wrangler Jeans colors Dale won multiple events at Caraway, Daytona, Rockingham and Charlotte with this vehicle as a Ventura in 82 and 83.
Between the 85 and 86 seasons, with the help of a ball-peen hammer and a hacksaw, Dale Sr. himself and Robert Gee Jr. took to the Ventura Nose, quarter windows, hood, grill, and bumper, and before long the car was ready for the 86 opener at Daytona as a Nova. They also changed the number to the #8 made famous by Dales father Ralph Earnhardt. This Nova would also mark the first time that Earnhardt would feature his familiar GM Goodwrench colors.
At the 1986 Goodys 300 at Daytona International Speedway, Dale qualified ninth at the season opener. However, he made a late charge and passed Morgan Sheppard with only two laps left to claim the victory. It was the first of five victories for Dale in 1986.
Since racing in the NASCAR Grand National division the Nova has still seen plenty of track time. The vehicle has been driven in historic stock car events since 1998. It has been invited multiple times to the world famous Goodwood Festival of Speed in England. Most recently in 2009, which was the Celebration of NASCAR-Daytonas 50th Anniversary where Gene Felton and crew were the class winners behind the wheel of Seniors Nova.
In 2012, the car underwent a complete mechanical and paint restoration in preparation for racing in the invitation only Rolex Monterey Historics at Laguna Seca. Completed by Gene Felton Restorations, the car now features a NASCAR 358 Chevy, a period MSD Ignition system, glass windshield, and even comes with a drivers seat that Dale Sr. himself sat in.
This Nova is extremely well documented and comes with a certificate of authenticity from one of Dales original volunteer crew, Mike Herman Sr. Dont miss your chance to own this legitimate Dale Earnhardt car that he not only worked on, but drove to victory multiple times. Sold on a Bill of Sale.
