The Chevrolet Nova Brief History Report 1962–1988
The first Chevy Nova was introduced as the Chevy II in late 1961 as a 1962 model and still one of the fastest cars in GM's history to go from a sketch to the assembly line
The Nova model lasted five generations 1962 to 1985 and first generation convertibles was only available during the first two years and discontinued after 1963
The unique design through the years was inspired by Chevy's many losses to Ford in the competition for best selling compact cars
First year creator Clare MacKichan stated it was simply supposed to be a basic looking automobile ,using a front engine rear wheel drive concept, which featured an anemic inline six cylinder engine producing 120 horsepower
The Chevy II’s first generation which lasted from 1962 to 1965, featured more powerful V-8 engine choices after a few years
The Chevy II model experienced decreasing sales in 1964 and 1965 due to the debut of Chevrolet’s own "Chevelle" and improvement to the Corvair
The Chevy II now known as "Nova" began to increase sales, with its third generation totally changed During model which lasted from 1968 to 1974
During the 3rd generation displacement of Nova V-8 engines was maximized to 402 cubic inches, offering more agile transmission choices that ranged from two to four gear ratios
The fourth generation lasting 1974 to 1979 marked the very last period this model would be produced for an uninterrupted period of time, Chevrolet jettisoned the two speed gearboxes and began designing future cars to be more luxurious
With the decision of the GM division to offer front wheel drive vehicles, production was halted in early february 1978, after the release of the 1979 model
The Chevy Nova shrunk from compact to sub-compact size between 1985 and 1988, Chevrolet VIP's put an end to the Nova name for good by rebadging the car as the Prizm
The 1962 Chevrolet Chevy II was created because Chevrolet executives realized their Corvair wasn't going to compete with Ford's Falcon in compact size sales
The early years for the Chevy II model were tough enough but its creator made sales more difficult when they launched the popular Chevelle and Camaro models
A Chevy II had either a 90 horsepoworseer 153 cubic inch super thrift four cylinder engine or a 120 horsepower 194 cubic inch six banger
You guessed it customers liked the styling and car size but starved for more horsepower and performance
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In 1964 the Nova SS was dropped, in anticipation of the new Chevelle SS, but public demand and protest caused a mid year return of the Nova SS
Two new engines were available starting with the 283 V8 and the 230 inline six, 5 inch standard GM wheels and 9 1/2 in. brakes were utilized
The convertible was no longer made nor was the 3 seat station wagon, however the 2 seat wagon continued, the Chevy II 300 series trim level was deleted, so only the 100, 400 and SS models remained
The second generation Nova ran only for two years 1966-67 and Base models were equipped with a 153 cubic inch inline four engine rated at 90 horsepower
Other engine options available were a 194 cubic inch inline six standard on the Nova SS models, 230 cubic inch inline six, 283 cubic inch with either 195 HP or 220 HP, 327 cubic inch V8 with 275 HP rating, and a 327 cubic inch TurboFire V8 with 350 HP rating
The Power glide automatic transmission was not available on the 327 Turbo Fire
While the new Chevy II proved to be a worthy competitor to the Ford Falcon and the Plymouth Valiant in sales, the cars were under powered for the first 3 years
In 1968 a redesigned Nova SS was introduced, came with the standard 350 cubic inch V8, generating 295 horsepower, or 396 cubic inch V8 with between 350-375 horses
The year 68 was a transition year and saw the car technically named the Chevrolet Chevy II Nova, the Chevy II portion of the name would finally be dropped completely the following year
Before 1968 the car had come standard with an inline six cylinder, this was the first year that Nova SS buyers didn’t have to purchase a V8
Other options such as front disc brakes, heavy duty clutch, rally wheels and positraction, air condition and rear shoulder belts
The Nova 400 series was distinguished from the Nova SS because it was available in two and four door models at $2,222
Surprising news of the model year was the Nova SS actually decreased in sales, dropping almost 5,000 units to 5,571
Also available the Yenko Nova 427 cubic inch eight cylinder engine which generated a maximum 425 horsepower with 460 lb.-ft. of torque, sadly only 37 were created during that year
The 1970 Nova began with a basic list price of $2,176 for a two door sedan with a four-cylinder engine and the highest base price was $2,533 for a four door sedan with a V-8
1971 Novas were similar to the previous year model, the 396 cu in (6.49 L) engine was replaced with the 350 cu in (5.7 L) in the SS model
Sales decreased partly due to a three month UAW strike early in the model year
The four cylinder engine was replaced wuth a 250-cu.in. straight-six and also gone was the 396-cu.in. V-8 engine
The 1979 Chevy Nova marked the end for the rear wheel drive only option
The 250 cu in (4.1 L) six cylinder engine was the standard Nova engine with the demise of the 153 cu in (2.51 L) four-cylinder and 230 cu in (3.8 L) six cylinder engines
The Rally Nova was introduced and rally kit included black or white stripes that ran the length of the car and around the back
Also a Rally Nova sticker on the driver’s side of the hood, rally wheels, multi leaf rear springs, and a sport body colored driver’s side mirror that was adjustable from the interior
The year 1972 was one of the Nova’s best-selling years ever with 349,733 units sold
A new Rally Sport option package came with upgraded suspension for improved handling with 33,319 sold
12,309 super sport models were built in coupe only
209,964 Nova V8s were sold and a basic package cost $2,503
The 1973 model year introduced a hatchback body style based on the 2 door coupe
The hatch cost $150 more as an option than the Nova coupe with a traditional trunk that year
The 307 small block-Chevy engine was the standard V8 available
The 1973 two door coupe carried a base price of $2,375
The 100 horsepower six cylinder engine was great on gas milage while the 307ci V8 only gave you an additional 15 horsepower, available with either the three speed manual or the two speed Powerglide automatic
As an option all Nova cars with a 307ci engine could ride with either a Turbo 350 automatic, or a three speed manual transmission
The 74 Nova was available as a sedan, coupe, or 2 door hatchback
Chevrolet produced 390,537 examples of their Nova with 171,430 being fitted with a six cylinder engine
Changes for 1974 included a new bow tie grille emblem, new hubcaps, larger parking lights and the bumper grew in size
Chevrolet no longer offered the two speed power glide automatic transmission
The 1974 Chevrolet Nova SS model ended a long successful run because the following years major changes recreated the Nova
By 1977 production ended on the Nova SS
After 1970 the only engines you could find in a Nova were the six cylinder, and the small block V8
Nearly 860,000 built in model years 1970 through 1972
Nova Yenko Deuce 175 produced in 1970
Don Yenko was a winning road racer from Pennsylvania and in 1965 decided to go ahead and create his own sports car for SCCA racing, he made his biggest mark with the 427 Yenko Camaro in 1967, then in 69 he pushed his product on Chevrolet who refused the ideal, GM deemed the 427 too powerful for the compact muscle car that was the Nova, so yenko converted the 396 powered factory built models to 427 and the 1969 Yenko Nova was born
Their were thirty seven sold through a small car sales lot and those who didn’t know when to shift or lift off the gas blew some of those 427s into junk
A few survived and became rare collector items often times sold at auctions with a very expensive price tag
Yenko built only a small block Nova for 1970,before turning his attention to smaller Chevy Vegas and eventually imports
Don Yenko was responsible for some of the hottest performing muscle cars of the '60s and '70s, but when it came to the Yenko/SC 427 Nova, he referred to it as "barely legal at best" and the wildest thing he ever did
Yenko died in a private plane crash in 1987
The Nova model lasted five generations 1962 to 1985 and first generation convertibles was only available during the first two years and discontinued after 1963
The unique design through the years was inspired by Chevy's many losses to Ford in the competition for best selling compact cars
First year creator Clare MacKichan stated it was simply supposed to be a basic looking automobile ,using a front engine rear wheel drive concept, which featured an anemic inline six cylinder engine producing 120 horsepower
The Chevy II’s first generation which lasted from 1962 to 1965, featured more powerful V-8 engine choices after a few years
The Chevy II model experienced decreasing sales in 1964 and 1965 due to the debut of Chevrolet’s own "Chevelle" and improvement to the Corvair
The Chevy II now known as "Nova" began to increase sales, with its third generation totally changed During model which lasted from 1968 to 1974
During the 3rd generation displacement of Nova V-8 engines was maximized to 402 cubic inches, offering more agile transmission choices that ranged from two to four gear ratios
The fourth generation lasting 1974 to 1979 marked the very last period this model would be produced for an uninterrupted period of time, Chevrolet jettisoned the two speed gearboxes and began designing future cars to be more luxurious
With the decision of the GM division to offer front wheel drive vehicles, production was halted in early february 1978, after the release of the 1979 model
The Chevy Nova shrunk from compact to sub-compact size between 1985 and 1988, Chevrolet VIP's put an end to the Nova name for good by rebadging the car as the Prizm
The 1962 Chevrolet Chevy II was created because Chevrolet executives realized their Corvair wasn't going to compete with Ford's Falcon in compact size sales
The early years for the Chevy II model were tough enough but its creator made sales more difficult when they launched the popular Chevelle and Camaro models
A Chevy II had either a 90 horsepoworseer 153 cubic inch super thrift four cylinder engine or a 120 horsepower 194 cubic inch six banger
You guessed it customers liked the styling and car size but starved for more horsepower and performance
-
In 1964 the Nova SS was dropped, in anticipation of the new Chevelle SS, but public demand and protest caused a mid year return of the Nova SS
Two new engines were available starting with the 283 V8 and the 230 inline six, 5 inch standard GM wheels and 9 1/2 in. brakes were utilized
The convertible was no longer made nor was the 3 seat station wagon, however the 2 seat wagon continued, the Chevy II 300 series trim level was deleted, so only the 100, 400 and SS models remained
The second generation Nova ran only for two years 1966-67 and Base models were equipped with a 153 cubic inch inline four engine rated at 90 horsepower
Other engine options available were a 194 cubic inch inline six standard on the Nova SS models, 230 cubic inch inline six, 283 cubic inch with either 195 HP or 220 HP, 327 cubic inch V8 with 275 HP rating, and a 327 cubic inch TurboFire V8 with 350 HP rating
The Power glide automatic transmission was not available on the 327 Turbo Fire
While the new Chevy II proved to be a worthy competitor to the Ford Falcon and the Plymouth Valiant in sales, the cars were under powered for the first 3 years
In 1968 a redesigned Nova SS was introduced, came with the standard 350 cubic inch V8, generating 295 horsepower, or 396 cubic inch V8 with between 350-375 horses
Before 1968 the car had come standard with an inline six cylinder, this was the first year that Nova SS buyers didn’t have to purchase a V8
Other options such as front disc brakes, heavy duty clutch, rally wheels and positraction, air condition and rear shoulder belts
The Nova 400 series was distinguished from the Nova SS because it was available in two and four door models at $2,222
Surprising news of the model year was the Nova SS actually decreased in sales, dropping almost 5,000 units to 5,571
Also available the Yenko Nova 427 cubic inch eight cylinder engine which generated a maximum 425 horsepower with 460 lb.-ft. of torque, sadly only 37 were created during that year
The 1970 Nova began with a basic list price of $2,176 for a two door sedan with a four-cylinder engine and the highest base price was $2,533 for a four door sedan with a V-8
1971 Novas were similar to the previous year model, the 396 cu in (6.49 L) engine was replaced with the 350 cu in (5.7 L) in the SS model
Sales decreased partly due to a three month UAW strike early in the model year
The four cylinder engine was replaced wuth a 250-cu.in. straight-six and also gone was the 396-cu.in. V-8 engine
The 1979 Chevy Nova marked the end for the rear wheel drive only option
The 250 cu in (4.1 L) six cylinder engine was the standard Nova engine with the demise of the 153 cu in (2.51 L) four-cylinder and 230 cu in (3.8 L) six cylinder engines
The Rally Nova was introduced and rally kit included black or white stripes that ran the length of the car and around the back
Also a Rally Nova sticker on the driver’s side of the hood, rally wheels, multi leaf rear springs, and a sport body colored driver’s side mirror that was adjustable from the interior
The year 1972 was one of the Nova’s best-selling years ever with 349,733 units sold
A new Rally Sport option package came with upgraded suspension for improved handling with 33,319 sold
12,309 super sport models were built in coupe only
209,964 Nova V8s were sold and a basic package cost $2,503
The 1973 model year introduced a hatchback body style based on the 2 door coupe
The hatch cost $150 more as an option than the Nova coupe with a traditional trunk that year
The 307 small block-Chevy engine was the standard V8 available
The 1973 two door coupe carried a base price of $2,375
The 100 horsepower six cylinder engine was great on gas milage while the 307ci V8 only gave you an additional 15 horsepower, available with either the three speed manual or the two speed Powerglide automatic
As an option all Nova cars with a 307ci engine could ride with either a Turbo 350 automatic, or a three speed manual transmission
The 74 Nova was available as a sedan, coupe, or 2 door hatchback
Chevrolet produced 390,537 examples of their Nova with 171,430 being fitted with a six cylinder engine
Changes for 1974 included a new bow tie grille emblem, new hubcaps, larger parking lights and the bumper grew in size
Chevrolet no longer offered the two speed power glide automatic transmission
The 1974 Chevrolet Nova SS model ended a long successful run because the following years major changes recreated the Nova
By 1977 production ended on the Nova SS
After 1970 the only engines you could find in a Nova were the six cylinder, and the small block V8
Nearly 860,000 built in model years 1970 through 1972
Nova Yenko Deuce 175 produced in 1970
Don Yenko was a winning road racer from Pennsylvania and in 1965 decided to go ahead and create his own sports car for SCCA racing, he made his biggest mark with the 427 Yenko Camaro in 1967, then in 69 he pushed his product on Chevrolet who refused the ideal, GM deemed the 427 too powerful for the compact muscle car that was the Nova, so yenko converted the 396 powered factory built models to 427 and the 1969 Yenko Nova was born
Their were thirty seven sold through a small car sales lot and those who didn’t know when to shift or lift off the gas blew some of those 427s into junk
A few survived and became rare collector items often times sold at auctions with a very expensive price tag
Yenko built only a small block Nova for 1970,before turning his attention to smaller Chevy Vegas and eventually imports
Don Yenko was responsible for some of the hottest performing muscle cars of the '60s and '70s, but when it came to the Yenko/SC 427 Nova, he referred to it as "barely legal at best" and the wildest thing he ever did
Yenko died in a private plane crash in 1987