Sitting in this garage is a tidy 1966 Chevrolet Nova, a turnkey proposition for a new owner. It features its original V8 under the hood, but a few upgrades include the fact that its body now rests upon a later Malibu chassis. It would suit an enthusiast seeking a classic they could enjoy immediately but could lift to a higher level with little cost or effort. The Nova is listed here on eBay in Baldwinsville, New York. Bidding sits below the reserve at $10,101, with plenty of time remaining on the auction.
The history of this Nova is unclear, but it presents well for a driver-grade classic. Its Danube Blue paint shines nicely under the blazing sun, although the seller quickly points out it isn’t perfect. They confirm the floors and rear quarter panels were professionally replaced, and it may have been at that time that the car was transplanted onto what the seller believes is a 1979 Malibu frame. That process should ensure it is rust-free and structurally sound, a significant consideration for potential buyers unwilling or unable to wield a grinder and welder. The paint and panels have minor imperfections, and addressing these should be straightforward if lifting the presentation is a priority. The chrome and glass look spotless, while the Rally wheels add a classy finishing touch to the exterior.
The theme of tidy presentation continues inside this Nova, with its cloth and vinyl upholstered surfaces showing no evidence of wear or distress. The back seat is spotless, with the same true of the headliner and carpet. Aftermarket items include a cluster of Sunpro gauges mounted by the driver’s left knee and a modern stereo in place of the factory radio. The dash was cut to fit the second item, but the seller has done an excellent job hiding the speakers. It may not be the most luxurious interior on the planet, but it should comfortably accommodate six people.
Buyers faced several engine choices when ordering their new Nova in 1966, with this car’s original owner selecting the 283ci V8. A two-speed Powerglide originally backed the small-block, but the performance potential will have improved courtesy of a swap to a three-speed Turbo 350. Other upgrades include power steering, power front disc brakes, and larger sway bars to improve handling. It is unclear which version of the numbers-matching 283 this is, but it should deliver at least 195hp and 285 ft/lbs of torque. That doesn’t make it a genuine muscle car, but there should be enough under the right foot to satisfy most potential buyers. The seller claims this classic has a genuine 88,000 miles on the clock, but I’m always unsure how relevant that is in a case like this, where the vehicle has undergone so many changes. However, it runs and drives beautifully, and potential bidders should consider it a turnkey classic.
The broad appeal of this 1966 Chevrolet Nova is reflected in the intense bidding activity since the seller listed it for sale. It has attracted twenty-three bids, a healthy figure so early in the auction. It isn’t perfect, but it appears to have no immediate needs. Leaving it untouched would be viable, but treating it to some minor cosmetic work would be straightforward and should yield positive results. We can speculate on the seller’s reserve, but even if you don’t plan to pursue it further, monitoring the auction to see how frantic the bidding becomes could be fascinating.
The original “uni-body” was not very rigid, so the Malibu chassis is quite an upgrade. I like it!
More room to install a big block!
Is there one of these left that is 100% original?
One must cut up the Shock Towers on a 66 Chevy II if one
wants to put a rat motor into that engine bay.
Nobody wants to mincemeat an original Chevy II like that.
If you want a Pony car with a big block get a Camero or a Vega.
Bob
Robert, it’s Camaro.
Thanks for the correction. I never liked them anyways so that
explains my lack of detail on spelling.
Bob
@Robert White – Or just remove them, as has been done here. No shock or spring towers, thanks to the front-end swap.
I guess it’s possible that somebody cut up a Malibu channel frame and then channeled it into the Nova’s unibody, but I’d venture to guess we’re talking about swapping in a Camaro or Malibu front frame stub to the Nova’s unibody. Looks like nice work, though …
Anyone know what’s involved in adding the frame? I can’t imagine it just “drops on”.
I would think there would be considerable slicing and dicing involved considering it was unibody to start with.
Heah guess what would be nice,A picture of the frame!!
Hi, Is the other car a 67′?! nice job saving this car. never really liked 2-speed anyhow! is the T-350 of known history? were the 1/4’s the only re-spray? 2 or 4bbl?
those early nova’s didn’t handle all that good so the Malibu frame is a considerable improvement
They should have a heart an donate me this nova..heck have a heart ill take great care of it..
Too funny!! I had the same thought!! 66 Chevy II Nova was my first car at 16. LOVED THAT CAR!!!
“Was told donor chassis was from 79 Malibu.”
Uh… I’d have to see it personally to believe it.
Without chassis pictures it’s hard to say what’s happening here. The person writing the ebay ad says “From what I have seen everything works” The Nova is a shorter and maybe narrower vehicle, did they use the whole frame from the Chevelle or splice the front half on to the unibody? Is the rear on coil springs now? It would be nice to see the build pictures…
There’s something really flaky here.
I don’t see how a Malibu frame would physically fit under a Nova. Something’s fishy
I looked it up. The Nova is 1/2″ wider and has a 1″ longer wheelbase. The Malibu shows to be 9″ longer, but I have to wonder how much of that is those 5 mph bumpers.
I had a 1966 Acadian Canso Sport Deluxe that I restored and sold
in 1997 to a guy that restored it again and now it’s on the Internet
as a restomod on YouTube.
They are unibody and you don’t need an extra frame if you don’t
have more than 300hp for an engine hp output.
They are fast off the line and can beat everything around with merely
a set of traction bars like Lakewood Traction Bars which I had with Coilover Shocks so it was super ridgid.
These cars are not great at over 100 mph.
Bob
Hard pass. Sorry, but that is a completely uncertified engineering. No way. Think of your safety folks.
Why would someone take a G body frame and slap a decent Deuce on it? Have to wonder about the integrity of the build and then it has the original engine in the car! Rust or crash keeps coming to mind.
Because you can, and it obviously worked.
But does it?