No Frills Transportation: 1966 Chevrolet Chevy II

The Chevy II/Nova was Chevrolet’s more conventional compact car of the 1960s (compared to the Corvair). After a successful launch in 1962, the cars were redesigned in 1966 and took on more of a square-ish look. They weren’t quite as popular as the generations that came before and after (in part due to the new Camaro stealing some of the Chevy II’s thunder in 1967). The seller has a basic Chevy II 100 Series 2-door sedan (per the VIN), not wearing the higher-end Nova trim. It looks mostly original, though the Rally wheels probably aren’t, and the shifter has been moved to the floor.

When it was new, all indications were that this Chevy II was a bare-bones purchase. Though no under-the-hood photos are provided by the seller, a 230 cubic inch inline-6 is likely under the hood. Nearly 50,000 buyers went with this thrifty engine in ‘66. It’s paired with what started as a “3-on-the-tree” manual transmission. The seller or a prior owner wanted it to have a bit more pizzazz, so they relocated the transmission level and slapped on some nicer wheels. The photos in general here could be better.

We’re told the seller has had this car for at least five years and uses it for weekend drives (Cars & Coffee outings, perhaps?). The paint may be original but tired and the only noted rust is on the passenger side quarter panel. The interior is at least passable, though the floor coverings and back seat are out of the car (the latter is said to be worn out). A spare pair of bumpers will also come with the sale.

At 113,000 miles, this old Chevy II can be found in Ellsinore, Missouri, and is available here on eBay. $8,800 is the current bid but you’ll have to do better than that to trigger the seller’s reserve. This is Plain Jane transportation that could turn out to be nice when restored, but I’m sure some readers are thinking of going the restomod route instead.