4-Door 4-Speed: 1966 Chevrolet Nova L79

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?