1978 Rally Nova (Hatchback)

[78Novatx]

I was looking on Nova resource and noticed that the production number on the 1978 rally nova was at 6900 cars and the Hatchback was at 12,000 cars.
Is there a way to find out how many of the Rally Novas produced had the hatchback option? In decoding the Vin etc.. Is there anyway to tell if the car is in fact a rally or not ? I am under the impression if the car has the proper badging grille etc that this is the only way to tell if it is a true rally ?
Thanks
Mike

[jade76]

If you have the build sheet with the car, that is the only sure way to know if it is a true Rally. You can't go by the Cowl Tag since they could come with any engine. Technically though, the grille, headlight bezels, emblems and striping are the only difference. Also, all the 78 Rally's I've seen were only available with the Custom option which included the 3 panel taillights instead of the standard 2 panel, and the chrome rocker and wheel well trim was replaced with stripes. If you have the 3 panel taillights, then you know it's either a Rally or a Custom.

Exterior Details

Black finished headlamp bezels with bright perimeter molding
Special chrome plated, diamond pattern grille with specific horizontal parking lamps
"Nova Rally" emblem, multi-colored, in center of grille and on front fenders (delete "Nova" or "Nova Custom" from front fender side and "Chevrolet" emblem from center of hood)
Triple-band striping on lower body and over wheel openings - available in 5 colors: gold, orange, red, black and white
Triple-band striping on rear end panel (not included in 1XY27 Custom Coupe)

[78Novatx]

The car has everything that you stated except the tailights are the standard
2 panel. Does this make the car 1 of 12000 or 1 of 6900 ? I came across another 78 rally hatchback that will be on ebay this weekend and has the same taillights that mine does. Mine is the light camel with white stripes and the onw going on ebay is blue with white stripes ? I am going to start taking the car to local shows and I am trying to put a info sheet together just not sure what it is either 1 of 12000 or 1 0f 6900. I am also looking for some hood hinges. I guess age has gotten to mine the backside of the hood will not sit flush with the car. I have adjusted it still no good.
Thanks