The Chevy Nova, a Classic '60s Ride
The Chevy Nova had been in the market for 16 years. It was a loved muscle car with various engine options and saw several design changes.
Written by Serena Aburahma
Reviewed by Kathleen Flear
The Chevy Nova, also called the Chevy II, is one of the most prosperous models to have come out of the
Chevrolet
brand. It went through six generations before retiring but remains one of the precious classic collectibles even among celebrities.What made the model so popular?
Jerry
will look at the model's qualities and why it bowed out of the market.How the Chevy Nova production began
As
H&H
explains, in the 1950s, Ford was giving Chevrolet a run for its money in compact cars. By 1960, Chevrolet had lost a significant market to Ford and needed to develop a brand that was economical and could appeal to the masses. This led to the development and production of the first Chevy Nova in 1962.
While the model was developed quickly, it boasted performance, power, and a good appearance. Customers had a choice of two coupes and a convertible called the S400. It also had a 154-horsepower four-cylinder engine and a 194 six-cylinder engine.
In 1963, the automaker introduced a Super Sport version in convertible and coupe models. However, the convertible was dropped the following year. The package did not have significant changes, except for bucket seats and new emblems.
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The introduction of a V8 engine and facelifts to the Chevy Nova
The 1964 model of the Chevy Nova had a V8 engine that produced 195 horsepower and 285 lb-ft of torque.
This model excelled due to its low weight of about 2,500 lbs and good torque numbers compared to later brands like the 2014 Scion FR-S, which had comparable performance.
It also boasted close-ratio gearing and was light, which made it perform as well as the Mustang and GTO of the time. A year later, the automaker revamped the Chevy II, giving it some prestige and appeal.
The revamped model has a blockier shape and three engine options: the 327 V8, 283 V8, and 230 6-cylinder. It had a redesigned grille and a tapered truck like the popular models of the day. The 327 hp engine was turbocharged, which enhanced the vehicle's speeds.
Chevy II dropped the suffix II and adopted the name Nova in 1969. It was transformed into a stylish muscle car with a longer wheelbase and several engine options. The biggest V8 engine produced 398 horsepower by 1971.
In 1971, the automaker created a rally version of the Chevy Nova, the Rally Sport Nova. About 7,500 of them were produced and sold across the country. The model continued with the same specs until it was dropped.
MORE: The 2002 Corvette: Now a Classic
What caused the Chevy Nova to be dropped?
The Chevy Nova was axed due to the fuel and emissions regulations of the late 1970s. Besides, insurance firms had fewer coverage options for high-performance muscle cars. This led to a significant decrease in engine options.
Later models from the automaker did not have the specs mentioned above and were not muscle cars.
However, the Chevy Nova has become a favorite among collectors around the world. They have also become more expensive over the years. The Nova had a good run of 16 years, and while it’s
not among the top classic cars
, has remained a well-loved vehicle.Get insurance coverage cheaply
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