Featured is a very good looking 1966 Chevy II Nova 327 Super Sport. The available model for the 1966 model year was a two door coupe.
The Chevy II was introduced in 1962 and only had detail modifications for 1963 and 1964 with the exception of the engine.
An interesting side note is that the Nova II SS Convertible was not available for 1962 and was discontinued for the 1964 model year. The discontinuance had to do with GM’s management not wanting to take away sales from their Chevelle model.
In 1962 and 1963 the Nova option for the Chevy II was available in a convertible body style, and a two-door hardtop was available from 1962 to 1965. The 1966 models were two door coupes only.
The Nova began as a car that Chevrolet needed to compete against the new compact-car wars that were getting intense. The Nova was designed straight from the drawing board, not from any other car. The Nova was an entirely new design. Ford introduced the Falcon/Comet, Chrysler’s compact was the Valiant/Dart, AMC offered the Rambler American and Studebaker produced their Lark. Although Chevy already had a compact car with it’s Corvair, they needed an automobile that would compete with the new rear wheel drive compacts.
All in all, the Chevy Nova had an impressive 16 year run.
Nova II Super Sport
Chevrolet came out with it’s Nova Super Sport in 1963, just one year after the Nova introduction. A Super Sport package was available on Nova 400 coupes and convertibles.
The Chevrolet Nova II SS package included finned wheel covers, wider body side moldings, aluminized rear panels, bucket seats, bright side moldings, and SS emblems.
1966 Chevy Nova / Beginning of Second Generation
The 1966 Chevy II Nova had a redesign from the previous model year. This year was also Nova’s entry into the muscle car market with the introduction of the 327 cubic inch V-8. This engine could be configured to deliver 350 HP.
The 1966 Chevy Nova II Muscle Car
The unplanned yet impressive rise of the Chevy II achieved muscle car fame officially in 1966 with it’s 327 cubic inch V-8 which could put out up to 350 HP. The 1965 Chevy II, as the last year of the first generation, did offer for the first time a 327 cubic-inch V8 generating 275 horsepower. The model was available with a Powerglide transmission.
As we all know, the muscle car days that began in Detroit took a big hit when Federal Emission Regulations took effect in 1971-72. Another negative for the real performance cars was that insurance companies were slowly increasing rates based on horsepower.
1966 Chevy II Nova SS Specifications
Several engines were available for the 1966 Chevy Nova. These included a 153 cubic inch inline four (base model) rated at 90 HP, 194 cubic inch inline six with 125 HP, a 230 cubic inch inline six with 140 or 155 HP, a 283 cubic inch V-8 with 195 HP, and a 327 cubic inch V-8 with 275 and 350 HP.
Available transmissions for 1966 were a three and four speed manual and a two speed Powerglide automatic.
Brakes were four wheel hydraulic drums.
Dimensions included a 110.0 inch wheelbase, an overall length of 183.0 inches. Curb weight was 2,740 lbs.
Chevrolet sold 87,415 1963 Nova II sport coupes.
Additional Auto Museum Online articles are on the links below…
1963 Chevy Impala SS Convertible
Reference material for this article includes…Chevy II Nova: Production Details, History, and Performance for Every Model…1958-72 Chevelle Nova Full Size Chevy SS Super Sport Story by Robert Genat.
1963 Chevy Nova II Collector Car
The 1966 Chevy Nova II SS is a popular collector car with strong valuations. The years from 1963 to 1974 (first three generations) appear to be the most popular. As a side note, the 1964 Chevy II is particularly popular as this was the first year with the V-8 option. That V-8 was a 283 delivering 195 HP. Not a lot of power in today’s standards but with a car weighing only about 2,500 lbs. it was enough at the time.
The 1966 Chevy II Nova SS Hardtop currently can be seen selling in the $35,000 to $100,000 and more range. This is the model year with the powerful 327 available with 350 HP firmly placing it in the muscle car category. Value depends on level of condition, restoration, mileage and originality. Beautifully restored original SS models with a 327 command high prices at auction.
(Article and photos copyright Auto Museum Online)