Most enthusiasts know all about the Chevrolet Nova, however, the “Nova” name actually didn’t appear as its own model until the latter end of the 1960s. Instead, the name was first used by Chevrolet to denote the highest trim level for a Chevy II.
Thus, we have the Chevrolet Chevy II Nova today, and Regular Car Reviews took a crack at the classic family sedan from the brand. Anyone who follows RCR knows Mr. Regular himself has worked with a Ford Falcon for quite some time. Needless to say, the comparisons between the Chevy II Nova and the Falcon are present in the video.
The Chevy II Nova got one thing very right, however. The trunk cutout extends into the rear bumper, which means owners don’t have to reach over the rear to obtain whatever’s in the trunk. It was quite ahead of its time in that respect.
The minimal interior, compared to modern cars, means drivers focus on one thing: driving. And without much safety equipment, it means drivers must be more defensive than normal to ensure safekeeping. The Chevy II Nova is a clear reminder 1960s automobiles are simply really cool.
Comments
I never had a car until the day I graduated from college: went back to my home town Chevy dealer and bought a new 1963 Chevy II Nova convertible, Saddle Tan, 6 cylinder engine and manual transmission. Great car, had it for four years. It served me well through my first two years of teaching and my year in grad school. I put approximately 60,000 miles on it in the four years of ownership. Bullet proof…. wish I had it today, 54 years later.
The Chevy II was not a copy of Falcon, certainly not in its body construction. Its unibody construction copied the Holden in having a detachable front clip ahead of the firewall. Considering the short timeline that the Chevy II was developed within, it is interesting that GM decided to try this Australian idea that carried on into the Camaro.
Our family had several ChevyII/Novas. Dad bought ’63 ChevyII. I believe it was a 300 trim level? I had a 70. Bulletproof car. My bro had a 74 and 78.