* Weight distribution: A '72 Nova's weight isn't evenly distributed. The exact percentage on the front axle varies based on the engine, options (A/C, power steering, etc.), and any modifications. More weight on the front requires more force to lift it.
* Suspension geometry: The suspension's leverage and the angle of the control arms affect how much force is needed to overcome the suspension's resistance.
* Tire pressure and friction: The tires' contact patch with the ground creates friction. Higher tire pressure reduces this slightly but not significantly.
* Lifting method: Are you using a jack, a ramp, or the car's own power (like a powerful engine)? If using the car's power (e.g., by accelerating aggressively), you also need to account for losses due to drivetrain inefficiency.
* Height: How high do you want to lift the front end? A slight lift requires less force than lifting it significantly off the ground.
Instead of horsepower, it's more accurate to think in terms of torque at the wheels. Horsepower is a measure of power over time, while torque is the rotational force. You need sufficient torque to overcome the weight and friction to lift the front end. A powerful engine with a low gear ratio (high torque at low speeds) is more effective at this than a high horsepower engine with a high gear ratio (high horsepower at high speeds).
In short, you'd need to perform a calculation considering all these variables, which would require specific information about the particular '72 Nova and lifting method. It could range from a surprisingly low amount of horsepower (if you're just barely lifting it) to a considerable amount (if you are trying to lift it significantly). You wouldn't likely *need* hundreds of horsepower, but a reasonably powerful engine would do it more easily.
