1971 Custom Nova Mk2

Automotive Design and Development Ltd (ADD) was responsible for the creation of the futuristic-looking Nova kit car. It was based in Southampton from 1971 to 1973 after which it moved to Accrington, Lancashire until 1975. ADD failed and the rights to the Nova were bought by Nova Cars in Mirfield, West Yorkshire in 1978, which continued until 1990. A low volume production run was made by Nova Developments in Cornwall in the 90’s and the company was sold to India based Aerotec Nova around 1996.

The Nova was styled by Richard Oakes with engineering by Phil Sayers, combining a fiberglass shell on a VW Beetle chassis and mechanicals. A two-seater, it was highlighted by a dramatically opening canopy that combined roof and doors into one.

Originally a Mk2 build in approx 1982ish, my Nova is based on a 1971 VW Beetle, and is currently undergoing extensive restoration.

Brand new Mexican chassis, new front beam with Red9 Design coilover conversion, adjustable rear shocks incorporated into the original swing axle, extensive bracing (z-bar, kaffa bars, etc, depending where in the world you are), gearbox support, full conversion from the original 1600 air-cooled to a water cooled Subaru EJ25 2.5ltr flat four. Very little of the original underpinning will remain in the finished car, hubs, some brake components and some rear suspension components and the gearbox.