Nova?
 

My father recently passed away. He loved this car. I saw it a few times when I was a kid but never asked my dad what it was. It looks like a Chevy Nova to me but I am not sure. I want to know what model and year Chevy this is. This photo is from 1978 i believe. Thank!https://cimg0.ibsrv.net/gimg/chevrol...f8fbd44807.jpg

The vin will give you the model year, it's a nova. Looks like mid-late 70's

Why is there no drivers side external mirror?

I don't know. That's a good question. I am going to check in other pictures and see if it's in any of those.

You may be lucky in that, yes, it is a Nova (3rd Generation; most likely a 1968-72) - but it may also be a "Super Sport". The picture is too dark to determine any badges and curiously any side marker lights. The faux lovered vents on the hood are from an SS and the wheels look to be also. However, both are easily added to a base car. You'll want to check the VIN to find out what you've really got.