If you looked up the word “sleeper” in the dictionary, it would be no surprise to find a photo of this 1966 Chevrolet Nova next to it. Apart from the Rally wheels, there nothing to indicate what secrets this classic is hiding. The owner has taken a modest and unmolested survivor and transformed it into a vehicle that is guaranteed to grab your attention if the pedal is pressed to the metal. With all of the work completed, he has decided that the time has come for a new owner to enjoy the fruits of his labor. Located in Templeton, Massachusetts, you will find the Nova listed for sale here on eBay. Bidding has reached $49,200, but you won’t be surprised to learn that the reserve hasn’t been met when you see what is on offer.
To say that the owner started his build process with a sound foundation would be something of an understatement. He has a fully documented history of the Nova, dating right back to its original owner. All of this is included in the sale, which is an excellent bonus for the buyer. The Chevy is finished in Cameo Beige, and this is not only claimed to be the original color but it is said to be the original paint. If this is true, that makes its condition quite astounding. You will battle to find a significant flaw or problem with the paint, and there’s no evidence of prior touch-up work. The panels are laser straight, with no dings, dents, and no evidence of any rust problems. The trim and chrome shine beautifully, while the glass appears to be flawless. Scouring the exterior reveals a set of Rally wheels as the only aftermarket addition, but these are the mere tip of an enormous iceberg.
When the Nova rolled off the production line, it went to its original owner equipped with a V8 engine and a Powerglide transmission. It isn’t clear which motor it was, but both components have been consigned to the pages of a history book. The owner has performed a significant transformation from mild to wild with this classic. The engine bay now houses a Chevrolet SP383 Deluxe crate motor that pumps out an impressive 425hp and 445 ft/lbs of torque. Bolted to this V8 is a rebuilt 4-speed Muncie M22 transmission that feeds all of those horses to a 3.70 Posi rear end. That V8 pumps out all of that power courtesy of an array of tasty components. These include GM aluminum fast burn cylinder heads, roller rockers, 4-bolt mains, a steel crank, stainless steel headers, and a 3″ stainless exhaust. Keeping the monster away from a potential meltdown is an aluminum radiator with a custom fan and shroud setup. The owner approached this build as a total package, with Church Boy bolt-in subframe connectors tying it together. The same company supplied the leaf springs, the power rack-and-pinion steering, and tubular upper and lower control arms. There are many other suspension upgrades, including double-adjustable shocks, sway bars, and upgraded power disc brakes. The owner only recently completed this build, and it has accumulated a mere 500 miles on break-in. It will need a few more under its belt before the buyer can exploit its full potential. When that happens, watch out!
As startling as the Nova’s exterior might be, the interior is equally as impressive. The current owner has added a shifter for the 4-speed and some Autometer gauges, but everything else is as it was delivered to the car’s first owner. This includes the under-dash air conditioning unit that blows ice-cold. The carpet is original, and the factory mats have effectively protected it. The upholstery is free from major flaws, although there are a few minor marks that have accumulated over the years. The headliner is in a similar state, while the dash and pad appear to be flawless. If the buyer is seeking perfection, they might consider replacing some items. However, I believe that this would be a disaster because you won’t often find an original interior of this age that is so remarkably well preserved. I wouldn’t touch a thing.
While this 1966 Chevrolet Nova is an amazing vehicle, it leaves me torn. I understand what the owner was trying to achieve, and I believe he met his aims. He has created a sleeper that would take anyone by surprise, but he has created it as a complete package. I look at this car, and I fully appreciate and respect the work that he has done. However, when you look at the originality and condition of the panels, paint, and the interior, part of me wishes that it had been left as an original survivor. I hate to throw up that old chestnut about them only being original once, but it is the truth. If I were a gambling man, I would be willing to bet that our readers will be split fairly evenly between those who will decry the changes and those who will be clamoring to get behind the wheel. My preference would have been to see this Nova retained as an unmolested survivor, but if the owner offered me the chance to take it for a ride, do you think that I’d say no? Not likely!
Lordy, do I loves me a 383 stroker. We put one in a customer’s ’64 C-10 and it gets up and boogies hard. This car should be a real kick in the pants.
I think this Nova has been done perfectly ( for my taste ) It’s not “over the top” with mods. It looks like a stock restored car, but is much better because of the properly done mods. Better driver, and way more fun. Like it.
I too like this one. Wish it was an SS so the interior had buckets and a center console but that is splitting hairs.
Like how he used the stub for the column shift power glide to hold the tach….
..yah, everyone does that. I did on the three I owned back in the early 90’s.
This is a sleeper like the 5.0 Mustang the other day LOL
My compliments to the owner and builders of this very fine automobile. If only I could pay you my compliment in cash!
What can I say other than WOW!
How about YOWIE!
What can I say other than WOWIE!
How about ZOWIE!
It’s not a torn up street machine or pro street style build with a bunch of blinding chrome, so it looks fairly original. No monster snorkel scoop, racing seats or harness. It has been upgraded to higher levels of performance which is a good thing.
As far as sleepers go, not really. Chevy II’s have been notorious for years and years for being “worked”. Think ’80’s g-body or mustang II, along those lines of sluggishmobiles.
um, yah, I think we need to revisit the description of “sleeper.” This rolling around isn’t fooling anyone.
First someone will hear the exhaust, then you’ll turn your head and see a classic Chevy (or those non-car people – an old classic car) and know somethings up.
I love these shoebox Nova’s (Chevy II’s) and they will always hold a place in my heart after the Four I owned early in my driving career.
Sticking an LS in a late 90’s Camry, that’d be a sleeper, but to sell this as a sleeper is just silly.
A sleeper? That’s a car that has totally unexpected performance capability. SURPRISE! Ha ha. Even back in the day (60’s) few people took V8 Chevy 2s/Novas lightly. Dual exhaust? Flags on the fenders? Best be careful or you might lose your reputation in front of everyone. :-) Terry J
Nice build. If she only had a Big Block…
A well thought out and well executed build. Has all the right stuff.
Beautiful car that’s been modified just enough to make it super fun and very drivable. The only thing that would concern me is parking it because of the almost perfect body and paint. My dog would not be allowed to ride in it either. Someone will really love this car; wish it could be me.
Agree this car means business and all who see and hear it will know. Sure would like to drive it though.
God bless America
I’ve always thought the early Nova’s wheels were too small for the car until the 1968 models were introduced.
Yup, Back then they wore 13’s. Shoot even the full sized Impalas only ran 14s. On my ’62 Chevy 2 (327/ 3 speed) I ordered a set of chrome slotted mags from JC Whitney and specified 14″ wheels with the 4 bolt pattern and to my surprise, they made them. Ran Good Year Polyglas. :-) Terry J
Back in the mid to late 60’s my dad had a friend that had a base first-gen Nova – not an SS – that he put a hopped up 327/4-speed in. It had basic black steel wheels with no hub caps or wheel covers and it was the factory gold color with a tan/beige bench seat interior. It was quite the sleeper!
I wonder if it was considered to install an optional factory(or even 1 of the many aftmkt) gage cluster(s) that has all gages IN the dash – for that cleaner look.
EZ to work on under the hood even with aftmkt a/c.
This is a very nice car! The gages might have been done differently, but most people could probably live with them.
This car is really not a sleeper. Most car people would know what’s going on when it is running.
My 1970 Chevelle 454, LS5 with 4 speed without the stripes and cowl induction was somewhat of a sleeper. It was fairly quiet with the stock resonators except for the sweet growl of the M-22 and most people thought it was just another Chevelle wannabe as there were numerous Chevelles on the road then.
This must be a good car. It has the least amount of criticism of any car I have
ever read about on Barn Finds.
Don’t touch a thing! Drive it and enjoy the daylights out of it! Beautiful!!!