Despite all the areas in which it excels, how much you like this Nova all comes down to the most polarizing aspect of the entire machine: the front end. Paying homage to the computer age and the car’s distinctly futuristic vibe, the grille design is patterned after a computer circuit board. Likewise, the simple factory headlight design has been morphed into a dual-stack arrangement, surrounded by a billet trim ring housing LED running lights. The look might not be for everyone, but the Nova’s menacing mug certainly draws attention. And when the mission at hand is pushing the envelope of automotive design and fabrication, that’s precisely the point. A grille that makes hip-hop stars jealous is merely an added bonus.

To lend a three-dimensional,...

To lend a three-dimensional, floating effect, the numbers for the speedo and tach were printed on the back of the lenses. Between them is a 3-inch digital screen that displays everything from coolant temperature to oil pressure. The Roadster Shop found it in a marine supply catalog.

In contrast to the angular...

In contrast to the angular exterior, the interior is characterized by smooth, rounded surfaces for a more inviting feel. The dash and center console are hand-formed from aluminum, while the gauge cluster and air vents are CNC machined. The floor and headliner are illuminated by fiber-optic lighting, and the custom CNC pedals match the grille pattern. A Vintage Air A/C system keeps things comfy, and the head unit and GPS navigation are from Kenwood.

You can’t see it, but the...

You can’t see it, but the fuel cell is tucked up into the framerails. The custom wheels boast a center lock design for quick and easy wheel removal.