Vehicle Description
The best resto-mods are about no compromises, and this incredible
1966 Chevy Nova is a prime example. With a thumping 355-inch small
block, a suspension hunkered down over sparkling chrome wheels, and
a great-looking interior, it's obvious that no corners were cut in
its construction.
The crisp Nova body has always been popular with hot rodders; heck,
even the factory got into the act when they stuffed a potent L79
Corvette motor under the hood and created one of the most predatory
sleepers ever. Rendered in high-visibility Orange Mist Metallic
paint, most folks take one look at the sleek lines and figure that
it has to be customized, but the truth is, it isn't. Aside from the
cowl induction hood and some custom pinstripe work, the rest of the
car is original GM styling, and even most of the trim remains
intact, including the grille and bright chrome bumpers front and
rear. The two-stage urethane paint is dazzling in the sunlight, and
you can imagine how the heads will turn when you prowl into the
parking lot behind the wheel of this one. The aforementioned black
and red pinstripe work doesn't take anything away from the Nova's
bodywork, but rather accentuates what's already there, highlighting
the most interesting creases on the body.
The black interior respects the original design and adds only a few
worthwhile upgrades. The bucket seats carry vinyl covers that look
right in the compact Nova, and while they aren't new, they're still
comfortable for all-day trips. The carpets use the original style
weave, just for effect, and the door panels are restored, not
custom pieces. In back, the bench seat was stitched to match the
buckets up front, giving the entire interior a very cohesive look
that's typical of the best custom builds. Upgrades include a tilt
steering column with a custom three-spoke wheel, a Kenwood AM/FM/CD
stereo system, and a pair of auxiliary gauges under the dash. The
shifter is a B&M unit that's built to take some abuse and it
all looks custom but it doesn't beat you over the head with it.
Open the trunk for a back-to-basics look with simple black carpets
and a relocated Optima battery.
One turn of the key will convince you that the look is not a mere
illusion, compliments of a stout 355 cubic inch small block. Full
of goodies like a set of Holley aluminum heads, a Demon carburetor,
and an Edelbrock intake manifold, it snarls and cackles like a full
race piece. It has clearly been dressed for show with a bit of
chrome and polished aluminum, and all the plumbing and wiring was
done with aesthetics in mind. A thick aluminum radiator keeps it
cool effortlessly and it comes with power brakes and power
rack-and-pinion steering that make it easy to drive. A built TH350
3-speed automatic transmission sends thrust back to a 10-bolt
hanging on leaf springs. Block-hugging headers dump into a
Flowmaster exhaust system that sounds truly spectacular and that's
one impressively clean floor pan. 17-inch chrome wheels fit inside
205/50/17 front and 235/45/17 rear performance radials, so you know
this one was built for combat.
This car's extensive list of modifications and equipment really
needs more space than we have here, so please give us a call to get
the full story. Or better yet, come and see it for yourself, you
won't be disappointed!
