1966 Chevrolet Nova Hardtop
For consignment, a 1966 Chevrolet Nova in a beautiful shade of green and rocking a 350ci V8. Here's a clean rust free driver that has a lot of desirable features. First and second generation Nova's are perhaps the unsung heroes of the collector market. Demand is underrated and prices still reflect that and as a result, they're usually scooped up in short order here at Classic Auto Mall.
Exterior
Resprayed in Willow Green, one can imagine this car being a daily commuter and completely flying under the radar back in the day. Its simple design has endured all these years with single headlights, straight panels, basic lines, and a shoulder line that lends itself to a subtly muscular profile. Modest vertical taillights flank a flat trim piece on the square decklid over a wide chrome bumper. There's also a trim piece that intersects the green paint and travels from nose to tail down the sides, more cosmetic than door guard but works that way as well. Some of the metal work is in great shape while other pieces are pitted and will need restoration if that is the direction of the next owner. There are only minor imperfections with the paint with a few bubbles and some painted over unevenness, but overall things are in very good condition. 14-inch Chevrolet Rally wheels carry 75 series tires and look ideal for the car.
Interior
Fawn door cards are framed in tan and include a vertical trim piece in wonderfully simple design and this two tone effect is brought to the split bench cloth seats, framed in a lighter colored vinyl and in great condition. Push the seat top forward to climb in back, we all remember those days, and find a clean back bench and package shelf. The back armrests and their requisite ashtrays could use a bit of detailing but are not damaged. 60's simplicity continues to the tan steering wheel showing plenty of patina as the paint has worn from years of driving while the dash presents as commuter car basic with a fuel gauge and speedometer most prevalent. The shifter is on the column and the vent controls are on the center stack where a Chevy II plate takes the place of a radio panel. Tan loop carpet is in great shape on the floor and the trunk is unlined and clean.
Drivetrain
Under the hood we find the 350ci V8 in driver quality conditions but clean and topped with a 4-barrel carburetor on an Edelbrock intake. A Powerglide 2-speed automatic transmission sets the car in motion and sends power back to the 10 bolt rear with 3.08 gears. Drum brakes are on all four wheels. UndercarriageClean, driver quality underside with typical surface rust and no oil leaks that we could see. And more importantly, no invasive rust anywhere. The dual exhaust looks newer and enters stock style mufflers, then exits modestly behind the rear wheels. Coil spring suspension is found up front and leaf springs in back.
Drive-Ability
I haven't seen a car this understated since my aunt's '65 Corvair. Just solid transportation is an attractive little package. The 350 rumbles through the dual exhaust and provides good acceleration while the slightly hunched profile creates decent handling. Braking is fine and visibility is good. There's so little to go wrong on this car, but the consignor does note, and we confirm, the gas gauge is not accurate.
We see the potential here for a built Nova, but it's also excellent in its current state and you could enjoy it as the base hardtop it was designed to be. So many Novas have been built out, it's nice to have a basic car that's only had a slight engine upgrade while retaining all of the period goodness that 60's simplicity delivers. And speaking of delivery, let us know where you want the shipper to drop this car.
115376W163422
1-Chevrolet
15-Chevy II 400, Nova I6
37-2 Door Hardtop Sport Coupe
6-1966
W-Willow Run, MI Assy Plant
163422-Sequential Unit Number
TRIM TAG
03C-3rd Week March
ST 66 11637-1966 Chevy II 400 Nova 2 Door Hardtop Sport Coupe
BODY WRN11300-Willow Run Body #
TR 716-Fawn Standard Vinyl
PAINT HH-Willow Green
5Y-Custom Seatbelts
Classic Auto Mall is home to more than 1,000 classic and collectible vehicles for sale via consignment in a climate controlled 336,000-square foot showroom (that's more than 8 acres!). The largest single location consignment dealer of classic and collectible vehicles in the country is located in Morgantown, Pennsylvania, just 1-hour west of Philadelphia off Exit 298 of the I-76 Pennsylvania Turnpike. For more information visit www.classicautomall.com or call us at (888) 227-0914. Contact us anytime for more information or to come see the vehicle in person.
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