Vehicle Description
1966 Chevrolet Nova
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." "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."
Minimalistic with maximum function, thrift, not revolutionary in
concept or execution, a compact grocery getter, pick the kids up
kinda car, here in our hallowed halls. It is so pedestrian you
would walk by it and never notice it. However, this does not
detract from its charm, and important place in Chevrolet history
fulfilling a need for the masses. Enjoy the 1966 Chevy II
sedan!
Exterior
Noting an amalgamation of many different year parts, and variations
on the Ermine White (some lighter some darker) this car has
undergone a complete restoration with some 1967 front fenders, good
gaps being maintained, and chrome bumpers and grille remaining
shiny and bright. The hood, and rear fenders appear lighter on the
Ermine White scale, and other panels remain similar. Upon close
inspection, paint retains its shine as well, and has a few dents
and dings, as well as scratches. The hood gaps are slightly off,
and some of the trim appliques/badges show some pitting and fading.
The driver's side A pillar has some waviness under the chrome
windshield surround, and the roof remains solid. Black American
Racing Torque Thrust wheels are all around and all are wrapped with
235/60R14's black walled tires.
Interior
A redux retaining its original door panels in red vinyl and red
painted sills. Original knobs and handles as well as a vertical
highlighting trim piece are all shiny and bright. Slipping inside,
the dash upfront has had a new padded dash top recover in red
vinyl. The dash front has also been resprayed, but now shows
scratches and chipping off. The instrument cluster is fronting a
wood rimmed 3 spoked chrome and drilled steering wheel, and plastic
has faded and become somewhat cloudy. On the steering wheel
inserts, chrome is showing dimpling. An aftermarket tachometer has
been added to the steering column, and a newer aftermarket MPX
radio/cassette is fitted within the original bowtie panel. 3 gauges
hang below the dash and are mounted into an aluminum panel. In the
middle of the hump is a Hurst shifter, and this fronts a recovered
tuck and roll broadcloth seat with smooth vinyl bolsters and half
backs, in split bench form. The back uses this fabric as well, and
matches the front in red. A tight white headliner is above and
shows a small tear on the passenger's side. Red stain free carpet
floods the floors. 4 speakers are scattered about this car with the
rear deck speakers being original to this car.
Drivetrain
A circa 1970 (T1208CNN Tonawanda 12/8/70 350ci V8) is now resting
comfortably in the engine bay. This engine has an Edelbrock intake
and a 4-barrel Holley carb on top. It has a red painted block, and
some shiny chromed valve covers, and open style air cleaner cover
also in chrome. A 4-speed manual transmission pushes power rearward
to a 10-bolt rear.
Undercarriage
Underneath mostly surface rust-free structural parts, good
floorpans and rockers, and a newer fuel tank are making up the
undercarriage. Independent front suspension, and leaf spring rear
suspension are seen, as are drum brakes all around. This engine
sports headers, and a Flowmaster exhaust. Slight road dirt is
scattered about, but mostly clean and well kept.
Drive-Ability
This car starts easily, and drove well, with good acceleration,
smooth idling, and a nice cruise at speed on the highway. Braking
is solid, and the exhaust has a nice tone to it. Needless to say,
it handled our test track with ease.
Restored to an owner's desires, not necessarily to become an exact
original version. It has been pieced together nicely and is priced
to reflect that. A now fun grocery getter, eye catcher, and remnant
of 1966 in spirit, but many years put together in reality.
VIN DECODE
116376N122741
1-Chevrolet
16-Chevy II 400, Nova V8
37-2 Door Coupe
6-1966
N-Norwood, OH Assy Plant
122471-Sequential Unit Number
TRIM TAG
12B-2nd Week December Build
ST 66 11637-1966 Chevy II 400, Nova V8 2 Door Coupe
BDY NOR45418-Norwood Body #
TR 754A-Red Standard Interior
PNT CC-Ermine White
E-Tinted Glass All
2L-4 Speed
R-Rear Speaker
Classic Auto Mall is a 336,000-square foot classic and special
interest automobile showroom, featuring over 600 vehicles for sale
with showroom space for up to 1,000 vehicles. Also, a 400 vehicle
barn find collection is on display.
This vehicle is located in our showroom in Morgantown,
Pennsylvania, conveniently located just 1-hour west of Philadelphia
on the I-76 Pennsylvania Turnpike. The website is
www.classicautomall.com and our phone number is (888) 227-0914.
Please contact us anytime for more information or to come see the
vehicle in person.