1966 Chevrolet Nova SS

Description

The formula was a good one: take a lightweight car like the Chevy II and stuff it full of small block V8. This 1966 Chevy II (also known as the Nova) is a road-ready example of that formula in action, and it's a real SS to boot!

Dark colors like the burgundy on this Nova help give Chevy's compact a bigger presence. They're not big cars, which is why they're so potent out on the road, but in serious colors you have no choice but to treat them with respect. The paint and bodywork on this car are several years old and the paint is starting to show its age, but if you like to drive, there aren't many better Bowties for the job. The steel underneath is quite straight and shows off good gaps, suggesting that when the work was done, they took their time. A black vinyl top fits well and helps with the grown-up image this car projects, and the clean, uncluttered lines of the early Nova will look good forever. Nice chrome, including the factory grille with authentic SS emblem and the 'Super Sport' logos on the quarters, gives it just enough flash to get some attention as you go rolling past.

The interior is extremely nice, however, with newer seat covers and carpets, all in black to fit the car's mature image. A center console is a relatively rare option in the bare-bones Nova, particularly one that originally came with a six under the hood. The under-dash A/C unit was installed by the dealer back in the day, although it currently needs a new compressor to be 100% functional (fortunately, A6 compressors are inexpensive and easy to find). Even in an SS, the gauge package was little more than the speedometer and fuel gauge, but the steering wheel is just as lovely here as it is in the top-of-the-line Impala. A modern digital AM/FM/cassette stereo lives in the dash and for a little car, there sure is plenty of trunk space, even with a full-sized spare tire tucked up in there.

So, OK, this Nova originally carried a six, but today there's a proper 283 cubic inch V8, just as the General intended. The upgrade is a literal bolt-in, so why wouldn't you do it? Using authentic finishes and equipment, ranging from the stock-style air cleaner to ram's horn exhaust manifolds, it definitely has an OEM look. Chevy Orange paint and stamped rocker covers certainly help, and it's nice to see that they reinstalled all the A/C equipment, working or not, instead of just dumping it like so many other engine swaps. The 2-speed PowerGlide transmission is plenty tough for V8 duty and channels power to the original rear end. A newer dual exhaust system gives it a sinister voice and you'll note that the chassis really is in nice shape. Include power steering and you have a great-driving Nova that's ready to enjoy. Classic Rally wheels really fill the wheel wells yet keep the OEM look and carry General white-letter radials at all four corners.

A slick V8 SS that just needs some TLC to be a truly great specimen. If you like the promise of light weight and horsepower, then perhaps this car deserves a closer look. Call today!

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