Car: Chevrolet Chevy II 2-Door Hardtop Coupe
Year: 1962
What makes it special: Chevrolet’s Chevy II/Nova was a compact model, produced in five generations for the 1962 through 1979, and 1985 through 1988 model years. Nova was the top model in the Chevy II lineup through 1968. After having their Corvair model outsold by the conventional Ford Falcon in 1960, Chevrolet began work on a car that would eventually become the Chevy II. The car was of semi-unibody construction having a bolt on front section joined to its unitized cabin and trunk rear section, available in two-door coupe and four-door sedans as well as convertible and station wagons.
What made it famous: The 1962 Chevy II came in three series and five body styles: the 100 Series, 300 Series and Nova 400 Series. A 200 series was also introduced, but was discontinued almost immediately. The sportiest-looking of the lot was the Nova 400 convertible. Available engines for the Chevy II in 1962 and 1963 included Chevrolet’s 153 cu in inline-four and a new third generation 194 cu in Chevrolet straight-6 engine. All Chevy II engines featured overhead valves. A V8 engine was not available in 1962 and 1963.
Why I would want one: I always love the “Box Nova’s” as they are usually referred to. The lightweight body makes it a very good candidate for easy V8 swapping for street rod material.
Fun fact: Absent documentation, dealer installed “options” of a V8 in a 1962 or 1963 is a myth. In addition, that documentation does not list a V8 engine as a possible dealer installed option.
Powered by CCS Insurance
