The Chevrolet Chevy II/Nova was a small automobile and produced in
five generations for the 1962 through 1979, and 1985 through 1988
model years. Nova was the top model in the Chevy II lineup through
1968. The Chevy II nameplate was dropped, Nova becoming the
nameplate for the 1969 through 1979 models.
Chevrolet designer Clare MacKichan recalled about creating the
Chevy II: "There was no time for experimentation or doodling around
with new ideas from either the engineers or from us in design; And
it had to be a basic-type car." The 1962 Chevy II rode a 110-inch
wheelbase, compared to 109.5 for the Ford Falcon, at which Chevy's
new compact was aimed. "I think that was the quickest program we
ever did at any time," he continued. "We worked night and day on
that car, and it didn't take very long to run it through our shop
because we had a deadline." And that's what made the Chevy II one
of the fastest new-car development programs in GM history - just 18
months after the designers got the green light, the first
production Chevy II rolled off the Willow Run, Michigan, assembly
line in August 1961, in time for its September 29 introduction.
Unlike the Corvair, the 1962 Chevy II was deliberately never
intended to be revolutionary in concept or execution; its mission
was to give Chevrolet buyers a simple, back-to-the-basics compact
car. When he announced the Chevy II to the press, Chevrolet General
Manager Ed Cole described the car as offering "maximum
functionalism with thrift."
There was a lot of debate within the Chevrolet organization over
just what to call this new car, and the decision to go with "Chevy
II" was a very late one. Among the finalists was Nova. It lost out
because it didn't start with a "C," but was selected as the name
for the top-of-the-line series. Ultimately the Nova badge would
replace Chevy II, but that wouldn't happen until 1969. In almost
every way, the creators of the Chevy II used Falcon as a benchmark.
The 1962 model range included sedans and wagons, as well as a
two-door hardtop and a convertible, just like Falcon. The only body
styles it didn't offer which the Falcon did were a sedan delivery
and coupe utility (the Ford Falcon Ranchero), most likely to avoid
competing with Chevrolet's own El Camino.
The third generation models (1968-1974) were fully redesigned with
an extensive restyle on a longer 111-inch wheelbase that gave
Chevy's compacts a chassis that was just one inch shorter than that
of the midsize Chevelle coupe.
The 1972 Nova received only minor trim changes. The Rally Sport
option with special suspension returned and was a rather popular
choice, with 33,319 sold. Super Sport equipment went on 12,309
coupes, some of which also had the Rally package. Nova production
moved to Norwood, Ohio, where it would be assembled alongside the
Camaro. At mid-year a sunroof option became available on two-door
models. Also, the optional Strato bucket seats available on coupes
switched from the previous low-back design with adjustable
headrests to the high back units with built-in headrests introduced
the previous year on Camaros and Vegas. Despite the lack of change,
Nova had its best sales season in years, with production of the
1972 models reaching 349,733. Of these, 139,769 had the
six-cylinder engine.
This particular 1972 Nova retains its muscular body, but has been
outfitted with modern, high quality performance components that
transformed it into a pavement thrashing street machine. Over $30K
in recent receipts - Some of the Features Include:
- 502ci with Terminator EFI 550 Fuel Injection - 700R4 Automatic
Transmission - Wilwood 4 Wheel Brakes with Wilwood stainless
braided lines - Front Coil-Over Suspension - Rear 4 Link Coil-Over
Suspension - New Spindles - Sub-Frame Connectors - New Steering Box
- New Fuel Lines - Polished Billed Pulleys - New Distributor -
Polished Mattson Radiator - New Ricks Fuel Tank - Vintage Air A/C -
Dakota Digital Gauges Too many additional items to list!!!!
This Nova is a real muscle car with Big Block Power and all the
right components to make it an excellent driver.
Great lease rates and Financing also available on any of our
inventory!
Buy Sell Trade Consignments Welcome!
Please email
[email protected] or call
1-818-773-8181
