Though few can rival the sheer presence and force of a 1971 Chevrolet Nova owned by local citizen, Mike Donovan, the streets of Williamsport, Pennsylvania have long housed some amazing automotive specimens.
Finished in a startling coat of Autumn Gold paint, Donovan’s Nova is evidence of the golden period of American muscle cars. Originally debuted in 1962, the Nova soon became well-known as a lightweight, strong, reasonably priced sports coupe capable of more than just holding its own against the competition.
For the Nova, the 1971 model year was especially unique since Chevrolet unveiled the powerful SS396 option, which matched a 396 cubic-inch V8 engine with a plethora of performance enhancements. One of these sought-after SS396 vehicles is Donovan’s car, and under the hood the 350 horsepower engine roars to life with the turn of the key.
“This car is an absolute beast,” Donovan says, grinning broadly. “The way it accelerates, the exhaust’s sound is just an addictive driving experience. Driving on the open road and truly letting it run its legs makes me very happy.
But Donovan’s love of his Nova transcends simple performance. “There’s just something about the styling of these cars that I find so pleasing,” he says. “The long hood, the short deck, the muscular fennes – it all comes together to create such an iconic and aggressive look.”
In fact, one of the most powerful and identifiable muscle cars of its time, the Chevrolet Nova has long been And in the hands of a fan like Donovan, this 1971 model keeps heads turning and agitating the souls of car enthusiasts all around Williamsport.
“Driving this car and sharing it with the community makes me really happy,” Donovan says. “I’m glad to be looking after this real piece of automotive history here in Williamsport.”
It is evident that the history of this muscle car legend lives on and in the skillful hands of owners like Mike Donovan will enthrall and inspire for next generations as the roar of the Nova’s V8 engine reverberate throughout the streets of this Pennsylvania town.
