The site below has the history of the Chevy Nova. It gives pictures and descriptions.
Look at the VIN. The 6th digit of the VIN will be the last digit of the year.
Here is some more information you can learn about your Nova from the VIN.
1972-79 Nova The VIN is visible through the driver's side of the windshield.
First digit Division: 1= Chevrolet.
2nd digit Series: X= Nova, Y= Nova Custom or Nova Concours.
Third and fourth digit Body Style:17= 2-door hatchback sedan,27= 2-door sedan,69= 4-door sedan.
Fifth digit Engine Code: D= 250, 1 bbl., L6; F= 307, 2 bbl., V8; G= 262, 2 bbl., V8; H= 350, 2 bbl., V8; J= 350, 4 bbl., V8; K= 350, 4 bbl., V8; L= 350, 4 bbl., V8; U= 305, 2 bbl., V8.
Sixth digit Model Year: x: 197x.
Seventh digit Assembly Plant: A= Atlanta, GA; B= Baltimore, MD; C= Southgate, CA; D= Doraville, GA; F= Flint, MI; J= Janesville, WI; K= Kansas City, MO; L= Los Angeles/Van Nuys, CA; N= Norwood, OH; R= Arlington, TX; S= St. Louis, MO; T= Tarrytown, NY; U= Lordstown, OH; W= Willow Run, MI; Y= Wilmington, DE; Z= Fremont, CA; 1= Oshawa, Ontario, Canada; 2= St. Therese, Quebec, Canada.
8 - 13 digit Production sequence starting at 100001 at all plants.