I typically prefer my classics unmolested, but that doesn’t mean that I don’t admire cars like this 1963 Chevrolet Nova. It possesses an almost sinister appearance, an impression heightened by the 350ci V8 hiding under the hood. It is guaranteed to command respect on the street, and you could be certain that it would turn heads if the new owner rolled up at a Cars & Coffee behind the wheel. I must say a big thank you to Barn Finder Curvette for spotting the Nova listed here on Craigslist in Lacey, Washington. You could drive off into the sunset once you have handed the seller $25,000.

Compact cars started to gain a foothold in the American new car market in the early 1960s, with Chevrolet offering buyers another contender when it launched its Chevy II in 1962. The Nova was the range-topping option, available in Convertible or Hardtop form. This 1963 Nova is the latter, with the photos suggesting that it may be a fairly recent project build. The semi-gloss Black paint makes a bold statement, and if the engine bay is an accurate guide, the builder applied this over the car’s original Ember Red. The sparkling trim provides an excellent contrast, as do the spotless Rally wheels with their chrome trim rings and center caps. The panels are as straight as an arrow, and I can’t spot any evidence of rust. So far, this Nova looks like a winner.

The builder didn’t restrict their attention to this Nova’s panels and paint, because they have lavished considerable TLC below the surface to produce a car with performance that many would have found unthinkable from one of these classics in 1963. The car’s engine bay now houses a 350ci V8, and while its specifications are unclear, a power output approaching 300hp would be a realistic expectation. Shifting duties are tackled by a three-speed TH-350 transmission, while power-assisted disc brakes bring proceedings to a safe and sure stop. The listing suggests that virtually everything below the skin is new, from the fuel system to the wiring, the suspension, brakes, and the steering. The seller confirms that the Nova is a turnkey proposition that runs and drives extremely well.

Opening this Nova’s doors reveals an interior trimmed in Black vinyl. It scores bucket seats, a console, and a retro-style stereo for tunes on the move. The overall condition is consistent with the seller’s claim that everything is new, because there is no evidence of wear or abuse. It is another aspect of this classic that needs nothing and is sure to receive compliments wherever this beauty goes. With so many positive attributes and the prospect of this beauty as a turnkey proposition offering outstanding performance, are you tempted to pursue this Nova further?