1966 Chevrolet Nova

Chevrolet designer Clare MacKichan recalled about creating the Chevy II: "There was no time for experimentation or doodling around with new ideas from either the engineers or from us in design; And it had to be a basic-type car." "I think that was the quickest program we ever did at any time," he continued. "We worked night and day on that car, and it didn't take very long to run it through our shop because we had a deadline." And that's what made the Chevy II one of the fastest new-car development programs in GM history – just 18 months after the designers got the green light, the first production Chevy II rolled off the Willow Run, Michigan, assembly line in August 1961, in time for its September 29 introduction. Unlike the Corvair, the 1962 Chevy II was deliberately never intended to be revolutionary in concept or execution; its mission was to give Chevrolet buyers a simple, back-to-the-basics compact car. When he announced the Chevy II to the press, Chevrolet General Manager Ed Cole described the car as offering "maximum functionalism with thrift."

Minimalistic with maximum function, thrift, not revolutionary in concept or execution, a compact grocery getter, pick the kids up kinda car, here in our hallowed halls. It is so pedestrian you would walk by it and never notice it. However, this does not detract from its charm, and important place in Chevrolet history fulfilling a need for the masses. Enjoy the 1966 Chevy II sedan!

Exterior
Noting an amalgamation of many different year parts, and variations on the Ermine White (some lighter some darker) this car has undergone a complete restoration with some 1967 front fenders, good gaps being maintained, and chrome bumpers and grille remaining shiny and bright. The hood, and rear fenders appear lighter on the Ermine White scale, and other panels remain similar. Upon close inspection, paint retains its shine as well, and has a few dents and dings, as well as scratches. The hood gaps are slightly off, and some of the trim appliqués/badges show some pitting and fading. The driver's side A pillar has some waviness under the chrome windshield surround, and the roof remains solid. Black American Racing Torque Thrust wheels are all around and all are wrapped with 235/60R14's black walled tires.

Interior
A redux retaining its original door panels in red vinyl and red painted sills. Original knobs and handles as well as a vertical highlighting trim piece are all shiny and bright. Slipping inside, the dash upfront has had a new padded dash top recover in red vinyl. The dash front has also been resprayed, but now shows scratches and chipping off. The instrument cluster is fronting a wood rimmed 3 spoked chrome and drilled steering wheel, and plastic has faded and become somewhat cloudy. On the steering wheel inserts, chrome is showing dimpling. An aftermarket tachometer has been added to the steering column, and a newer aftermarket MPX radio/cassette is fitted within the original bowtie panel. 3 gauges hang below the dash and are mounted into an aluminum panel. In the middle of the hump is a Hurst shifter, and this fronts a recovered tuck and roll broadcloth seat with smooth vinyl bolsters and half backs, in split bench form. The back uses this fabric as well, and matches the front in red. A tight white headliner is above and shows a small tear on the passenger's side. Red stain free carpet floods the floors. 4 speakers are scattered about this car with the rear deck speakers being original to this car.

Drivetrain
A circa 1970 (T1208CNN Tonawanda 12/8/70 350ci V8) is now resting comfortably in the engine bay. This engine has an Edelbrock intake and a 4-barrel Holley carb on top. It has a red painted block, and some shiny chromed valve covers, and open style air cleaner cover also in chrome. A 4-speed manual transmission pushes power rearward to a 10-bolt rear.

Undercarriage
Underneath mostly surface rust-free structural parts, good floorpans and rockers, and a newer fuel tank are making up the undercarriage. Independent front suspension, and leaf spring rear suspension are seen, as are drum brakes all around. This engine sports headers, and a Flowmaster exhaust. Slight road dirt is scattered about, but mostly clean and well kept.

Drive-Ability
This car starts easily, and drove well, with good acceleration, smooth idling, and a nice cruise at speed on the highway. Braking is solid, and the exhaust has a nice tone to it. Needless to say, it handled our test track with ease.

Restored to an owner's desires, not necessarily to become an exact original version. It has been pieced together nicely and is priced to reflect that. A now fun grocery getter, eye catcher, and remnant of 1966 in spirit, but many years put together in reality.

VIN DECODE
116376N122741
1-Chevrolet
16-Chevy II 400, Nova V8
37-2 Door Coupe
6-1966
N-Norwood, OH Assy Plant
122471-Sequential Unit Number

TRIM TAG
12B-2nd Week December Build
ST 66 11637-1966 Chevy II 400, Nova V8 2 Door Coupe
BDY NOR45418-Norwood Body #
TR 754A-Red Standard Interior
PNT CC-Ermine White
E-Tinted Glass All
2L-4 Speed
R-Rear Speaker

Classic Auto Mall is a 336,000-square foot classic and special interest automobile showroom, featuring over 600 vehicles for sale with showroom space for up to 1,000 vehicles. Also, a 400 vehicle barn find collection is on display.
This vehicle is located in our showroom in Morgantown, Pennsylvania, conveniently located just 1-hour west of Philadelphia on the I-76 Pennsylvania Turnpike. The website is www.classicautomall.com and our phone number is (888) 227-0914. Please contact us anytime for more information or to come see the vehicle in person.