Unleashing a Beast: 1967 Chevy II Nova SS Drop-Top Conversion

Legacy Innovations has once again raised the bar for custom muscle car builds with their jaw-dropping unveiling of the 1967 Chevy II Nova SS drop-top conversion. A blend of heritage, innovation, and sheer power, this transformation isn’t just a restoration—it’s a resurrection. Owned by Dominic Torcivia, this Nova has undergone a radical metamorphosis from a hacked hardtop to a street-dominating, roofless icon. Let’s dive into the story behind this one-of-a-kind machine.

A Diamond in the Rough

The journey began when Torcivia came across a rather questionable version of the Nova. For just $4,000, he purchased the car from someone who had, quite literally, taken a saw to its roof. Incredibly, the car was driven from Las Vegas to North Myrtle Beach, SC in that condition—topless, but not hopeless.

It landed in the hands of the pros at Legacy Innovations, who saw potential where others saw a lost cause. They didn’t just restore it—they reimagined it. The original hardtop was removed and replaced with a convertible top sourced from a 1963 Nova. A bold move, but one that paid off with timeless aesthetics and functionality.

Power Under the Hood

This Nova doesn’t just look good—it’s built to perform. The heart of the beast is a 2010 Chevrolet 427 engine, a monster that sets the tone for the entire build. Backing it is the GM Performance 4L85E Supermatic (19154550) transmission, paired with a Shiftworks S1041 conversion kit that ensures seamless shifting and performance reliability.

Feeding this powertrain is a Cross Ram EFI manifold supported by a Walbro 400 fuel pump, with a Holley air cleaner filtering every breath the engine takes. This entire setup is governed by a Haltech Nexus R3, giving the team full control over engine management and fine-tuning.

The camshaft, custom spec’d by JWC Performance, boasts an aggressive profile:

• Intake Lift: .360” / .612”

• Intake Duration: 231°

• Exhaust Lift: .360” / .612”

• Exhaust Duration: 241°

The result? A deep, throaty idle that quickly rises to a scream at full throttle—pure music to any gearhead’s ears.

Built to Handle It All

Power means nothing if you can’t put it to the ground—and this Nova handles it like a pro. The car rides on a stock frame, but with significant reinforcements. Legacy Innovations added custom Chassis Ladder Connections for improved rigidity and strength, essential for a car now boasting modern power levels.

The Moser 90” rear end ensures durability and traction, while Wilwood brakes provide race-ready stopping power to match the engine’s fury. On the pavement, the Nova plants its stance on a set of high-performance Forgeline wheels, blending style and functionality with precision.

Inside the Cockpit

Legacy Innovations didn’t stop at the mechanicals—the interior received just as much attention. The dashboard was 3D printed in-house, giving the team complete creative control over the design and fitment. It’s a perfect blend of retro vibes and modern tech, customized specifically for this build.

The finishing touch? Upholstery by The Stitch Company, whose meticulous craftsmanship gives the cabin a refined, luxurious feel that contrasts beautifully with the car’s aggressive nature. Leather, stitching, and contours all tell the same story: no detail was too small.

Legacy in Motion

Dominic Torcivia’s drop-top Nova is more than a custom build—it’s a legacy in motion. With unmatched attention to detail, thoughtful engineering, and high-performance parts from top to bottom, this 1967 Nova SS is now a testament to what happens when vision meets craftsmanship.

From a $4,000 rough-cut relic to a full-blown, show-stopping street machine, this build is the definition of transformation. It represents the spirit of American muscle cars, reimagined for today’s roads.

Legacy Innovations has proven once again that with the right talent and a fearless approach, any car—no matter its starting point—can become a legend.