Vintage Monday: Snortin' Nortin's 1971 Off-Road Chevy Nova

Okay, we know what you’re thinking. An off-road Nova? Yeah right! But if you know anything about the famed Snortin’ Nortin Nova, you know exactly what kind of competitor this unique off-road machine actually is. And for that reason, we’ve chosen it to be the subject of this week’s Vintage Monday!

Built by Larry Tunnell and Mick Newton for Newton to use to compete in off-road events, the Snortin’ Nortin Nova was named after Newton’s screen printing business and T-shirt shop known as Snortin’ Nortins. Loved by the Newton family, including Mick’s sons Mickey and Jesse, the Nova was purpose-built to compete in SCORE Class 6 competitions, which it did in the early and mid 1980s, making a name for itself at events like the Mint 400, Baja 1000, and Parker 400.

Image: NORRA

Shortly before Newton passed away, the Snortin’ Nortin Nova was sold to a family friend, who raced it in a handful of competitions in Louisiana but then retired the unique Chevy to a life of lackluster existence.

It was there in Louisiana that veteran off-roader Rick “Hurricane” Johnson found the old Chevy and rescued it from rusting away in the heat and humidity of the Southern Bayou. Some say that the car was also saved from potentially being turned into a mud racer.

Under Johnson’s care, and with the help of his good friends, fellow driver Jim “Rooster” Riley, and those responsible for hundreds of hours of prep work, Matt “Shrek” Dowland and Ed “Hollywood” Dowland , the Nova was refreshed to racing condition and actually competed once again in the NORRA Mexican 1000 in 2011, 2012, and 2013. Amazingly, the car was resurrected in less than 90 days for its debut 2011 race, the NORRA Mexican 1000, where it won the Vintage Class.

Upgraded with independent coil spring arms and five FOX Racing shocks on each wheel in the front, and Deaver leaf springs and four FOX Racing shocks per wheel in the rear, the Nova was returned to a level of competition many didn’t expect.

Image: NORRA Racing on Facebook

Under the hood, the Nova runs a “fire breathing” Chevy 350ci V8 engine built by Dales Speed & Marine, which features a Holley 750 cfm carburetor and ProComp aluminum heads, and is ignited by an MSD ignition.

The engine is backed by a 50-gallon fuel cell, which supposedly fuels the off-road beast with Azunia Anejo Tequila, one of the vehicle’s primary sponsors.

Tied to the potent SB Chevy is a Turbo 350 transmission, which pushes a huge chunk of the engine’s horsepower to the car’s American Racing Outlaw II wheels, wrapped in General Tire Grabber 35×12.5×15 tires, via a Dana 60 rearend. Braking power comes from four-wheel 2-piston disc brakes.

Inside, the off-road Nova features Mastercraft Safety seats, 5-point harnesses, and window nets, as well as a PCI Race Radios communications system. Navigation is handled by a PCI-prepared Lowrance 6000C system.

Now a fan-favorite of many generations of off-road racing enthusiasts, the Snortin’ Nortin Nova remains in Johnson’s possession, sponsored by companies like General Tire, KC HiLites, Maxima Racing Oil, Azunia Anejo Tequila, and American Racing Wheels. Here’s to hoping that we’ll see it back competing in off-road competitions in the near future!