If you’ve been hunting for an early Nova that you can hop in and enjoy right away, this 1963 Chevrolet Chevy II Nova 400 Series might be the sweet spot. Listed here on craigslist out of the Concordia/Cully area in NE Portland, it’s described as a solid, great-running driver wearing its original Azure Aqua paint with a white roof. There’s some patina, a little rust, and a few dings, but the seller notes nothing major—just enough aging to give it character without getting in the way of using it. Thanks for the tip Curvette!
Under the hood is the original 194ci straight-six paired with a 2-speed Powerglide automatic, and the seller says it starts, runs, drives, stops, and is reliable. That alone makes it appealing for someone who wants a vintage cruiser without taking on a full project. The 400 Series was the top trim level for four-door Novas in ’63, and this one retains its stock look, including original chrome trim and emblems.
A long list of recent work comes with the car, showing the seller has been attentive. Brakes were redone in 2023, the carburetor was rebuilt last year, and maintenance upgrades include HEI ignition, a new Champion aluminum radiator, new exhaust with a Dynomax Super Turbo muffler, and a new Optima Red Top battery. It’s also riding on new Vitour Galaxy whitewall tires mounted to color-matched wheels with original hubcaps.
Inside, the seller says the interior is in excellent shape, thanks to quite a bit of refreshed work. That includes new carpet, front and rear door cards, kick panels, handles, armrests, an inner glovebox, OEM-style floor mats, a new rear package shelf, and new weatherstripping for all four doors and the trunk. The front seat was professionally reupholstered to match the original rear seat using NOS-style materials. The floor and trunk are said to be 100% solid, with the floors having been cleaned and treated with POR-15 prior to the new carpet going in.
For tunes, the original radio remains but isn’t working. Instead, the seller installed a SecretAudio Bluetooth stereo hidden in the glovebox, with upgraded speakers. The car also retains its factory blue-tinted glass, and according to the listing, all lights, heat, wipers, and the horn operate as they should.
It comes with a clean title and Oregon Special Interest plates that never need renewal, and the seller is firm that no trades will be considered.
Would you drive this Nova just as it is or take it one step further toward a period-correct restoration?
It’s different and will likely get a lot of love, but how many would be willing to dig into their wallet.
Steve R
I think it’s funny that many vehicles featured here have
fender skirts.Other than Buicks,Cadillacs,etc. I don’t recall seeing
cars “back in the day” that had them.
Amen! to that, Angliagt. I was about to comment, “Lose the skirts! Nobody but a scant few had ’em back then.”
Ya beat me to it.
We had a 53 Belair 2dr ht with skirts.
Not that I’m in the market for it, but those skirts would come off before it left the seller’s driveway,
Skirts and Continental kits, UGH!
What’s the price and how do you have tags that never need to be renewed?
$8500 and the plates are probably only good in Oregon. I don’t love this car, except for the engine work it’s just a very old car that nobody had except people really interested in economy. Cheap wheels then now?
The price in the Craigslist ad if you click on it is $8500. The plates are issued in Oregon and you only pay for the special interest plates once and they’re good until you sell it and then they are renewed under the next owner. Great little run around classic but I’d end up repainting it and ditching the fender skirts.
I would keep the skirts but lose that Powerglide.
skirts look like lipstick on a pig
Nice looking car. I’ve always loved the 1963-65 Chevy II Nova. I’d keep as much of the car as original stock as possible, while also upgrading certain things.
I think the $8,500 ask is a bit optimistic for a 4 door 6 banger. But I don’t think I have ever seen fender skirts on a Nova. Does anyone know if this was a factory option or maybe a J.C. Whitney add on?
skirts do this car absolutely no favors. lose them like a bad habit
Way back when we were 18-20, one of our friends had one of these (minus the skirts and white roof) in this color. He named her Gertrude and we loved that little car! Many, many great memories in it, until his brother borrowed it and proceeded to wrap it around a tree! Very sad day. Next car he found was a 67 Nove 4 door in beige, named her Gerdy in tribute. Both cars were good runners, even with those sixes in them.
the i6 was the merican automotive foundation for 1/2 a century.
Nota cheb guy but like these. 1st 2 gen.s (’62/5 and ’66/7) were not
‘Nova’ less near the end, a name for the II in it’s fancy model only. Give
me the station wagon please (110 inch WB).
I would literally drive it just as it sits, skirts and all. I couldn’t find a single image online of one of these with fender skirts, but I still like them. I had several Cadillacs with them. I remember when my Uncle George bought a tricked-out Caprice with fender skirts in the late 70’s.
I’m fond of the color combination, too, even the rust. LOL One of my best friend’s moms drove a Chevy II station wagon, so this car brings back a lot of memories.
I meant to say late 60’s, not 70’s.