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.
For consignment, a 1966 Chevrolet Nova in a beautiful shade of
green and rocking a 350ci V8. Here's a clean rust free driver that
has a lot of desirable features. First and second generation Nova's
are perhaps the unsung heroes of the collector market. Demand is
underrated and prices still reflect that and as a result, they're
usually scooped up in short order here at Classic Auto Mall.
Exterior
Resprayed in Willow Green, one can imagine this car being a daily
commuter and completely flying under the radar back in the day. Its
simple design has endured all these years with single headlights,
straight panels, basic lines, and a shoulder line that lends itself
to a subtly muscular profile. Modest vertical taillights flank a
flat trim piece on the square decklid over a wide chrome bumper.
There's also a trim piece that intersects the green paint and
travels from nose to tail down the sides, more cosmetic than door
guard but works that way as well. Some of the metal work is in
great shape while other pieces are pitted and will need restoration
if that is the direction of the next owner. There are only minor
imperfections with the paint with a few bubbles and some painted
over unevenness, but overall things are in very good condition.
14-inch Chevrolet Rally wheels carry 75 series tires and look ideal
for the car.
Interior
Fawn door cards are framed in tan and include a vertical trim piece
in wonderfully simple design and this two tone effect is brought to
the split bench cloth seats, framed in a lighter colored vinyl and
in great condition. Push the seat top forward to climb in back, we
all remember those days, and find a clean back bench and package
shelf. The back armrests and their requisite ashtrays could use a
bit of detailing but are not damaged. 60's simplicity continues to
the tan steering wheel showing plenty of patina as the paint has
worn from years of driving while the dash presents as commuter car
basic with a fuel gauge and speedometer most prevalent. The shifter
is on the column and the vent controls are on the center stack
where a Chevy II plate takes the place of a radio panel. Tan loop
carpet is in great shape on the floor and the trunk is unlined and
clean.
Drivetrain
Under the hood we find the 350ci V8 in driver quality conditions
but clean and topped with a 4-barrel carburetor on an Edelbrock
intake. A Powerglide 2-speed automatic transmission sets the car in
motion and sends power back to the 10 bolt rear with 3.08 gears.
Drum brakes are on all four wheels.UndercarriageClean, driver
quality underside with typical surface rust and no oil leaks that
we could see. And more importantly, no invasive rust anywhere. The
dual exhaust looks newer and enters stock style mufflers, then
exits modestly behind the rear wheels. Coil spring suspension is
found up front and leaf springs in back.
Drive-Ability
I haven't seen a car this understated since my aunt's '65 Corvair.
Just solid transportation is an attractive little package. The 350
rumbles through the dual exhaust and provides good acceleration
while the slightly hunched profile creates decent handling. Braking
is fine and visibility is good. There's so little to go wrong on
this car, but the consignor does note, and we confirm, the gas
gauge is not accurate.
We see the potential here for a built Nova, but it's also excellent
in its current state and you could enjoy it as the base hardtop it
was designed to be. So many Novas have been built out, it's nice to
have a basic car that's only had a slight engine upgrade while
retaining all of the period goodness that 60's simplicity delivers.
And speaking of delivery, let us know where you want the shipper to
drop this car.
115376W163422
1-Chevrolet
15-Chevy II 400, Nova I6
37-2 Door Hardtop Sport Coupe
6-1966
W-Willow Run, MI Assy Plant
163422-Sequential Unit Number
TRIM TAG
03C-3rd Week March
ST 66 11637-1966 Chevy II 400 Nova 2 Door Hardtop Sport Coupe
BODY WRN11300-Willow Run Body #
TR 716-Fawn Standard Vinyl
PAINT HH-Willow Green
5Y-Custom Seatbelts
Classic Auto Mall is home to more than 1,000 classic and
collectible vehicles for sale via consignment in a climate
controlled 336,000-square foot showroom (that's more than 8
acres!). The largest single location consignment dealer of classic
and collectible vehicles in the country is located in Morgantown,
Pennsylvania, just 1-hour west of Philadelphia off Exit 298 of the
I-76 Pennsylvania Turnpike. For more information visit
www.classicautomall.com or call us at (888) 227-0914. Contact us
anytime for more information or to come see the vehicle in
person.
With so many great cars, you know we have a lot to talk about, and
we do that each week on the Classic Auto Mall Podcast with host
Stewart Howden. Stewart discusses new inventory as well as trends
in consignments and car prices, while interviewing celebrities and
automotive professionals about amazing cars and their history. Tune
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