![]() ![]() Just over 6,100 of these SS models were built during that model year.įlash forward to the present. This variation of the 327-ci engine, named the L-30, was available in the SS version of the car, but it produced 275 hp. Although GM made several improvements to the automobile, the manufacturer dropped the L-79 option on the car to avoid taking sales away from the new Chevrolet Camaro. A dual-reservoir braking system became standard, but buyers could upgrade to disc brakes as an available option. The second and last year of the second generation of the Chevy II, 1967’s model was outfitted with a new grille and side trim. As a wildly-popular automobile, over 16,300 of the Chevy II/Nova SS models were manufactured in 1966. To appeal to the muscle car market, the storied L-79 engine, still at 327 ci, became available, making the automobile capable of producing 350 hp. In 1966, GM designers implemented noticeable modifications to the car’s exterior, in addition to expanding its engine options. This 300 hp engine paired with the vehicle’s light weight and close ratio gearing caused enthusiasts to begin drag racing the automobile against some of the faster production cars of the day, including Mustangs and GTOs.ĭuring the next production year, GM gave the car a much-needed facelift, causing the 19 models to be considered the second generation of the Chevy II/Nova. This was the first year that the V8 327-ci motor – offered in 250 hp and 300 hp variations – was an option for the car. The Chevy II/Nova launched itself into the muscle-car arena with the additional engine options in the 1965 production year. But even with more horsepower, sales figures of the 1964 model slumped after the introduction of the Chevrolet Chevelle into the mid-size car market. Although this was not the highest amount of horsepower on the market, the car’s weight-to-power ratio still made the car quick on the streets. It wasn’t until 1964 that the Chevy II/Nova offered an optional V8 283-ci motor, which made 195 horsepower with 285 lb-ft of torque. What’s intriguing about 1963 models is that it would be the only year that the Chevy II SS was offered in a convertible option and the last year for Chevy II/Nova convertible. This particular car boasted the 194-ci engine, along with special trim options and stiffer steering. The 1963 production year saw the birth of the Super Sport model of the Chevy II/Nova. In this first year, the convertible was the most popular configuration, since it could be purchased for just over $2,400. Additionally, the original Chevy IIs could be purchased in four different body configurations: a four-door sedan, a two-door coupe, a station wagon, or a convertible. The base model of the vehicle came with a four-cylinder 153 cubic-inch engine, but buyers could upgrade the motor by replacing it with the optional six-cylinder 194-ci power plant. Ushering in the first generation of the automobile, production of the Chevy II/Nova began, and the first models rolled off the assembly line in 1962. Instead of the Corvair’s air-cooled rear-engine design, the Chevy II/Nova would have a front engine that was water-cooled, and it would be rear-wheel drive. Hoping to regain some of the market, GM designers delivered an idea for a more conventional compact automobile, which was named the Chevy II. However, what caused GM to return to their drawing board was that the Falcon was more popular than the innovative Corvair. All in 1960, Ford produced the Falcon, Mopar introduced the Valiant, and General Motors manufactured the Chevrolet Corvair. In the early 1960s, America’s compact-car market was booming. But before we explore this wonderful example, let’s look at the history of the Chevy II/ Nova. Only slightly modified, Overcast’s vehicle is a great example of what the car would have originally looked like on the outside. My personal reflections aside, Overcast’s 1967 Chevy/Nova SS is by leaps and bounds much better than the one in my past. ![]() Many of us have similar memories and seeing certain cars can kick those thoughts into overdrive. It activated my imagination and caused me to reflect on memories that I had from my childhood, riding in a Nova and hoping that we made it from one destination to another without running out of gas (the fuel gauge had long stopped working). Mike Overcast’s 1967 Chevrolet Nova SS did just that for me. Walking around a car show or local cruise-in can simulate taking a stroll down the proverbial memory lane. ![]()
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