[1]Roadster Shop’s “Innovator” crossed the auction block at RK auctions bringing an incredible $300,000 at gavel. All photos courtesy of RK Auctions [2]
Our friends at RK Collector Car Auctions [2] clued us in on a recent sale at one of their auctions. A highly customized 1967 Chevy Nova sold for $300,000 at the gavel. This was not your average run-of-the-mill Novas however. This specimen was handcrafted by the legendary Roadster Shop [3]in Mundelein, Illinois. Known for their cutting edge and unique designs, this Nova features work that was uncommon at the time of it’s build.
Most of the part used in the build were handcrafted or purpose built specifically for this project.
[4]
[5]
[6]
Dubbed “The Innovator” when it was completed, the ’67 featured parts that were handcrafted or purpose built specifically for this project build. The results were phenomenal and “The Innovator” received the highly sought after Street Machine of the Year award from the Goodguys Rod and Custom Association.
Under the hood is a GM LSX454 Block built by Mast Motorsports that cranks out an incredible 700HP and 611 lb-ft of torque. Bolted to the back is a Tremec T-56 Magnum transmission that sends the power to a custom 9-inch with a Detroit Trutrac differential that houses 3.90 gears.
[7]
[8]
The motif continues inside the cabin with a unique approach to design.
Built to handle the Goodguys Autocross courses, the nimble Nova was designed to push the limits of cornering ability. At the 2011 Goodguys Nationals in Columbus, the Innovator posted the best time of all the Street Machine finalists on the autocross course.
The great handling that was on display at Columbus comes courtesy of a custom Roadster Shop Fast Track frame and suspension. Giving the Nova its great stance is the AFCO remote reservoir, adjustable coilovers that are found at all 4- corners. Stopping power comes thanks to custom Baer Extreme + 14-inch rotors and six-piston calipers on both the front and rears.
Some of the body work performed on the exterior included lowering the top by 3/4 of an inch, re-profiling the fenders, removing the mid-section body line and creating new accent lines over each wheel opening. New bumpers were made along with rocker extensions and front and rear diffusers.
[9]
[10]
The custom work is obvious from the front or rear of the Nova.
The Innovator’s inside continues its theme with a complete custom one-off interior. Whether it is the bespoke digital readout interface or the knobs and vents in the AC system, every detail, big or small, has been scrutinized and thought about.
The Roadster shop set out to show that true design progress can only come by taking risks and stepping outside comfort zones. This car was built like nothing else that came before it.