Vehicle Description
1966 Chevrolet Nova SS
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 nearly so pedestrian
you would walk by it and never notice it. However, while this was
the initial thought for the Chevy II, this particular car goes
above and beyond to meet every restomod expectation. With careful
planning by our consignor and the skillful hands tackling the build
near perfection has been achieved. Breathe in this always kept in a
climate-controlled garage 1966 Nova SS!
Exterior
With the body straightened, rust remediated with the help of new
fenders, doors and rear quarter panels then countless hours of
block sanding this car was then given the green light to be
painted. The car is now royal blue metallic with light blue ghost
flames over the cowl induction hood and fender. New glass, bumpers,
headlight bezels, trim and seals were installed, and now present
very nicely but with some inclusions in the paint and notable runs
on most edges and body lines on the sides of this machine. Highly
polished 15-inch American Racing Torque Thrust 5-spoke wheels are
installed all around and are shod in staggered width rubber.
Interior
Straight and true black vinyl, framed top and bottom with royal
blue painted steel mix with some chrome accenting, cranks and
handles and some tuck and rolling for the lower door panels are a
preview of what's to come. Slipping inside snappy 60's style
buckets grab your eye and your butt with tuck and roll bolsters,
and smooth inserts in black vinyl. These sport a white stripe
running through their center, and these are vinyl as well. In back
a matching styled bench looks like it's never been sat in. 3-point
seatbelts have been added to the front seating position for added
safety. A black plastic console runs between the front buckets and
is topped with an aluminum and royal blue insert that holds the
B&M shifter. Black carpeting is flooding the floors and in
front above the carpeting is an original simple black padded top
dash. On the tilt steering column is now mounted an aftermarket
tachometer and digital radio in the center of the dash replaces the
original and now has AM/FM/CD capabilities. A trio of gauges hangs
below the center of the dash to monitor all engine vitals and above
is a nice tight black vinyl headliner with working dome light.
Drivetrain
Opening the hood we are hit with the money shot. Smooth inner
fenders and tubular structural bracing provide the backdrop for the
blinged out 355ci roller V8. This mill is topped with a 4-barrel
carburetor and Edelbrock aluminum intake manifold. Eye-catching
polished aluminum and chrome abounds in this bay and no stone has
been left unturned, keeping things cool is an aluminum radiator and
shiny chrome fan shroud and braided covers have been installed over
all the hoses. All of this is attached to a TH350 3-speed automatic
transmission which sends power back to a TracLoc Ford 9" rear axle
with 3.55 gearing.
Undercarriage
Definitely involved in the redux, a Heidts Mustang II type
suspension in front, TCI 4-bar with adjustable coilover in the rear
give this SS a more modern ride and feel. With manual rack and
pinion steering and 4-wheel disc brakes there is no corner this
Nova can't carve. A strong black painted rust-free steel unibody
with subframe connectors provides the backdrop for the flooring,
which is seen with some patching but is structurally sound. Headers
snake their way down past the body color matching front suspension
and run to the rear of the car after passing through Flowmaster
mufflers.
Drive-Ability
There is nothing thrifty or stodgy about this once 6 cylinder any
longer. With a twist of the key the big V8 fired right up and
settled into a nice lopey idle. Taking our consignor's words to
heart I buckled my seat belt and was off to our well-hidden test
track. In the straightaways this car has endless acceleration, and
it handles the corners much like a modern muscle machine. Stop on a
dime, bias free braking was noted, and I couldn't get enough of the
sound of all 8 candles lit. True muscle car heaven here folks, oh
and did I mention its FAST too?
Not exactly your mother's car she took to the store to get the
groceries anymore, although if she was in a hurry, it would be
perfect. This car has been painstakingly restored with no stone
left unturned, and is absolutely beautiful, with over $40,000 spent
on the suspension and metalwork alone. Plain Jane it ain't!
VIN DECODE
117376N129126
1-Chevrolet
17-Nova SS Inline 6 Cylinder
37-2 Door Hardtop Sport Coupe
6-1966
N-Norwood, OH Assy Plant
129126-Sequential Unit Number
Classic Auto Mall is a 336,000-square foot classic and special
interest automobile showroom, featuring over 650 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.
