Vehicle Description
The formula was a good one: take a lightweight car like the Chevy
II and stuff it full of small block V8. This 1965 Chevy II (also
known as the Nova) is a road-ready example of that formula in
action, and it offers a host of upgrades to make it a first-class
cruiser with a ton of eyeball appeal. And yes, it's fast!
Bright colors help give Chevy's compact a bigger presence, and
you're probably not going to see this one coming until it's too
late. They're not big cars, which is why they're so potent out on
the road, but in attention-grabbing colors like this blinding shade
of White, you have no choice but to treat them with respect. The
paint and bodywork on this car was done to a solid, driver-quality
standard and remains in good condition since the completion of the
build, with only minor signs of use and a commensurate amount of
imperfections. It's not a perfect trailer queen, of course, but if
you like to drive, there aren't many better Bowties for the job and
there's a reason the 2-door hardtop coupes were a favorite of drag
racers. The steel underneath is quite straight and shows off good
gaps, suggesting that when the work was done, they took their time,
and the cowl induction hood is a nice addition that sets the tone
up front. Nice chrome, including that billet-style front grille,
Nova badges, tailpanel trim all give it just enough flash to get
some attention as you go rolling past, and the limousine-style
tinted windows provide the perfect amount of contrast.
The interior is extremely well done, offering fresh seat covers and
plush carpets, all in a handsome shade of blue that complement the
car's bright bodywork. The split bench up front and matching rear
bench look hardly used, which is the same story for the carpets
that have been protected with thick floormats, and a drop-in center
console was added up front and provides added storage and a couple
of cup holders. A gorgeous, factory steering wheel sits atop the
original column, joined by the slender shifter for the automatic
transmission below, and the factory gauges just beyond it are so
crisp and clear they look practically new. A trio of auxiliary
dials was installed under the dash to keep better tabs on the
upgraded small block under the hood, and a retro-style AM/FM/AUX
stereo was neatly fitted into the factory dash slot. The painted
white dash is in excellent shape, as are the blue door panels that
match the upholstery on the seats, and the light blue headliner
above is further proof that nothing was overlooked during the
restoration of this handsome Shoebox Nova. Out back, the trunk was
finished in matching blue carpets and carries a full spare and jack
set.
Due to pressure from sales of the all-new Chevelle, the Nova's
option list finally received a V8 in 1964, although like many of
them in 1965, this Shoebox was born with an Inline 6. That
obviously wasn't enough power for the former owners of this Chevy
II, so an enterprising and adventurous mind elected to throw
caution into the wind and stuff the engine bay with a 350 V8 crate
motor. The upgrade in power is profound, giving this Nova a
mouth-watering power-to-weight ratio that's the stuff of legends,
and the reason these cars are so popular with hotrodders. Using
period finishes and equipment combined with a few dress-up pieces,
it has a great period performance look with modern horsepower on
tap. Upgrades include a big Edelbrock 4-barrel carburetor, a
polished aluminum intake manifold, and upgraded ignition system and
modern alternator, and a big aluminum radiator that keeps it cool.
And with Chevy Orange on the block and those bright chrome valve
covers and air cleaner up top, the engine bay is ready to be shown
off with great pride. The TH350 3-speed transmission is plenty
tough for V8 duty and channels power to a heavy-duty 10-bolt rear
end. An upgraded Pypes dual exhaust system gives it a sinister
voice and you'll note that the chassis really is in nice shape with
clean floors and lots of newer hardware throughout. Flashy American
Racing chrome wheels really fill the wheel wells yet keep the '60s
performance look and carry staggered 195/60/15 front and 315/65/15
rear performance radials with plenty of grip.
This is one mean little Chevy II with a ton of firepower on tap. If
you like the promise of light weight and heavy horsepower, then
perhaps this car deserves a much closer look. Call today!
