Chevrolet ChevyII / Nova short history 62-67

[Revolution]

1962 The Chevrolet Chevy II was introduced in 1962 as a budget vehicle with a more conventional front engine, rear drive layout than the unusual Chevrolet Corvair. The Chevrolet Nova was the more upscale trim of the Chevy II. The first engines were definitely not sporty, a weak 194 I6 with 120 bhp. A 327 V8 engine swap was technically made available in the mid year as a dealer installed option, but the option added another 75% to the car's price and was not very popular.


Production:
Engines: 194 I6 120 bhp.
Performance: 194/120: 0-60 in 13.0 seconds, 1/4 mile in 19.0 seconds @ 70 mph.

Yeah it wasn't really a ground pounder when it came out.. But..

1963 The performance image was added in 1963 with the addition of the Super Sport package on the Chevrolet Nova. Strictly an appearance package, the SS option added special trim and wheel covers, bucket seats, instrumentation, and a deluxe steering wheel, all for the bargin price of just $161. This was the only year that the SS option was available on the Nova convertible.



Production: 42,432
Engines: 194 I6 120 bhp.
Performance: 194/120: 0-60 in 15.9 seconds, 1/4 mile in 21.0 seconds @ 67 mpg

1964 1964 saw the introduction of true performance for the Chevrolet Nova SS with the addition of its first V8 option, the 283 cid V8 with 195 bhp. Riding on just a 110 inch wheelbase, the Nova SS low weight made it a contender on the street.


Production: 10,576
Engines: 194 I6 120 bhp. 230 I6 140 bhp. 230 I6 155 bhp. 283 V8 195 bhp.
Performance: 283/195: 0-60 in 11.3 seconds, 1/4 mile in 18.0 seconds @ 75 mph

1965 1965 saw the introduction of the L-74, a 327 cid V8 with 300 bhp (a 250 bhp engine was also available).



Production: 9,100
Engines: 194 I6 120 bhp. 230 I6 140 bhp. 230 I6 155 bhp. 283 V8 195 bhp. 327 V8 250 bhp. 327 V8 300 bhp

Gettin faster!

1966 The Chevy Nova SS was restyled for 1966 and finally joined the muscle car ranks with the addition of the L79 option, a 327 V8 with 350 bhp that could propel the light Nova SS to a 15.10 second quarter mile. Unfortunately, this engine would be dropped for 1967.


Production: 21,000
Engines: 194 I6 120 bhp. 230 I6 140 bhp. 230 I6 155 bhp. 283 V8 195 bhp. 282 V8 220 bhp. 327 V8 275 bhp. 327 V8 350 bhp.
Performance: 327/350: 1/4 mile in 15.10 sec

1967 personal favorite year
1967 saw no major changes except for the addition of optional front disc brakes which came with beautiful slotted wheels. The introduction of the Chevrolet Camaro resulted in the deletion of the mighty L79 in the Chevrolet Nova. However, the L79 still made it into a few Nova SS and they made for startling performers. A low profile exterior and a high power-to-weight ratio made for the ultimate sleeper.



Production: 10,100
Engines: 194 I6 120 bhp. 250 I6 155 bhp. 230 I6 155 bhp. 283 V8 195 bhp. 282 V8 220 bhp. 327 V8 275 bhp. 327 V8 350 bhp @ 5800 rpm, 360 lb-ft @ 3600 rpm.
Performance: 327/350: 0-60 in 6.5 seconds. 1/4 mile in 14.9 seconds @ 96.5 mph

[Revolution]

Feed back anyone?

[xtreme5369]

Bad ass info man, I have always like novas, and now i like them more, since I read this article, good job mr.frankie. Very good article