Vehicle Description
Just when you think you've seen it all, a car like this 1966
Chevrolet Nova SS shows up and proves that there are still a few
tricks to be found. The elegant, classic, and artfully done paint
job makes it stand out, but it's still the big power in a
lightweight package that makes this Nova truly sing.
This brilliant red Chevy II is a showstopper, with a bit of
attitude and a lot of artistic talent wrapped up in its nicely done
bodywork. The finish is quite nice with a great shine, but that
part's relatively easy. What's not so easy is getting the bodywork
laser straight and the way the ultra-glossy paint emphasizes the
slight kick-up in the quarters makes this former economy car look a
lot more substantial and expensive. The paint is deep enough to
jump in and swim around in, although it does show a few signs of
use with a bit of time and a few miles on the build. No alterations
were made to the trim, which is all nicely restored or replaced,
and even the hood is original, not some aftermarket cowl-induction
setup. You'll note that the bodywork lines up well, critical on
even the lowly Nova due to the body line that runs from nose to
tail, and they made sure all the brightwork was up to snuff before
bolting it back on. And yes, this is a real code 118 SS, so it
comes by those 'SS' badges honestly.
The matching interior looks very authentic from the headliner to
the carpet, and in the same way the exterior is expertly rendered,
the passenger compartment is equally well done. Factory seats were
wrapped in new seat covers, and the back seat looks completely
unused. The steering wheel is big and skinny, as it should be, and
the 4-speed shifter lives in a mini console a lot like that found
in big brother Impala. Factory gauges are joined by a set of
aftermarket dials under the dash, as well as a tach on the column
in the usual spot. A/C was added during the rebuilt, and discreet
A/C vents were installed under the dash (the system isn't
operational but most of the parts are included). The original AM
radio remains in the dash and remarkably, it still works! And in
back, there's a very clean trunk with a correct mat and spare tire
assembly.
You could always get small block power in your Nova, so it should
be no surprise to see a well-dressed 383 cubic inch V8 under that
cowl-induction hood. Customized with chrome accessories that
sparkle against the black inner fenders, it matches the rest of the
car's highly detailed look. A Holley 4-barrel carburetor on an
Edelbrock intake manifold help make horsepower and judging from the
condition of the engine bay, it hasn't been driven much since it
was completed. Ceramic-coated long-tube headers and dual mufflers
give it that familiar Chevy high-performance sound, and with a
4-speed manual transmission and a 10-bolt rear end, you don't need
to worry about damaging this car by having a little fun. The
underside is quite clean, with tubular front A-arms and monoleaf
rear springs augmented by a set of air shocks. Oh, and there's a
giant front sway bar that really nails down the handling plus a set
of traction bars to plant the power. The stance is perfect, sitting
on those classic polished Torque Thrusts, which are wrapped in
24x5.0-15 and 26x10-15 Mickey Thompson rubber.
A very sleek resto-mod that takes one of the most popular cars of
the period and turns it into something that'll look awesome for
years to come. Call today!