Bowing for the 1962 model year, the Chevy II would eventually evolve to be the Chevy Nova. A Ford Falcon competitor, the Chevy II was a semi-unibody compact economy car. Available engines included a 153 cubic-inch four cylinder and a 194 cubic-inch Hi-Thrift inline six cylinder, both with overhead valves. The Chevy II could be had as a two-door, four-door, convertible, or four-door station wagon. The Nova moniker was suggested as a name for the new model, but since it did not start with the letter “C,” Nova instead was used the top trim level on the two-door hardtop and convertible. The SS package was introduced for the 1964 model year, and a 195-horsepower 283 cubic-inch Small Block was optional beginning in 1965.
The Chevy II and Chevy Nova would receive a refresh for the 1966 model year, giving the car a more squared look with sharper edges. Coupes were restyled with a semi-fastback rear. The Nova Super Sport was available exclusively as a coupe, with the 194 cube inline six as the standard engine, though any engine except the four banger was available with the SS package. The Super Sport option got you wider rocker panels, SS emblems on the grille and trunk panel, Super Sport quarter panel script, and Strato bucket front seats. A tach was an available option. The SS package would be renamed the Nova SS for 1967.
The third-generation Chevy II would debut for the 1968 model year, with a clean-sheet redesign, and a longer wheelbase that was within an inch of the Chevy Chevelle’s. The station wagon and convertible were phased out, leaving only the two-door coupe and four-door sedan body styles. The 1968 model was the first to introduce a separate subframe that held both the engine and front suspension, much like GM full-size cars. Available options included power steering, power brakes, air conditioning, headrest seats, and rear-seat shoulder belts. Sales dropped to about half of 1967 levels.
1969 would see the model’s name changed to Chevy Nova. The SS package could be had with a 300-horsepower 350 cubic-inch Small Block, but if you wanted to shoot the moon, you had to check the box for the L78 396 cube Big Block that made 375 horsepower. Hot Rod Magazine called it the “Ultimate Street Sleeper.”
Our feature 1969 Chevy Nova SS is one of those street sleepers. Dressed in Fathom Green with a black vinyl roof aver a black vinyl bench seat interior, it rolls on painted steelies with poverty caps wrapped in Goodyear Polyglas raised white-letter bias plies. If you didn’t catch the small “396” emblem on the front fender or the SS hood, or maybe the deep rumble from the exhaust, you would never have known what kind of beast was sitting next to you at the stop light… until it turned green.
The Chevy Nova SS received a comprehensive rotisserie restoration that was finished in 2011. It retains all of its original sheet metal and matching-numbers 396 Big Block backed by the Muncie M-20 four-speed manual and the 12-bolt Posi rear end with 3.55 gears. The Nova SS is equipped with power steering, power brakes, F41 Suspension, headrest seats, remote mirror, AM radio, two-speed wipers, and tinted glass. Included in the sale is a partial original build sheet, and GM of Canada paperwork.
This Chevy Nova SS will cross the Mecum Auctions block at their Las Vegas, Nevada event taking place November 9th through the 11th at the Las Vegas Convention Center.
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Comments
Wow, I didn’t know that the Chevy II was offered with 4-cyl engine. Of course, I was a Ford guy until about 1980. That’s when Ford ruined their trucks.
Brett, you conveniently left out the 350cu in L79 that was available on the previous gen Chevy II in ‘67. It cranked out 350hp (1hp/cu in) in a much lighter & suitable small block than the boat anchor big block 396.
* correction;
I said 350 but I meant 327 regarding the legendary L79
There are some errors in this article. The SS package was first offered in 1963, as a 6 cylinder, and the 283 V8 arrived in 1964. How do I know? I have a 1963 SS 2 door hardtop in my garage awaiting restoration, and I had a 1964 2 door sedan, Nova trim, with the factory 283, and it was only offered with a 2 barrel carb, hence the 195 hp rating..
Great car-especially since it has the L78 and a 4 speed. Doesn’t have a vinyl roof as the article indicates-which is a good thing to me. Also is not equipped with the remote control mirror. However, it has the rear window defogger which is a 2 speed fan mounted below the package tray in the trunk. Headrests were standard equipment on all ’69’s. Power brakes (front disc) were standard with the SS package in ’69 too.
Back in 1968, I was in High School. One of the guys in my class had a 68 with the L78. It was red and had Hooker headers on it. He was really hard to beat.
While the 375 horsepower is good, the real story is the 415 ft lbs of torque backing it up. Should still be a quick car today.
Probably might should have used a Delco battery in the restoration instead of an Autolite?
Actually the 1964 Chevy11s were available with the 4v 283 ci 220 hp engines as late production. Several 220 hp cars were also outfitted as “service con version” 220 hp cars. Great,cheap cars.
Thanks Butch, I was not aware of that. Mine was a “Terry Conversion”! LOL
Had an Really short model. Loved that car and miss it very much. I want to find more information on it one day just need to know where to look for things like that????
Had an Rally Sport model. Loved that car and miss it very much. I want to find more information on it one day just need to know where to look for things like that????
Hey Terry, plenty “Terry Conversions” turned into sleeper street racers! 😁