While it is not 100% original, this 1963 Chevrolet Nova SS Convertible is a spotless driver with drivetrain upgrades designed to unlock significant performance improvements. It would suit someone seeking a turnkey classic who is unconcerned about originality. Adding to its attraction, the seller has listed it in a No Reserve auction, meaning the highest bidder walks away with this prize. The Nova is listed here on eBay in Galion, Ohio. The bidding has raced to $25,100 as potential owners stake their claim on this classic.
Chevrolet produced 44,000 examples of the 1963 Nova Convertible, but pinning down precise figures for the SS version is challenging. I am unable to confirm a total, but I won’t be surprised if one of our knowledgeable readers can provide clarification. It is also worth noting that the 1963 model year was the only one where the company offered a drop-top Nova SS, adding to its rarity and desirability. That will make some enthusiasts question the upgrades performed by the seller, although most will agree they will unlock the performance the badge rightly deserves. The seller indicates that contrary to what the photos suggest, the Silver Blue Metallic paint is consistent across the entire car. There appears to be a shade variation on the doors, but this is said to be a trick of the light. It presents beautifully, with an impressive shine and no evidence of patchiness or significant flaws. The Nova features a power top we don’t get to see, while the supplied photos indicate the car is rust-free. The panels are clean, and there are no issues with the floor pans or rails. The exterior trim and glass are in as-new condition, as are the alloy wheels. These are aftermarket items, but they represent the tip of the iceberg when we confront the subject of mechanical upgrades.
Chevrolet never offered buyers a V8 option in the ’63 Nova SS. Power came from a 194ci six-cylinder unit producing 120hp and 177 ft/lbs of torque. When teamed with a manual transmission, it provided modest performance for a Bow-Tie vehicle carrying the iconic SS badge. The journey down the ¼ mile took 19.1 seconds, with the six running out of breath at 95mph. Those days are a memory for this Nova, as its engine bay houses a 350ci Crate Motor courtesy of the good people at GM Goodwrench. It should churn out at least 260hp and 350 ft/lbs of torque. Performance figures are an educated guess, but they should be healthy enough to do the hallowed badge justice. The power feeds to the rear wheels via a three-speed automatic transmission, while further upgrades include new brake and fuel lines, power rack-and-pinion steering, and power front disc brakes. The seller tackled this build as a total mechanical package, rebuilding the front end with a host of components from Church Boys Racing. The improvements should allow the Convertible to feel sure-footed on the road, while the new dual exhaust should give that sweet small-block a satisfying rumble. The hard work and financial outlay have not been in vain because the car runs and drives perfectly, and the transmission shifts smoothly. If a buyer seeks a classic where they can turn the key and drive off into the sunset, this could be it.
The theme of tidy presentation continues when we turn our attention to the Nova’s interior, as do the upgrades and additions. The interior features Black vinyl upholstery that looks excellent. There is no wear or evidence of abuse on the seats or upholstered surfaces. The same is true of the dash, pad, and carpet. Comfort and convenience upgrades include a tilt wheel, a retro-look AM/FM radio, a CD player, and a gauge cluster under the dash to monitor the small-block. For purists, the upgrades are reversible if they prefer a more factory appearance.
I acknowledge that this 1963 Nova SS Convertible won’t appeal to everyone, and for some, the mechanical upgrades will prove the sticking point. However, it has struck a chord with many, which is reflected in its already receiving thirty-four bids. There is time left in the auction for the bid total and price to rise further, but it is difficult to determine where it will end. Do you have any thoughts on this, or would you prefer to bite the bullet and join the bidding war?
Was looking at this car a couple of days ago. Seems like a great buy but would have to have it looked at before the jump. And not one shot of the top up?
One of the ones I let get away was a factory ’64 Chevy II “SS” with the factory 283 motor, Muncie M-20 four-speed and 10 bolt positraction rear axle. That little car was quick because it was so lightweight. Years later I learned how rare it was due to the fact that most buyers opted for the slightly larger ’64 Malibu “SS” which could be ordered with the 327/300 HP motor. I had also heard that the 283 four-speed was not made available until well after the model year had started.
I’d buy this car over a 6 cylinder version any day. Agree a little more information would be good but this is a very nice looking car.
I do not trust the seller’s assurance that the color isn’t a mismatch.
Has that thing had a doghouse replaced?
It looks like it’s had some bodywork, with different color shades and panels that don’t fit right. (IMHO)
In 1990 I bought a 1964 Chevy 2 that hadn’t been started for over 7 years since the owners death. I towed it to my workshop, had the engine running in about 30 minutes, flushed out and renewed the brake fluid and 4 days later drove it on a 600 mile return trip with not one problem. Loved that car but the wife didn’t, so out it went.
It is too bad that most of the moldings are missing, I think the peak moldings along with the side moldings really make the SS look great. Without the them it looks to plain for me but obviously not for the high bidders.
I had a ’62 convert that I dropped a ’64 283 2bbl into and the tiny V8 was a whole lot more fun than the 194 6 banger.
Cool car, but only 24,823 ragtops were produced of the ‘64 model year.
Not sure how many of those were in SS trim, but if you apply the math of 11% of total 1963 Chevy II production being SS’s, then perhaps there were approximately 2500 or so 1963 ragtop SS’s built.
I have an all original ‘63 convertible “normale” and personally, I love my little 194. Also, you can build a seriously great car and maintain original look by dropping in a big bore inline 6 built out with guidance from Tom Lowe (12Bolt Tom).
Clearly the upgrades are well thought out, with the front end upgrades, it will handle the extra power well and take corner like a stock version could never do. I suspect the stock top speed and 1/4 mile times are squashed as well.
Fun car in a classic Chevy color combo.
No edit function, clearly I meant 63 in the first line.
There was a Canadian version here in town about ten years ago. I don’t know the exact year but it did have a V8/auto. It had a goofy looking grill, reminded me of a 64 GTO front end.
Another crate 350 how creative!
Once the falcon started to beat the ve dub bug, which decimated the usa auto industry, cheb realized the corvair wouldnt ‘get it’. They launched the nova to catch up. I think mid 60s w/the addition of the buckets and putting the shift on the floor they all introduced the muscle era. I like the down sized usa cars of the 60’s with the truck engines.
I like them as is (sleepers) w/SCCA mods (ford- the shelby drop, cheb- whats here; discs where needed, 5 lug, w/a small lower as needed, etc, etc). I say more rest0 (in the) mods. For the real ‘classics’ (usa top models, late ’30s – very early 50s) no mods, all rest0. I can DD the ’60s – the classics get antique plates (low mi). The euro classics (’50s & 60s) get DD all the time cept for weather conditions.
Signed:
The King of the World
(yeah, right)
lol
I had a 63 SS convertible. Wanted to do a V8 swap but after research that it was the 1st year for the SS and the only year for a SS Convertible. Wish I still had it
I wonder if any of these old Chevy IIs are left in original form ? So many SS clones, V8 conversions, etc…
bone I know there is at least one 63 ss chevy II I bought it in1980 and still have it.It is very original.