This isn't your normal Nova II - Powered by a Fuel Injected LT1
5.7L V8 and finished in a beautiful Slate Gray, this Nova is ready
to rumble. Wilwood Power Disc Brakes on all four corners ensure
powerful stopping and the A/C and Power Steering make it a joy to
drive. A custom stereo has been professionally installed and with
just under 2,700 miles since the build, this Nova is ready for its
new home.
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
About the Nova:
The Chevrolet Chevy II/Nova was manufactured from 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 after 1968, with Nova becoming the nameplate for all of the
1969 through 1979 models. Built on the X-body platform, the Nova
was replaced by the 1980 Chevrolet Citation introduced in the
spring of 1979. The Nova nameplate returned in 1985, produced
through 1988 as a S-car based, NUMMI manufactured, subcompact based
on the front wheel drive, Japan home-based Toyota Sprinter.
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 is 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. 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.
1966 Chevy IIs introduced an extensive sharp-edged restyle based in
part on the Super Nova concept car. In general, proportions were
squared up but dimensions and features changed little. Highlights
included a bold grille and semi-fastback roofline. "Humped" fenders
in an angular rear end were reminiscent of larger 1966 Chevrolets,
though the 1966 Chevy II and Nova had vertical taillights and
single headlights. The lineup again started with Chevy II 100 and
Chevy II Nova 400 models.
For just $159 (equal to $1,252.92 today) more than a Nova 400,
buyers could choose a Nova Super Sport. Available only in a Sport
Coupe, the Nova SS was top of the line. The 194 ci inline-six was
standard on the Super Sport, but any Chevy II engine could be
coupled with the SS. The Nova SS was visually distinguished by wide
rocker panels and a bright aluminum deck lid cover. It had bright
SS emblems on the grille and in the ribbed rear panel, and Super
Sport script on the quarter panels. Wheel covers were inherited
from the 1965 Malibu SS. Strato-bucket front seats were included,
but a tachometer cost extra. The '66 Chevy II sales brochure
clearly promoted the Super Sport as the "Chevrolet Chevy II Nova
Super Sport," but the name "Nova" was not used anywhere on the
body. Front and rear emblems displayed "Chevy II SS." In 1967,
Chevy II was still the name of the vehicle, but the Nova SS option
package replaced all Chevy II badging with Nova SS badging.