Thanks to Bill W. who spotted this bumper crop of ’62-’67 Chevrolet “Chevy II” Novas in Farmingville, New York listed here on craigslist. The seller offers a variety including convertibles, station wagons, and hard tops. All will require restoration work, but some appear to be fairly solid. Chevrolet conceived this economical compact car (as it was considered in those days) in the late ’50s, and launched it with Chevrolet’s first four-cylinder engine since 1928, though less frugal buyers could spring for the optional inline six cylinder (some details from novaresource.org).
Hopefully there’s a 468 big block under that shoebox hood scoop, but I wouldn’t bet on it. Any engine with monster torque and sticky tires might twist this car’s unibody; picture this convertible from the side view with the doors open and you’ll appreciate how removing a car’s top weakens its structure. Chevrolet terminated the convertible body after 1963 and before offering a V8 in 1964, yet there was a “Super Sport” Nova convertible in ’63… powered by the 194 cid inline six.
Ashes to ashes; rust to rust; gravity is slowly reducing this sporty two-door hard top into the mineral base from which it came. By 1967 you could order your economical compact Nova with a 350 horsepower 327 cid V8 that proved potent enough to break the little car’s engine mounts, triggering a recall of all V8 Novas that year. With the 327, no one could say that the Nova couldn’t move. On that topic, check out this story on npr.org debunking the myth that these cars did not sell well in Mexico because “no va” translates as the Spanish “does not move.” While it may seem humorous to call the Chevy II a “compact,” its 183″ length is the same as a 2017 Toyota Corolla, though admittedly the Corolla has moved decidedly upmarket in recent years. Who has a passion for these cars, and how do you value this cornucopia of Chevy II Novas?
Had a 63 white with red interior and the straight 6 and auto, no power house but got me around at 17 and cheap on gas even though it was only 29 cents a gallon but I only made $1.25 an hr part time plus tips as a bus boy at a fancy restaurant.
A dozen $50 Junkers
Does anyone know if overdrive was an option on early (up to 1963) models.
My 62 came with a 283 V8 not factory but a dealer install (documented) a with a four speed. Though a rare chevy II, it was nearly unheard of until chevy got a clue that these little grocery getters could turn out to be something special.
Mine was a 63 four door brown in color with chewing tobacco stains down the side of the drivers door from when it was my grandfathers car. I can never resist every time you guys show these. Mine had the “powerful” 194 six cylinder.
the L/79 327 with 350 horsepower was an option for the 66 chevy II line by 67 it was rated at 325 horsepower.
Here’s the saved ad http://www.craigslistadsaver.com/view.php?name=Novas
I had a 1963 Nova SS Convertible in the early 80’s that was midnight blue, white top, and a powerglide shifted on the floor. It was just a straight chrome stick with a white ball for a knob. The console was a fully chromed, non-lighted, basically flat piece of metal. I just about finished a complete resto when I foolishly accepted an offer, that by today’s standards would have been a major score. And so we begin learning at a young age, just hoping that we might be so lucky to stumble onto that steal-of-the-century deal. Oh well, if nothing else, add it to the collection of car hobby stories to be passed on to the next generation. Can’t even imagine telling a story like that about the ‘Asian market’ car that I let go for ,,,,,
Great cars but they are all in terrible shape
Interesting yard. Neighbors must love them. Farmingville is in central Long Island – not exactly a rural area.
I like the blue convertible, and the black one in the garage with the blue hood. The blue one looks fairly solid although you can’t really tell from the pics. My vision: modern EFI four cylinder with a six speed, stock looking in and out. Maybe some Cragars or Torq Thrusts. Something you could drive every day with decent gas mileage but sufficient performance.
I saw at least three hoods with scoops added. I wonder what the story is with that.
– John
Farmingville was out in the country on LI—_AT ONE TIME!
This is absurd. There’s nothing here worth rescuing.
Too bad they don’t have luggage racks.
if it were near my neighborhood I would take a look. In 1985 I did buy a $50 63 SS 6 cyl, three on the tree. Complete, and drove it around the neighborhood despite a 4-inch square hole in the block. Very good looking car, accepted an $800 offer a month later. Must be some interest if dynacorn offers a new body. Don’t be a hater because you don’t need to start at the bottom.
*tisk *tisk. Too bad they’re nothing but parts cars with a lot of rust belt issues.
Owned – 63-64-65 hardtops….with my 64 being the only true SS – 283/auto….one I really miss – it was running driving in need of a resto about 1982…selling to help a young kid out – turned out to be a young punk that flipped it….I could go on…….
Bought a 63 two door in high school for 600.00. took off the hubcaps and drove the wheels off of it. Wish it was still with me. Great cars.
I don’t really know how my craigslist ad got here, but for those interested, I have been collecting and building novas for almost 40 years. About 10 years ago, I was up to almost 50 in my collection. I sold off about a dozen of my nicer ones to help build my new house and garage. Now I’m getting older and injuries have made it very difficult to do what I used to do, so in the last year I’ve sold off another 2 dozen and this is what is left. As the ad says, these are parts cars and project cars. I’m still keeping a few of my favorites… a ’67 hardtop, ’66 matching number SS and my very favorite very rare ’62 4cyl 3 on the tree Convertible.
Hi Barry – thanks for your comments. I hope we have driven some useful traffic to your ad. Let us know how it goes! Maybe you could tell us what motors dwell (or dwelled) under the hoods of the cars with the shoe box hood scoops. Thanks!
trying to restore a 1979 Nova looking for newer parts for interior redo. Anyone know where I can find afforable parts in Saskatchewan?
My first car was a 1965 nova that terrorized my town in 1972. Sold it for a new Pinto.
Just restored a 1965 chevy ii. Wonderful car. Comfotable,quick,and now exotic. I will take all those rust buckets you want to give me
I love my car and just want to redo some of the things that have just worn out.
A ’63 SS Convertible is my dream car! I hope to own one someday…