The Chevrolet Chevy II debuted for the 1962 model year as a Ford Falcon competitor. One of the suggested names for the Chevy II prior to production was the Chevy Nova, but that was rejected as it was not in line with the Bowtie tradition of model names beginning with the letter “C.” Instead, Nova was used for the top Chevy II trim level.
Built as a semi-unibody compact economy car, the Chevy II was available as a two-door, four-door, convertible, or as a four-door station wagon. Engine choices were either a 153 cubic-inch overhead valve four cylinder or a 194 cubic-inch overhead valve Hi-Thrift inline six. The Chevy II SS package would be offered beginning with the 1964 model year. In 1965, an optional 195-horsepower 283 cubic-inch Small Block V8 would be offered.
The 1966 Chevy II would be the recipient of a refresh, with sharper design lines and an overall more “squared” appearance. Coupes had semi-fastback styling. The Chevy Nova Super Sport came only in coupe guise, with the 194 cubic-inch inline six as the standard powerplant, although any engine other than the four cylinder could be had with the Super Sport package. The Super Sport package would net the buyer Strato bucket front seats, wider rocker panels, Super Sport script on the quarter panels, SS emblems on the trunk panel and grille. A tach could be ordered as part of the Super Sport option. The SS package would be renamed the Nova SS for the 1967 model year.
The third-gen Chevy II would get a clean sheet redesign for the 1968 model year. Along with that redesign came a wheelbase that was an inch shy of the mid-size Chevy Chevelle. With the 1968 model year came the introduction of a separate subframe holding both the front suspension and the engine as in other full-size GM cars. Available options included air conditioning, power brakes, power steering, headrests, and rear seat shoulder belts. The convertible and station wagon variants were phased out at the end of the 1967 model year, leaving just the four-door sedan and two-door coupe. With fewer configurations from which to choose, sales dropped to about half of that of the previous year.
With 1969 model year, the Chevy II became the Chevy Nova. The SS package came with a 350 cubic-inch Small Block making 300 horsepower. If you really wanted big power, you could opt for the L78 396 cubic-inch Big Block that put down a truly eye-opening 375 horsepower, the combo Hot Rod Magazine called the “Ultimate Street Sleeper.”
Our feature 1970 Chevy Nova SS has been the subject of a fastidious restoration. It is finished in ominous Tuxedo Black over a black vinyl interior. The Nova is powered by the original L78 396 Big Block making 375 horsepower, backed by the original four-speed manual transmission and twelve-bolt Positraction rear differential. Listed in the L78 Registry, it is equipped with power brakes with front discs, a split bench seat, Hurst shifter, Delco AM radio, tinted glass, and a dash mounted Sun Super Tach. The whole affair rolls on black-painted steel wheels with dog dish hubcaps shod in blackwall radial rubber. Included in the sale are two broadcast sheets, the Protect-O-Plate, dealer order sheet, invoice, finance contract, owner’s manual, dealer brochure, and restoration photos and receipts.
This sinister 1970 Chevy Nova SS will cross the Mecum Auction block at their 38th Original Spring Classic in Indianapolis, Indiana Saturday, May 17th.
Comments
The SS package was offered starting in 1963, and the 283 V8 was available starting in 1964. I had a ’64 2 Door Sedan with the factory 283, 2 Barrel Carb rated at 195HP, and a 3 speed manual on the column (later converted to a 4 speed of course). And I still have a 1963 SS 2 Door Hardtop sitting in the garage that needs restoration.
My friend Doug bought a 1970 new and beautiful blue Nova SS with the 396 engine. He then bought a L-88 427 long block from the dealer and installed it in the Nova. He left all 396 badging and air cleaner decal in place. He did put N50 rubber on the back to try to get some traction. Doug would use his sly, nerdy kind of charm to lure in those who wanted to teach him a little lesson in racing. Boy did he ever suprize them as that car was hell on wheels.
I had a ’72 SS/350 4sp, also with a bench front seat (which was a little weird). Blue/Black. Was a fun car!
This is one of my favorite cars, ever. True “beast”. My uncle had one and he could outrun (out shift) just about anything on the road. I think even Yenko was “scared” to put a 450HP 427 in their version. They only put the LT-1 in the Novas. Same HP though and a bit lighter. Maybe that’s why. Outstanding car.
As crazy as this sounds, in 1970 I passed on purchasing a new Yenko Deuce LT-1(one of three) and an SS 396/375(one of 4). They sat for months at Chevy dealers : Linden, NJ(Yenkos) and South Amboy, NJ.( big blocks) I wasn’t able to secure financing and my father wouldn’t co-sign. Like many others from his generation, he only believed in cash buying automobiles. I was ready to buy in cash exactly a year later but all the 1970s I lusted over had been sold and then GM put a knife in my heart and dropped the big block option for the 1971 Nova SS. I did special order a loaded (no air) 4 speed 71 SS which was a 350/270HP, period. It ran well but wasn’t a stump puller. As an early 71, it was delivered with a surprising number of high-performance carryovers including a 12 bolt rear, Muncie M20 trans and Muncie shifter. Sadly, it was stolen and recovered butit wasn’t the same so I decided to sell it. I’d give my eye teeth for it today. FYI- 1972 Nova SS went to 10 bolt rear, Saginaw trans and shifter, Camaro one-piece high back buckets. In a cost cutting effort, GM removed the mini-resonators that year but the bonus was that the 1972 Nova SS 350 had a louder exhaust tone. Of course, no-rumpty -rump solid lifter exhaust which will always remain music to my ears.
Close to one of my past loves, a 1969 Camaro RS/SS 396/375. That car could be a handful, but I never had any other car that could come out of the hole as straight as that one.
I feel for ya Frank. Hard to imagine needing financing for a $4500 car. If only we knew then what we know today. You’d a bought all 3. Your 71 sounds like it was nice. A few “Day 2” goodies and you’d have a 330HP car. Hard to imagine lots of those “specialty” cars sat on lots for a very long time before being sold. I’ve heard that some of the “winged” Superbirds and Daytonas almost had to be given away. Oh to go back in time. Sucks to get old but the alternative is worse.
Wasn’t able to find any underbody pics on the auction website. Very nice car. Just a few observations and not meant to be criticisms. Manual steering. Fan shroud missing. Stock Muncie shifter replaced with Hurst straight up shifter which with the bench seat, would require a reach for third and fourth. Race car stuff. Also equipped with a non-O.E.M manual choke for the big Holley. All in all, minor stuff. Would love to own.
Came very close to buying a 69 Camaro convertible with an L89 and a 4-speed. Beautiful car, but I lived in South Texas and no factory A/C with the solid lifter cars. Ended up going another direction, but that would have been fun to have.