Plenty of classic American muscle cars compete at Gatebil, often in the Extreme Time Attack series. But one that also floats and can also be driven on the street? Of course I had to take a closer look.
This wide body 1969 Chevrolet Nova ‘GTR’ built by Andreas Solliwas one of the standout cars at Gatebil’s 2024 Main Event at Rudskogen Motorsenter in Norway. Amid the event’s signature smoke and chaos, the Nova felt like a breath of fresh air.
Andreas, a muscle car enthusiast and workshop manager of a driveshaft shop in Oslo, bought the Nova in 2014 and has worked on it every winter since.
What started as a basic Nova model with an inline six-cylinder engine has grown into something amazing, with a custom aero kit largely crafted in Andreas’ home garage. The front splitter, air dam, side skirts and rear diffuser are all his handiwork.
The huge 1,810mm wide carbon fiber wing, sourced from a British Stealth B6 GT1 racer, is mounted with custom brackets, and isn’t just for show. This Nova does absolutely everything, including time attack. The exterior is completed by a custom hood.
Andreas has two wheel/tire setups: for time attack events, 18 x 10.5 inch and 18 x 11 inch GS Performance 2002R wheels fitted with Yokohama A40 (soft) slicks, and for drifting the same wheels but in 18 x 9.5- inch, wrapped in 265/35R18 Sailun Atrezzo R01 rubber.
Stopping power comes from a Chevrolet Corvette disc and caliper setup up front and BAER brakes in the rear.
Position is determined by QA1 coilovers at both ends. The front subframe has been upgraded to a Corvette C6 unit; the rear features a custom 3-link configuration with a Watt link.
Inside, the dashboard is the only remaining original Nova piece, which now houses a single Ecumaster ADU 7-inch display. The interior also features Sparco Circuit bucket seats, QSP 6-point racing harnesses and an FIA-approved roll cage.
The carbon fiber center console, a unique creation by Zyrus Engineering for the Zyrus LP1200 Lamborghini Huracán, includes a sequential DCT shifter tuned for drifting.
For fast laps, Andreas switches to an OMP handlebar with a custom equipment with an Ecumaster CANBUS card. The handlebar has eight-position switches for adjusting power levels (boost) and traction control, plus dedicated buttons for rolling launch control and scramble boost.
Andreas can also navigate through different screens on his dashlogger. The start/stop button is a modern touch, allowing the engine to start and stop at the touch of a button.
Under the hood of the Nova lies an aluminum 5.3-liter LH6 V8, which Andreas selected for its robust block and thick cylinder walls.
Two Precision Turbo 6266 turbochargers with v-band turbine housings and HPO Motorsport 44mm wastegates are largely hidden from view. Cooling is provided by an intercooler that Andreas and his friend Einar built, plus a Hurricane radiator and a Setrab oil cooler.
In track mode, at 1.6 bar (23.2 psi) boost and 7,000 rpm, the Nova produces approximately 1,000 hp. The torque meanwhile peaks at 1,400 Nm. Andreas also has a street turbo setup that he can switch to if necessary.
Power is transmitted via a BMW E92 M3 seven-speed dual-clutch transmission, controlled by a DKGECU transmission module from Sweden. Although the automatic clutch and no-lift shifting are missing, Andreas can press the clutch while drifting.
As mentioned, the Nova can easily be converted to a street-legal specification and is used daily in the summer. Andreas even took him on a 10,000 kilometer road trip from Norway to Spain.
He’s not done yet either; a better suspension system and additional weight-reducing adjustments are in the offing. I can’t wait to see Andreas and his Nova tear up Rudskogen Motorsenter at Gatebil’s Main Event next year.
Alen Haseta
Instagram: Hazeta
