Vehicle Description
1966 Chevrolet Nova Hardtop
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, this does not
detract from its charm, an important place in Chevrolet history
fulfilling a need for the masses. Breathe in this always garage
kept 1966 Chevy II Nova hardtop with its upgraded engine, new
brakes, fresh seats and new shocks.
Exterior
With a respray of shiny red on the body and roof, we see nicely
applied paint with a few areas of repairs showing through,
competing equally with beautiful chrome and trimmings. A straight
grille, single fender mounted headlight and nicely minded gaps
throughout, this car has obviously received its fair share of TLC
in its lifetime. Some side spear trimmings dress up the long slab
sides and Camaro SS style hood stacks have been added to detract
from this fairly mild-mannered looking car. Rally wheels in 15-inch
format with blindy caps and trim rings are wrapped in 225/70R14
like new blackwall rubber, and if you look closely you'll catch a
glimpse of a touch of Nova SS feel from the body. Make some
noise!
Interior
Straight but lightly soiled white vinyl and some chrome accenting,
cranks and handles and some tuck and rolling for the door panels
framed by black sills above and black carpet down low are a preview
of what's to come. Slipping inside, snappy new 60's style buckets
grab your eye and your butt with tuck and roll bolsters, and smooth
inserts in black vinyl. These buckets have low rise headrests atop
their backs and in rear is a matching styled bench that looks like
it's never been sat in. Black carpeting is flooding the floors and
in front above the carpeting is an original simple dash. Riding the
hump between the buckets is a black console with a brushed aluminum
and chrome topper that holds the shifter and small storage
compartment. On the steering column is now mounted a Sun Super Tach
II tachometer and this fronts the original gold padded dash with
the factory instrument cluster. Dash central has an aluminum panel
with more gauges where the factory radio once did reside. Above is
a tight but torn white vinyl headliner. It is missing the dome
light cover and shows a fair amount of staining and mold.
Drivetrain
With the original engine long gone, a 350ci V8 now resides between
the red painted inner fenders. It has Edelbrock aluminum heads and
a 4-barrel Edelbrock 600cfm carburetor with a polished intake. On
the back is a TH400 3-speed automatic and we note that headers are
on. The block is painted the beautiful GM orange/red, but it's hard
to spot with all of the chrome accenting that has been added. Now
appearing on the rear axle which is in 10 bolt format. It's just a
quick grocery getter now!
Undercarriage
Underneath is just factory black with even little to no dirt, and
some light surface rusting. We note some prior repairs to the
flooring but all is now structurally solid. Traction bars are on
back along with leaf springs and drum brakes. In front independent
coil springs and more drums. The aforementioned headers snake their
way down from the engine and connect to dual exhaust with Turbo
mufflers. All very clean, a nice job under here with new shocks all
the way around as well as new brake drums, hoses, hardware, wheel
cylinders and master cylinder.
Drive-Ability
Out test driver called this a tad stodgy in appearance, but said it
was a pleasure to drive, as it started quickly, drove great, all
options worked flawlessly and was an overall tight car to drive.
Definitely an A on the report card.
A very nice upkeep/restoration with a now bigger engine, and some
performance extras. Owned by our consignor for the past 3 years and
has been in his family for the past 25, still looking very mid 60's
on the interior and it's pretty much suburban transportation
preserved nicely, but with an underlying kick. The beauty of an
engine bay, all ready to play like it's 1966.
115376N165003
1-Chevrolet
15-Chevy II Nova 400 Inline 6 Cylinder
37-2 Door Hardtop Sport Coupe
6-1966
N-Norwood, OH Assy Plant
165003-Sequential Unit Number
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.
