Spectacular ultra-clean California car. Real X-code SS. High-quality fresh restoration. Engine upgraded from 191 cubic inches to 230, power front disc brakes, spotless undercarriage. What a nice little car!
If you check the trim tag, you’ll see this car was originally code 934 Cordovan Brown, which isn’t exactly an exciting choice for something with SS badges on its flanks. Given that information, it’s not hard to see why a color change to Tuxedo Black happened when the car was restored a few years ago. Fortunately, the laser-straight California sheetmetal was up to the task and no major surgery was required to get it to look this good. The lack of accidents or rust repair makes alignment easy, too, so you’ll note that the gaps are quite good, the hood and trunk sit flush, and the trim lines up rather well. The SS badges are original and the car earns them the right way—there’s an X code on the trim tag, which denoted SS models built in Oakland. The front bumper is the only reproduction piece, and they had to tweak it a bit to get it to fit, but that’s a very small demerit on a very nice car.
The trim tag also says this car came with a code 708 Saddle bucket seat interior, and again, it was changed to basic black during the restoration. The good news is that just about everything you can see or touch is new because of the color change. Reproduction seat covers, new carpets, correct door panels, and even a new steering wheel tie it all together quite nicely. The gauges are surprisingly comprehensive and they all work except the clock, which isn’t a surprise. A mini console wears a finned cover like big brother Impala, as well as a cue ball knob on the shifter for the 2-speed PowerGlide transmission. The back seat is surprisingly spacious for full-sized adults and there’s a massive trunk that includes a reproduction mat. Yeah, look at that gorgeous original sheetmetal!
The top motor in the Nova SS in 1963 was a 191 cubic inch inline-6, which is what the decal says this one is (no V8s were available in ’63, even on the SS). However, that’s actually a 230 cubic inch block from a later car, so it looks right but packs an extra 40 cubic inches that really makes a difference in low-end punch. It has also been fortified with a modest performance camshaft that wakes up at about 2500 RPM so this car scoots along remarkably well. Forget what you think you know about sixes, this one is a lot of fun to drive! You’ll also see that it’s beautifully detailed like the factory intended, from the Chevy Orange paint to the reproduction decals to the snorkel air cleaner on top of a 2-barrel carburetor. It’s completely rebuilt and runs so smoothly you can barely feel it ticking over under the hood. A new alternator supplies the juice and you’ll quickly spot a newer dual reservoir master cylinder and booster, which is mandatory for the fresh front disc brakes.
Underneath, this is quite likely the cleanest 60-year-old car we’ve ever seen. Those are original floors, not replacements, which speaks to the truth that California cars really are better. The 2-speed PowerGlide was rebuilt and shifts properly, and it spins the original rear end with highway-friendly 3.08 gears inside, making this a fantastic all-around cruiser. All the front end components are new, so it tracks straight and steers easily even without power assist (don’t worry, you can handle it). A correct single exhaust system was painted flat black to help it blend in and it has a pleasing six-cylinder grumble that works best on the roll. The vented and cross-drilled front disc brakes are from a late-model Trans Am, so they’re quite a bit more effective than the original manual drums. And as you can see, almost all the hardware, lines, hoses, gas tank, and other details underneath are brand new. Chrome Cragar SS wheels are a traditional look, and they carry 14-inch radials with an aggressive stance.
This car is probably even nicer than it looks in photos. The first time we went under it, we were blown away and after a quick drive we were convinced that the tens of thousands of dollars spent on the restoration were no wasted. This car is right in every way that matters and you’ll be pleasantly surprised by the response you get when folks see the inline-six under the hood. What a cool car! Call today!
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