A few years ago, this 1965 Chevrolet Nova sedan was treated to a restoration. It has been stored indoors ever since and has had little use. The owner has decided that the time is right for the Nova to head to a new home where it will be cared for and appreciated by a new owner. It is one of those cars that won’t appeal to everyone due to the fact that it is a 4-door sedan. However, for the person who is hunting for a practical classic on a bit of a budget, it is certainly worth a lot more than a passing glance. With this in mind, the owner has listed the Nova for sale here on eBay. The vehicle is located in Moreno Valley, California, and with bidding now sitting at $6,100, the reserve has been met.
Before dealing with what we can see with the Nova, I’d like to talk about what things are like below the surface. The owner provides some nice clear photos of the floors, frame, and the trunk pan of the vehicle. What we see is a car that is spotlessly clean and completely free of rust. Judging by the photos and the text in the listing, it would seem that this owner is something of a long-term enthusiast, and he likes his cars to be “just so.” As part of the restoration that was performed a few years ago, the Nova received a repaint in its original Sierra Tan, and this still looks extremely good today. The owner indicates that the car hasn’t seen the daylight terribly often post-restoration, and this explains why it shows no sign of any issues today. There is no rust in the panels, while the glass and the Rally wheels look like they need little more than a clean to return them to their best. The exterior trim and chrome appear to be very nice, but it is here that we also spot one of the very few flaws with the car’s exterior. There is a piece of trim that runs vertically down from the top of the rear quarter panel beside the tail-light. The one on the passenger side has a slight ding in it, and there is also a small mark in the steel beside it. This isn’t a major flaw, and a replacement pair of the rear moldings can be found for less than $70.
Lifting the hood of the Nova reveals a 230ci 6-cylinder engine, a 2-speed Powerglide transmission, along with power steering and power brakes. The engine was good for 140hp when it was new, and although it doesn’t offer much promise in the way of lively performance, it was still quite adequate for a family sedan of the day. A lot of this came down to the vehicle’s weight because this particular Nova should tip the scales at a fairly modest 2,784lbs. While that made it slightly heavier than its direct competitor, Ford’s Falcon, it also had an additional 20hp with which to move the extra mass. The good news with this Nova is that it is largely in very good mechanical health. The owner states that the car runs and drives nicely, the engine sounds strong, and the transmission shifts smoothly. He does say that the brakes take a bit more effort on the pedal than he is used to, and he believes that the booster may be faulty. However, he also believes that he might have a spare, and if he does, it will be included in the sale.
The interior of the Nova didn’t escape the owner’s attention when the restoration was performed, and by-and-large, it looks pretty sweet. There are no signs of any rips, tears, or cracks, and it would appear that the carpet is new, as are the door trims and the seat covers. There are some flaws to note, one of which has sparked my curiosity. The glove compartment door looks to be an odd shade, and might need a repaint so that it matches the rest of the dash. The steering wheel has some wear on it, which indicates that the car does have some age to it. The front door trims have been cut to fit a set of speakers, but I can’t see any signs of an aftermarket stereo in any of the photos. Perhaps there is one that has been hidden in a location like the glove compartment. I find that a bit odd because the owner makes no mention of a stereo of any description in the listing. The only other flaw that the owner notes is the fact that the weatherstrips on all four doors have become quite tired, and will need replacing. This isn’t a big drama, because these can not only be swapped over in a home workshop but at around $80 for a full set, they are also a cheap investment.
It would seem that this 1965 Nova really needs little more than a new owner who is willing to spend a few hours in their workshop addressing some pretty minor problems, and it will be a classic that should grab plenty of attention wherever it goes. The fact is, it really has no urgent needs and could be driven and enjoyed immediately. For the individual who wants to own a 1960s classic but wants something that is practical and easy to maintain, this is a car that could be well worth a closer inspection.
My late ex-father-in-law had a car just like this. To say it was a basic, no-frills car, would be an understatement. It’s amazing to think, at one time, the mid 60’s, specifically, this was all that was needed.
For a lot of us, that’s all we need now! If they were to build a basic car without all the BS gimmicks then I’m sure it would sell like hot cakes.
Nova… Isn’t that a smoked salmon?
( it also means “doesn’t go” en espanol!)
The seller also appears to have a number of second generation Camaros.
I’m with Ken Tilly. This kind if transportation, intelligent and practical, first class driver equipment. What else do you really need? If you carry loads buy a truck, certainly not a new horror but a good used vehicle, they are regularly on Barn Finders, watch your insurance costs go down, as well as your general running costs. Mr. Tilley and I, as well as many of the rest of you are living in a technology driven culture which leads to social and intellectual illiteracy. Which leads us to the crap being built passing as cars and trucks today. We’re much better than this. We’re ingenious, generous, we help each other, and we’re smart. Tell the generations that follow you to get off their ass and walk away from their screens for a while.
They will be amazed what they find.
Agree- need to haul something? Get a truck. Bought an F350 from a buddy’s dad’s estate for $5k. 140k, no wrecks, crew cab, 4wd, V10 ( not a diesel, but not a 5.4 either- it’s $5k), bull bar and winch – it’s from cattle country even if the man was a banker- and it’s more than I should even need. But it’s not a DD, and even my DD only needs to be decent, have HVAC, a radio, and comfortable enough
While not a terribly exciting car, you’ll have to admit it’s as clean as they come. The interior is especially impressive and the exterior is a pleasant color. I don’t care for the wheels, they look a little too sporty for a 4-door sedan. I’d be inclined to find some steel wheels with full wheel covers; I think they’d give this car a better look. Power steering and power brakes are a nice plus here, too. The simple and reliable six cylinder should be adequate for a relatively light car and shouldn’t be too thirsty. This Nova would make for a nice daily driver on good weather days and four doors makes it family friendly. It would also probably generate a lot of interest at any car show or cruise night as well. I imagine it will sell for a reasonable price so it’s a great chance to get into the old car hobby for not a lot of money.
Awesome looking Chevy Nova II. 1965 has always been my favourite year for the car. And who needs a fire-breathing V8 engine? Unless you plan to tow a caravan behind the car, or do some racing with it, sometimes a standard size inline six engine is all you need.
I’ve got a ’64 Chevy II Model 100 wagon. Talk about no frills. My mom had one when I was a kid and I loved the car. Soo basic and enjoyable. No a/c or power anything!! Just fun. Manual tranny column shifter too. I’ve had it for about 10 years now.
I had a 64 . Just like this ,but it was allblack,red interior,3 speed 6 cylinder. It was a really good car. I think I gave $150 for it..Easy on gas and had good power. I was out partying one night coming up this old rough road and all of a sudden started hearing a pounding.Like a rod. I made it home and the next day I gave it to dad. I told him what it was doing. He crawled under it and found it had a bent shifting rod on the transmission.He straighted it out and drove it for a good while. They made car back then.Now dows they make junk. It was roomy too.
I’m old,i can’t figure out how to bid on any of these cars,long way from my state too.
I have a 1964 Chevy II Nova four door I am the second owner
I’m interested in the brake booster I don’t have one Is there anything special you have to do to the brake system ?
Well this is a car about getting from point A to point B!!! Get in and drive not multitasking talking on the phone while checking your e-mail at the same time!! The days when the atlas was king and you didn’t have Siri telling you to turn in five hundred feet!! Basic transportation that you pushed the little button in on your FM converter to hear music instead of the news!!! Great ride!!!!
Mine is a 64 Chevy II but so similar to this one. I’ve only got the 194 but it seems surprisingly powerful in a light car. I’d guess the 230 would move it pretty briskly. I can’t figure the need for a brake booster on a car like this. When I step on the manual brakes the car slows down. If I want to press hard enough I can lock up the wheels so who needs a booster? Same with power steering. I hear people complain about manual steering being heavy. I have arms like a scarecrow but have no problem cranking that manual steering wheel whichever direction it needs to go to get parked or out. Great simple little car. Just about time to license mine for the summer.
I would have to say this is basic transportation I think I forgot what that looked like, I couldn’t imagine how easy this would be to work on. It’s kind of a really basic cool car! I would bet they were as reliable as the day is long.
I hate it when an auction ends with a little more than a minute remains, as did this one!
I failed to mention that I installed manual disc brakes on the wagon. 13 inch rally wheels clear the calipers as well and she stops on a dime. The best $450 upgrade that I’ve done. Big rotor off of a 75 malibu and large calipers/pads. (D52) Its great. No need for power brakes ever. Pedal is right there when you tap it.
Is the front bumper from a 64′ ?
My Dad had one of these but it was White over blue. His also had a 3 on the tree, he had it for about 4 years and for some reason sold it after a few years, but I he did by Mom a new 1969 Chevy Kingswood Station Wagon, after all they were hauling 3 of us around at the time
Hey Big Mike my dad bought my mom the save Kingswood estate wagon you speak of. It was the first year of the 350 ci SB it was our first car with AC and of course wood on the sides I remember it was our first quadra jet 4 bbl carb also, it was a pretty nice car, my Dad was a station wagon guy for my whole life!
I have my 1969 Kingswood, no estate, in front of my house.
No it is a race to see who will win, me or the rust.
SOLD for $6,200.