Community Corner

Hidden Gems Of Hartford And Tolland Counties

For history's sake, we could not resist this Hidden Gem.

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A 1973 Nova sits along the Route 66 in Columbia.
A 1973 Nova sits along the Route 66 in Columbia. (Chris Dehnel/Patch )

COLUMBIA, CT — This Gem probably won't be around long, but we simply couldn't resist while passing it on the eastern edge of Tolland County.

It's a 1973 Chevrolet Nova and it's for sale. Over the weekend, the car was positioned in Columbia, along Route 66, in front of the Tire & Brake Clinic, just a gear shift from the Willimantic line.

Ok ... it's seen better days ... and we apologize for not knowing it's true original color (we think a medium blue). Truly, though, it was looking pretty stylish parked next to a present-day mini van.

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Several factors, we think, warrant it being featured:

a) It's our prerogative.

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b) You don't see many around.

c) It does have some historical significance in the U.S. auto industry.

The 1973 model year was the first to feature the mandatory 5 mph bumpers under federal law. Gone were the slim chrome strips that left 1972 and earlier hoods and trunks looking like Lawrence Welk's accordion after collisions. They were replaced by larger hunks of metal that looked disproportionate on most vehicles.

The consensus back then was at least they protruded past the front and rear lighting systems.

So enjoy the Gem for what it is.

Here are some details:

(Chris Dehnel/Patch)

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The Hidden Gems series features out-of-the-way mom and pop restaurants, small specialty stores you may have never heard of, little-known historical markers or beautiful nature spots that may be a bit off the beaten path, all located within Hartford and Tolland counties. Do you have a favorite "hidden gem" in the area that you wish to see featured in this column? Email your ideas to Chris.dehnel@patch.com.

Other Hidden Gems in the series:

2025

2024

2023

2022 and earlier

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