My son Deuce didn’t want an ordinary first car. He didn’t want something easy or something modern. He wanted one car — a 1969 Chevy Nova. I know, what kid wants an old car in today’s world….

But, as his dad, with custody of two boys, I wanted to give him something that would teach him more than driving… something that would teach him responsibility, patience, character, skills and pride in what you build with your own hands.

So I searched and searched until we found one we could afford. It was rough, wrecked in the rear, worn, and missing its engine and transmission — but it was real. Straight steel. No plastic. The kind of car a father and son can rebuild together.

We surprised him with it for his 16th birthday.

You can see the moment in the photos: the shock, the tears, the hugs. That’s a moment a dad NEVER forgets.

But after getting it home, we discovered something we never expected. This Nova wasn’t just a car — it had a story, a crazy unbelievable story! It was a true Nova SS with documented NHRA/IHRA racing history and low original miles. It had been factory raced, wrecked, stripped, and left sitting for decades before we rescued it. We didn’t know what we had bought until we started tearing it down and finding the clues. GM had a ban during these years of supporting or supplying factory race cars, however….that didn’t stop some of the executives from back-dooring cars to “friends” and as luck would have it, we ended up with something special. 

We didn’t just buy a project. We saved a survivor. And that survivor will be for my son.

As a dad with custody of two boys, my greatest goal is to raise them into strong, steady, honorable young men. This project has become part of that — teaching them how to work, how to solve problems, how to stay committed, save, and how to take pride in a car he helped resurrect. Now we’re working to restore it into his school car — safe, reliable, and something he can be proud of for the rest of his life.

We’re doing everything we can, one part at a time, but the big pieces are adding up — the engine, transmission, wiring, suspension, brakes, interior, and paint. Every step we complete together is more time, more teaching, and more memories for a father and his sons. Any help would be greatly appreciated! 
So far in the past year: we have got the interior done, except for a few wiring projects. We have straightened and repaired the rear from the wreck, got the windows in, and are currently building the motor. 

If you choose to help us, you’re not just helping restore a Nova.

You’re helping a dad raise his boys.

You’re helping give a young man a first car with a story and a future.

You’re helping build something that will last long after the car is finished.

Thank you for reading, thank you for caring, and thank you for being part of our journey. We are documenting this build every step of the way and putting out videos and pictures to those who help us! 

God Bless, 

— Jess