Vehicle Description
1962 Chevrolet Nova Convertible
The Chevy Nova was a compact competitor in the legendary American
pony wars. While the 1960s and 1970s witnessed a fight between
American automotive manufacturers to produce the fastest and most
powerful muscle cars, the Chevy Nova was just right when it came to
size, speed, and affordability. But it didn't start out as the
Chevy Nova...not quite, anyway. Eager to produce a budget-friendly
compact muscle car, Chevy introduced the Chevy II. As a model name,
Nova was relegated to runner-up name because it didn't start with
C. However, Nova was chosen as the name for the higher-end,
sportier trim option, and did eventually replace Chevy II as the
car's official name in 1969.
For consignment a piece of early muscle car, before they knew of
such a term muscle car. This one has had some cosmetics done and
now presents as a decent looking example. A new top, some rust
bubbling for the steel, as well as a re-upholstered front seat, and
fresh carpeting, we have landed in 1962 and are ready to go for
groceries in style.
Exterior
With a respray, and the exterior now bathed in Roman Red, it has
some shine but could stand a buffing. All steel panels are good and
have decently minded gaps. The trim spear on the sides shows a
slight mis-algment when it meets up with the front quarter and door
seam. Chrome and brite-work is in good condition with no rusting
and only minor tarnish. A new white manually operated convertible
top is now in and moves very easily. Standard wheel coverings and
black wall tires finish the exterior job.
Interior
A swing of the doors and we note the original door panels with lots
of horizontal chrome trim and even some tuck and roll in the red
vinyl. This is broken up in the middle by a cream nicely aged vinyl
strip. A red vinyl armrest sits within a tray and handles and
cranks are all shiny. Inside a newly covered front bench in red
vinyl sits with a showroom condition red carpeting flooded cockpit.
In back an original replaced by embossing in the recovered front.
The original dash shows well and has an oval instrument cluster and
another pointed oval in the center for the radio. The dash front is
formed with a mid horizontal running wide "spear" which has a
lineup of pulls in chrome on the bottom of the dash below this
spear. An original steering wheel wrapped with vinyl is fronting
this dash. Note the rear passenger side sill has some water
damage.
Drivetrain
194 cubes of inline 6-cylinder Chevrolet engine unrestored, sits
within the patina riddled engine bay. Some surface rust is noted in
the intake side mounted manifold and peeling blue paint on the
valve covering. On back is a 2-speed Powerglide automatic
transmission, and a 3.08 rear axle.
Undercarriage
Some surface rust is seen on the frame and suspension parts. The
passenger floor pan draws our attention with some poorly done
patches, and a side rail added in. One may question structural
integrity as it does not look the nicest. Drum brakes are on all 4
corners.
Drive-Ability
A quick lighter, and smooth idler, I gave it a little goose, and
off we go, cruising or running fast, this car does it all. Also,
the new seats are truly comfortable, and all functions were working
swimmingly.
An average presenting exterior, wonderful interior, and original
engine which is still ticking and we have a classic grocery getter
Nova from 1962. Thank you very much, and please don't applaud, just
throw money!
VIN DECODE
20467W117790
2-1962
0467-Nova 400 2 Door Convertible
W-Willow Run Assy Plant
117790-Sequential Unit Number
COWL TAG
03B-2nd Week March Build
ST 620467-1962 Nova 400 Convertible
BODY WR8929-Willow Run Body #
TRIM 774-Red & Ivory
PAINT 923-Roman Red
L-1-White Top
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.