The 1973 Chevrolet Nova got bigger bumpers to meet new federal rules.

The 1973 Chevrolet Nova gained a hatchback two-door model and a revised nose. The facelift was thanks in part to the federal government's newly mandated five-mph front and rear bumpers.

To go along with the bigger bumpers, stylists gave the 1973 Chevrolet Nova a new grille with a loosely patterned crosshatch insert and parking lights located inboard of the headlights.

Wheelbase was unchanged, but the car's total length grew a bit because of the new bumpers. The 1973 Chevrolet Novas also weighed about 100 pounds more than their 1972 counterparts.

An SS option remained available, but it was just a $123 dress-up package that included a blackout grille and Rally wheels. It could be ordered with any of the Nova engines. Interestingly, 35,542 SS packages were installed, making 1973 the best-selling year for that option group.

Engines started with the standard 100-horsepower 250-cubic-inch six. A 115-horsepower 307-cubic-inch V-8 was available, as were 145- and 175-horsepower 350-cubic-inch V-8s.

The hatcback was available only on the two-door model and included a large hinged panel that included the rear window and extending to just above the taillamps. A dressy Custom series joined the Nova line and a Custom hatchback listed for $2,701 with a six-cylinder engine. That was $173 more than the six-cylinder base-model two-door hatchback. Air conditioning added $381.

Every 1973 Chevrolet Nova got side guard door beams and additional sound insulation, as well as flow-through ventilation systems. Rear springs switched to multiple leaves. A sunroof could be installed, and fold-down rear seats were available.

1973 Chevrolet Nova Facts

Model	Weight range (lbs.)	Price range (new)	Number built
Nova	3,274-3,033	$2,377-$2,792	369,509

The outline of the hatch opening on the new Nova hatchback is visible in this view.

For more picture-packed articles about Chevys and other great cars, see:

• Classic Cars: Learn about more than 400 of the world's finest classic and collectible automobiles.
• Muscle Cars: Look back at tire-smoking Chevys and scores of other machines from the golden age of American high performance.
• Sports Cars: Discover the pleasure of sports motoring at its purest in these captivating articles on the best sports cars from around the world.
• Consumer Guide Automotive: Here's your source for news, reviews, prices, fuel-economy and safety information on today's cars, minivans, SUVs, and pickups.
• Consumer Guide Used Car Search: In the market for a used Chevy or virtually any other pre-owned vehicle? Check out these reports, which include safety recalls and trouble spots.
• How Chevrolet Works: Get the inside story of one of America’s greatest automotive marques in this lavishly illustrated history of Chevrolet, beginning with its founding in 1911.