Shortening a vehicle can sometimes yield positive results, as this 1972 VW Type 2 Bus we recently featured here on Barn Finds turned out pretty well after part of its length was removed. I’m having some mixed feelings about this 1962 Chevrolet Chevy II, but I’m sure the seller is correct in saying it gets lots of attention at shows and probably just about everywhere else it goes. This one is located in Norfolk, Connecticut, and can be found here on Facebook Marketplace, with our thanks going out to reader Mitchell G. for providing the tip here! At first, I wondered why this one hadn’t sold for $7,999 in 18 weeks, but once you get up close, the reason might become apparent.
Beginning life as a 4-door, this one got reduced to two, with what were originally the rear doors remaining, but not before having the window frames reshaped a bit and a piece of vent glass added. The workmanship actually appears pretty good here, and I like the shade of red that was chosen, along with the black handles, grille, and bumpers. Probably the biggest concern here is the sheet metal, as several areas show rust underneath the finish. It may be time to consider stripping this one down again, making the necessary body repairs, then spraying on another fresh coat of paint afterward.
Chevy offered both a 4-cylinder and an inline-6 engine for the Nova in 1962, but this one is now powered by a 350 V8. Other than its size, no other information is listed about the small block, but I’m guessing this one’s pretty quick, especially since some mass and weight has been shed from the original length. It’s paired with an automatic transmission with a floor-mounted shifter inside, and despite the corrosion issues outside, I’ve got a hunch this Nova is probably a blast to get behind the wheel of.
This one no longer has any rear quarters inside, so it can now officially be called a two-seater, with the interior probably in satisfactory condition unless you’re seeking something beyond a fun driver. Just a new black carpet would help make things look a lot better in here, plus it would be inexpensive and could likely be installed in an afternoon. If the panels were more solid, I could see someone snatching this one pretty quickly for eight grand, but the corrosion may limit the desirability for a few potential buyers here. What’s a reasonable price to pay for this shortened 1962 Chevy II?
The only way that this could look good IMO is if it were done as an altered wheelbase Gasser. Otherwise move the rear wheels back a foot, chop the top off and make it an open two seater.
It would never make it through tech at the track I worked at. NHRA has a minimum wheelbase, they didn’t want cars like this showing up and crashing.
Steve R
Uh WHY?
It was a fad in the ’70s.
Some good parts for building a real car!
I love it because I would be the only one with a car like this. I’m curious to know if the drive shaft is longer than 2 inches, and were they trying to imitate a Smart Car? It is kinda cool though, a two seater with a lot of trunk space. I’d remove the spoiler though. Nine times out of ten spoilers are stupid.
The mileage is surprising. Short wheelbase cars do not provide a comfortable ride. This car would be even worse as the seats are practically over the rear axle.
This car has many questionable attributes. It’s a scary ride without brake and suspension upgrades. The red and black cables going to a common ground is not a good sign.