Some enthusiasts will give restored classics a wide berth, fearing that the car’s sparkling paint might hide some significant nightmares. However, I must say a big thank you to Barn Finder Mitchell G. for spotting this 1965 Chevrolet Nova SS. Over a decade has elapsed since its restoration, and the lack of apparent problems suggests that the work was performed to a high standard. The seller is ready to send it to a new home and may consider appropriate trades for a 1955 – 1957 Chevrolet. Otherwise, they have listed the Nova here on Craigslist in Palmer Ranch, Florida. If you don’t happen to have a suitable trade, handing them $32,750 will secure you this classic.

Chevrolet held high expectations for its ground-breaking Corvair upon its 1960 release, but sales fell far short of expectations. It seemed that buyers struggled to warm to the unconventional mechanical layout, so the company hedged its bets against the emerging Ford Falcon by releasing the Chevy II in 1962. The range-topping variant was the Nova, with the SS version hitting showroom floors the following year. The performance of the SS failed to set pulses racing due to the six under the hood, but the company changed perceptions markedly when it shoehorned a V8 into that space in 1964. The selection of powerplants grew further in 1965 when our feature car rolled off the lot. The first owner ordered it in beautiful Mist Blue Metallic, and this shade was reapplied during the restoration. The fact that work ended ten years ago and the car still presents so nicely indicates that no corners were cut during the refurbishment. The seller indicates there are a few chips, but with the paint holding a deep shine, potential buyers could consider this Nova as a high-end driver. The panels are straight, and the underside shots confirm that this classic is rust-free. The bumpers took a trip to the platers during the build, and like the remaining trim, they still sparkle intensely. The glass is clear, and the SS rolls on steel wheels with spinner hubcaps.

The hard work didn’t end when the seller completed the exterior refresh, because the interior received a similar level of TLC. It was a virtual retrim, and it appears that the only original upholstered surfaces could be the door trims. The Black vinyl remains in good condition, with the same true of the carpet and dash. The console’s bright trim followed the bumpers to the platers and is in as-new condition. Buyers shouldn’t search for luxuries like air conditioning, but the car retains its original Delco AM radio.

Powering this Nova is a 283ci V8 that the first owner teamed with a two-speed Powerglide transmission and power steering. The base 283 produced 195hp and 285 ft/lbs of torque. However, a mid-year updated powerplant lifted those figures to 220hp and 295 ft/lbs. The Powerglide hampers outright performance, but this SS should still deliver a mid-16-second ¼-mile ET. The seller recently replaced the brakes, fuel tank, and shocks. They don’t mention any mechanical maladies, nor do they supply specific information regarding how it runs or drives. That is disappointing, but I see nothing to suggest the news will be anything but positive.

A perfectionist may look at this 1965 Chevrolet Nova SS and decide to address its few minor paint chips in their quest for spotless presentation. However, if you are more interested in a high-end driver, it comfortably ticks that box. The seller’s price sits at the top end of the market, but recent successful sales results suggest that the figure is justified. It has been on the market for approximately nine days, but the big question is how quickly it will find a new home. Are you tempted to make it yours?