We always enjoy hearing from readers when they have something we haven’t yet learned about or have forgotten about. Such was the case earlier this week when a reader from my home State of Iowa sent in a photo of his blue Special Edition. This is the first blue one I am aware of. Does anyone have total production numbers or additional details on this “All American Edition”? I believe Chevy may have done other versions on other models like the Chevelle and Camaro.

Here is what Steve Weber sent me.

“Richard, saw the article on Legendary Collector Cars about that white Nova, with the red white, and blue stripes, I was originally from Iowa. Also, I have the blue one with red, white and blue stripes, which I bought new in 1972, and I still have it. I just wanted to let you know there’s at least another one out there. That picture was taken in 1972, with one of them old Polaroid instant cameras. I was going to let you know too. As far as I know that striped package is only on 3 colors of blue Nova white Nova and a red Nova, I have seen a red one and the white 1. And everybody I talk to has not seen any other ones like them, just red, white and blue ones had the striped package. Thanks again and you take care“

Here is Steve’s special Nova. Does anyone else out there still have one?

This is the article on our website that Steve is referring to. This is the “All American Edition” Nova. The article also explains the “1976 Spirit of America Edition” which is often confused with the 1972 All Ameican Edition.

UPDATE: 8/24/2026.

As we are celebrating the 250th anniversary of our great Country, it seems there may be a slight renewed interest in these 200th Anniversary Chevys!

The following is a partial reprint of an article on the Website “Barn Finds”

Red, White, and Rad: 1974 Spirit Of America Chevrolet Nova | Barn Finds

Jump on over there and take a look, but come back here and continue your education.

Red, White, and Rad: 1974 Spirit Of America Chevrolet Nova

Mike Stephens

Although the official U.S. Bicentennial birthday was still a couple of years away, Chevrolet got a head start on its celebration by introducing 4 special autos in 1974 to commemorate our Country’s independence, and probably also to help increase sales.  For an additional $399, a patriotic trim package known as the Spirit of America, or corporately badged as RPO Z51, could be added to the Impala, Vega, and El Camino.  Another recipient was the Nova, such as this one here on Facebook Marketplace in Cumming, Georgia.  Priced at $35,000, this is one beautiful Chevy, and we’d like to thank reader PRA4SNW for finding it and sending us the tip!

While the Spirit of America package didn’t include any performance upgrades, it did provide some catchy cosmetic features, with the Nova featuring a white body with special red-and-blue striping running down the sides and over the roof.  There was also a partial vinyl top, plus front-fender and deck lid graphics where the metal Nova emblems ordinarily resided, along with additional stripes on the hood, so passersby knew this was no ordinary Chevy, regardless of which angle they spotted it from.  This one looks to be in excellent shape outside, and the once-chrome bumpers have been turned white, a nice custom touch that adds extra appeal.

Also in impressive condition is the interior, which features a mixture of red, white, and black components throughout.  All of the Novas built with the Spirit Of America package were hatchback models, and there’s some serious cargo room back there, especially when the rear seat is folded down.  White is an unforgiving color for upholstery, but the buckets and rear seat look great here, and finding the mini-console up front with gauges and a floor shifter definitely adds to the sporty feel inside.

A mostly stock 350 is under the hood, which should deliver plenty of pep to satisfy most drivers.  The seller says the engine has fewer than 10,000 miles and also features a new Holley 550 carburetor, plus a set of headers to improve exhaust flow.  The bay is also about as clean as the rest of the car, and although the cost here isn’t exactly cheap, this is one mid-seventies Chevy that might be worth considering at or near the asking price.