Vehicle Description
1966 Chevrolet Chevy II 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, while this was
the initial thought for the Chevy II, this particular car goes
above and beyond to meet every expectation. Purchased by our
consignor in 1994, the 6 cylinder and 3 speed were removed in
preparation for a V8 conversion. At that time new rear quarter
panels, rockers, a new interior installation and fresh paint was
applied. A follow up in 2005 saw new flooring installed and in 2016
a new carburetor and radiator were installed. This diligent work
has left us with ashow stopper and eye catcher waiting for you in
the South Mallway of our overstuffed halls...Read on!
Exterior
With the body straightened, rust remediated with the help of new
rockers 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 Danube Blue,a wonderfully fitting hue that shows with a
miles deep reflection but not without a few inclusions, runs and
bubbling, but they are reserved for the lower sections of the car.
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 Nova script badges have been added to
detract from this fairly mild-mannered looking car. Blingy chrome
Cragar wheels in 14-inch format are wrapped in 185/75R14's in front
and 205/70R14 in back like new blackwall rubber, and give off that
Muscle Car period vibe perfectly. Make some noise!
Interior
Straight and true light blue vinyl, framed top and bottom with Mist
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, a snappy 60's style
front split benchgrabs your eye and your butt with tuck and roll
inserts, and smooth bolsters in light blue vinyl. In back a
matching styled bench looks like it's never been sat in. Faded blue
carpeting is flooding the floors and riding the hump is the B&M
Star shifter within a small black consolette and in front above the
carpeting is an original simple dark blue padded top dash. The
factory Mist Blue steering wheel sits atop the column and gives the
driver full view of the long black faced sweeping instrument panel
and digital radio in the center of the dash replaces the original
and now has AM/FM/Cassette capabilities. A single aftermarket water
temperature gauge hangs below the center of the dash to monitor the
coolant situation and above is a nice tight but lightly soiled blue
vinyl headliner with working dome light.
Drivetrain
Opening the hood we are hit with the money shot with a light patina
finish. A non-original 350ci V8 resides between the shock towers
and this mill is topped with a 4-barrel Holley carburetor and cast
iron intake manifold. Eye-catching chrome abounds in this bay
dressing up the valve covers and air cleaner lid. All of this is
attached to a TH350 3-speed automatic transmission which sends
power back to a 10 bolt rear axle.
Undercarriage
Definitely involved in the redux, new flooring is seen attached to
the strong black painted unibody. A sprinkling of surface rust is
noted on the usual suspects, but all remains solid. Independent
coil spring suspension is reserved for the front and in the back we
note a mono-leaf rear arrangement. Drum brakes are noted on the 4
corners and dual exhaust snake their way down past the front
suspension and run to the rear of the car after passing through
Turbo style 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 my crack decoders words to
heart I buckled my seat belt and was off to our well-hidden test
track. In the straightaways this car had endless acceleration, and
it handled the corners well. Stop on a dime bias free braking was
noted even with the manually actuated drums and I couldn't get
enough of the sound of all 8 candles lit. A heater blower that
didn't blow, reverse lights that didn't light and brake lights that
stayed on, (lifting the pedal a touch with your toe fixes this),
didn't deter us from being in true muscle car heaven here folks, oh
and did I mention its peppy 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 nicely restored and well cared for over
the past 29 years of our consignors ownership and is absolutely
beautiful. Plain Jane it ain't!
115376N148012
1-Chevrolet
15-Chevy II 400, Nova I6
37-2 Door Hardtop Sport Coupe
6-1966
N-Norwood, OH Assy Plant
148012-Sequential Unit Number
TRIM TAG
03B-2nd Week March
ST 66 11637-1966 Chevy II 400, Nova 2 Door Hardtop Sport Coupe
BODY NOR95941-Norwood Body #
TR 735A-Blue Standard Vinyl Bench
PAINT DD-Mist Blue
Classic Auto Mall is a 336,000-square foot classic and special
interest automobile showroom, featuring over 850 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.
