Readers' First Cars - The Ones That Didn't Get Away

Most of us have a story about "the one that got away." Not these folks; they held onto their first hot rods.'64 Nova SS
Jim Caruso
Devore, CA
A "little old lady from Pasadena" was reportedly the previous owner of Jim's '64 Nova SS when he picked it up at a car lot in 1984. The car spent many years in primer with junkyard motors and seats that had no upholstery as Jim learned how to build a hot rod. In 1994, it finally got fresh blue paint and a four-speed Muncie, thanks to Jim's father. In 2003, Jim decided to turn it into a dedicated drag car. Currently with a 434ci small-block, a single carb, and a five-speed built by his father, the Nova has run a best eighth-mile of 5.79 seconds at 118 and quarter-mile times in the 9.30s at 146 mph-and Jim says it's capable of running in the 8s. That's quite impressive for a naturally, 3,205-pound stick car.


Photo Gallery: Readers' First Cars - Hot Rods That Didn't Get Away - Hot Rod Magazine

Photo Gallery: Readers' First Cars - Hot Rods That Didn't Get Away - Hot Rod Magazine


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