The 1969 Chevrolet Nova SS 396

In 1915, Durant was in the process of setting up Chevrolet production facilities in Toronto, Canada. Later that year, during a luncheon meeting in New York with "Colonel Sam" McLaughlin, whose McLaughlin Motor Car Company manufactured McLaughlin-Buick cars, it was agreed that Chevrolets with McLaughlin-designed bodies would be added to the Canadian company's product line. Three years later, the two Canadian operations (Chevrolet was by then a part of GM in the United States) were bought by GM to become General Motors of Canada Ltd (Wikipedia).

By 1916, Chevrolet was profitable enough to allow Durant to buy a majority of shares in GM. After the deal was completed in 1917, Durant was president of General Motors, and Chevrolet was merged into GM, becoming a separate division. In the 1918 model year, Chevrolet introduced the Model D, a V8-powered model in four-passenger roadster and five-passenger tourer models. These cars had 288in3 35 hp (26 kW) engines with Zenith carburetors and three-speed transmissions.Chevy had redesigned its compact for '68, but the look was still pretty tame. The chassis design, however, was shared with the Camaro, so big blocks finally fit. Sure enough, the 396-cid V-8 appeared as a Super Sport option partway through '68. For '69, the 396 was back in 350-bhp tune and -- for those who knew how to play the order form -- as the 375-bhp L78.

This was the hoodlum Nova. Building one began with the SS package included a 300-bhp 350-cid V-8, special suspension, red stripe F70xl4s, and power front discs, replacing the 350 with the L78
SS badges, black-accented grille and tail, and simulated hood air intakes marked the exterior, but nothing shouted supercar. Still, all stealthiness seemed to dissolve with the L78. What the "396" numerals on the fender suggested, the racket of solid lifters and the ominous rumble from dual exhausts confirmed.

Engine of 1969 Chevrolet Nova SS 396

Specifications
Wheelbase, inches: 111.0
Weight, lbs: 3,400
Number built: 7,209
Top Available Engine
Type: ohv V-8
Displacement, cid: 396
Fuel system: 1 x 4bbl.
Compression ratio: 11.0:1
Horsepower @ rpm: 375 @ 5600
Torque @ rpm: 415 @ 3600

Representative Performance
0-60 mph, sec: 5.9
1/4 mile, sec. @ mph: 14.5 @ 101

Source : Muscle cars
Pic sources : How stuff works