Chevrolet introduced the Chevy II/Nova in 1962 as its more conventional compact car (compared to the somewhat unorthodox for the day, Corvair). It was a successful product that would remain in production through the end of the 1970s. The seller offers a 1965 Nova Wagon which was one of about every seven Chevy IIs built that model year wearing a facelift from the first generation. This wagon runs off an external fuel source, so it could be a driver with a little work. Located in Piqua, Ohio, this Chevy is available here on Facebook Marketplace for $6,250, though the seller might trade for a truck. Another Bow-Tie tip from Barn Finder “Ted”!
The Chevy II competed with the likes of the Ford Falcon and Plymouth Valiant in its early days. And as the decade progressed, especially with the rework of 1968-72, the Nova (the Chevy II moniker was dropped in 1969) became the market leader. 1965 wasn’t a big sales year for the compact, thanks to the introduction of the mid-size Chevelle the year before and the hot new sporty Ford Mustang. A 230 cubic inline-6 was standard (as in this wagon) and the 2-speed Powerglide automatic transmission was optional (also as in this wagon).
We’re told the seller bought this Chevy a couple of years ago but won’t get around to doing the work. It sat for a while before that, but the engine will respond to an external gas can. The tank will have to be pulled, and the entire system flushed out before being a runner again. We’re told the higher-end Nova is completely original down to the rare and optional roof rack. The body has some issues, and the seller has a spare pair of fenders to help with the project.
The interior is complete and should be restored. The tires will at least hold air, so loading it up onto a trailer shouldn’t be difficult. The floors are a question mark and may need some patches. Besides cash, the seller will consider trading for a 1998-02 Silverado pickup that’s been set up as a Gasser (talk about being specific). But tell him what you have and maybe he’ll talk turkey with you.
This looks like it could be a nice project. I like to see some pictures of the lower quarters, rockers, and chassis though. If interested go look at it first.
A ’98-’02 Silverado with a Carolina Squat? Is the seller 19 years old?
Thank you Barn Finds. I like Chevy II’s, and had had four of them. I know they were made, but I have never seen a ‘65 wagon! Neat little car, but needs to at least be a three-on-the-tree. Six cylinders and a two speed Powerglide equals yawning acceleration…
Appreciate it for what it is.
In the late 70’s there was a Nova wagon running around St. Joe avenue that was all decked out like the hot rods of the day. Air shocks big tires loud exhaust. Didn’t think too much of it then but it would be cool to see it again today
Nice looking car. This would make an awesome resto project for anyone looking to restore an old classic car. While 2 door hardtops are nice cars, there’s also 4 door sedan and station wagons.
Why do all the brown cars survive and not the blue ones? I am not a fan of the brown color!!!!
Like this car! The “yawn” powertrain is perfect in my world of doing shop errands, occasional meets, etc. Would be great to have this one.
The 65 headlite rings are extremely hard to find. This thing is clean in some areas and battered in others. If it was near me I’d go 4K
Thanks Russ!
I figured that this one would be good to submit and spark some interest. I would be curious as to how many were produced. I appreciate your interest in writing this one up! 👍🏼
cool ride. many years since i saw 1. looks like a tire blowout took out the 1/4 panel. wish i could buy. would be nice all redone with the 6cly.
In high school the local newspaper had one of these to deliver newspapers. It was a six and always driven by a classmate that totally abused it this was in the mid 70s, and it was raged out pretty bad by then. When the local Ford dealership brought a crusher in it showed up for crushing, we tried to blow the engine, but it just kept on running with a rock on the gas pedal.
Once again, a restorable rare barn find that the seller wants a fair penny for……if only he pumped up the tires, put on a set of decent hubcaps, wiped some the dust off and took some good pictures…Looks mean more when you ask more!
Nice ride I think I would NOT restore it I would just get it safe and do what I can to stop or slow the rust nd just enjoy it.
Hard Pass.
At first glance, especially from the first pic here it looks like a nice project that one might spiff up the mechanicals and drive it as is but looking at the actual Facebook ad there’s a lot more rust than meets the eye. The front fenders by the headlights have a lot of rot and so do other places on the body. Too bad. Looks like they did drop the price a little.
“Gasser” means ‘no diesel’,, not Carolina squat.
Looking at all the rust and more than likely floor pans? I’m thinking it’s a bit to much money. If it was a stick and V8 car it could bring that much. I’ve had a few 64 Chevy 2s.