Rick from Euro-Nova posted to let me know that this mystery Nova that’s been doing the blog rounds was actually owned by Steve McHugh, who has been radically customizing it over the last decade. In its early stages it still looked a lot like a Sterling/Nova, with ground effects and modernized body work.
The second stage refined this look even more and added inspirations from the Ferrari Enzo and other vehicles. I should add that Steve did all of this work himself, in his driveway (recalling miserable wet Tamworth, UK days standing in the driveway with a hairdryer trying to fiberglass)!
After that, Steve kind of went off the deep end and really started transforming the vehicle into his own vision, not retaining much more than the roof! Here’s the project in progress:
Finally, some pictures taken by the founder of the Euro-Nova forums for a Discovery Channel contest that Steve entered and won… Sort of a Rat-Fink-meets-British-kit-car bizarrism now? As almost everyone has pointed out, it’s definitely a “love it or hate it” sort of creation.
I can’t wait to see where he goes next… I hope he tackles the hood/front, because it looks a little awkward (and a little plain) in comparison to the rest of the vehicle.
Also, here’s a YouTube video of the latest iteration of Steve McHugh’s custom Nova.
The photos in this entry were taken from the Euro-Nova forums and Cycoholic‘s archive of pictures of Steve McHugh’s Nova, where you can find even more pictures. In addition to his recent and ongoing Nova project, Steve also built a V12 Bond Bug and a heavily modified Robin Reliant “Odyssey” 3-wheeler.
that interior with the missile control knobs and aluminum is awe inspiring. Each stage of this project is so “off the hook” that the whole car is simply a new scale of Awesomeness. The flip front end from the second version could be combined with the open engined back end of his final project for the ultimate expression of Sterling.
that interior with the missile control knobs and aluminum is awe inspiring. Each stage of this project is so “off the hook” that the whole car is simply a new scale of Awesomeness. The flip front end from the second version could be combined with the open engined back end of his final project for the ultimate expression of Sterling.
very innovative, I really like the way the new style elements were applyed over the car. Its cool.
well done.
Dave
from
Sterling Sports Cars
Amazing transformation. I love the blue paint in the earlier version of the car.
Thanks for taking the time to update this blog Shannon. I’m sure I’m not the only one who checks it all too regularly!
AWESOME! I need one.
Now, that’s a machine!!! It’s a rolling work of art. Definately up there with Barris or B.D. Roth’s custom jobs! Someone should commission him to create a new kit.
hi guts, look on discovery channe chopshop london garage series 2 or youtube chopshop compotition winner for latest.
I watched the Chop videos for his Nova. He does all that without a garage using cardboard and brown packing tape for part templates. He applies the mat and resin directly on top of the tape/cardboard template when it’s cured he removes the template.
Combining the shapes to make full panels. This guy makes McGyver look pale in comparison truly amazing results.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9UZU0s3cTV4&feature=fvw the video showing his amazing process.
Rich