Chevrolet hit a home run in 1966 with their high-performance L79-equipped (350 HP 327 CI V8) Chevy II and Nova. The thing is, the hi-po package was usually bestowed upon the Nova SS, an attractive two-door hardtop, and not a four-door sedan such as today’s subject car. This one appears to be a transplant, but it looks well executed, so let’s give it a gander. Chicago, Illinois, is where you’ll find this four-doors of fun sedan, and it’s available here on craigslist for $21,000. Thanks are due to Rocco B. for this tip!
Chevrolet’s redesigned 1966 compact was known as the Chevy II, though the higher trim level, with its standard six-cylinder engine, was known as the Chevy II Nova, and that’s what this example appears to be. The listing images are limited and not that well taken, but the quarter panel badge and trim indicate this is a Nova (the VIN, if offered, would have helped). Body styles for this more exalted model included a two-door hardtop and four-door sedans and station wagons. Total six-cylinder Nova production reached 54K units in ’66, and another 20K units were equipped with V8 powerplants, but what this car originally harbored between its shock towers is not disclosed. No complaints will be rendered regarding this sedan’s exterior. The finish, which appears to be Marina Blue, is absolutely sound, as are the body panels, trim, and chrome-plated items. Rally wheels uphold the four corners, and the seller notes that the fronts are six inches wide while the rears stretch to seven.
The seller tells us, “Carpet, dash pad, and Headliner like new.- OEM Seat covers, 2 years old.” It’s a bright, clean environment that appears to have been gently used. The two-spoke steering wheel is right for a sporty ’66 Chevy – they were an option on a couple of models, and the four-speed floor shift is the proper Muncie unit with its reverse lock-out. I’m actually surprised that OEM-style upholstery is available for a Nova bench seat; I knew that was the case with buckets but not with a bench – its pattern does appear to be correct.
Under the hood is what the seller describes as “Early Vette L79 327. Runs great, drive anywhere.” That tells me that this 350 gross HP 327 CI V8 engine was harvested from a Corvette. The “early” aspect could mean 1965, as that’s when the (RPO) L79 was first introduced, and it remained on the ‘Vette option sheet through 1968. Note the chrome-plated dual-inlet air cleaner – that’s an L79 hallmark.
Well, this is an interesting take on mid-sixties Chevy performance – and quite a surprise. The seller claims “15 Year Old Frame Off” though this Nova is a frameless uni-body. But I get what he means. It all looks very well done and presents nicely. A genuine ’66 L79 Nova would trade hands for big bucks, but the $21K price here seems reasonable, and I imagine that’s partially due to the extra pair of doors and the lack of originality. Still, I like this Chevy; how about you?
The L79 was a beast of a engine. I had one in a 1967 Corvette and it was very impressive. The car looks very well put together and if the engine is a real L79, this car is well worth the asking price. A real SS with an L79 would be close to 6 figures, so this is a bargain, with the same thrill factor.
What a beautiful build!!! I agree with KHayes, it looks very well put together . This is a great price. And the view out over the hood is exactly the same in a 4 door, as it is in a 2 door. Beautiful color too. This has got to be a blast to drive. Love it!!!
My buddy had a 65V alian with a 340 4speed. He ate Camaros and Mustangs. Great fun on Saturday nights
When a V8 motor is producing more HP than cubic inches, it’s going to be fun.
No way is this a factory L79. As you said, “a genuine 66 L79 Nova would trade hands for big bucks.” The seller never infers its factory installed.
It’s a nice looking car, if it checks out in person the asking price isn’t bad, it is unique, looks good and would be fast.
Steve R
The seller does state that it’s an “early ‘Vette L79” which tells me the engine is a transplant from a Corvette. As I stated to another poster, I’d like to see the engine code to make certain it is what it’s claimed to be.
JO
The comment about the “Hallmark” air cleaner…. Like someone can’t just put a L79 cleaner on? That comment says run far and fast
While that’s true on the surface, this engine is wearing the correct intake manifold, deep grove alternator pulley, and double-hump cylinder heads. What’s really needed is the engine prefix code that’s stamped on the passenger-side front of the engine. It should be “HT” for a Corvette-sourced engine – that will identify what the engine really is.
JO
Yes. A picture of the pad would say it all. I had one in my ’58 Corvette ( later put the correct numbers matching motor in it )and I’ve never experienced a more dependable hard pulling inexpensive to own motor.
The L-79 is an awesome engine. Winds up tight & winds up fast. Had one in a 68 Chevy II back in the day. It was a giant killer!
My new thing learned for today: 1966 Chevy II had unibody construction. Thanks Jim
Right motor, right transmission, right color and you don’t have to get out to let passengers in the back.
It would have been nice if there was just a little more info and pictures of the car, but from what they show, it’s beautiful! Everything looks accurate, and it is clean. The engine appears genuine, but as said in an earlier comment from Jim, seeing that prefix code would work wonders. It’s possible it came from an early Corvette, as I am sure there were several put in the junkyard due to drivers that were not prepared for the car it was installed in. It’s worth the price, 4-door or not!
I’d love to have this it makes a great sleeper
This a beauty, but before I handed over any cash I’d want to know how long the odometer has been broken and what the real mileage is likely to be.
What a sleeper.