CHEVROLET'S UNDERRATED MUSCLE CAR WAS CAUGHT IN ITS BROTHER'S SHADOW
For good reason, Chevrolet is one of the muscle car segment's top three automakers. The iconic American automaker has produced several high-profile muscle cars, some of which are still alive today, most notably the Chevrolet Corvette and the Chevrolet Camaro.
Chevrolet
Founded in 1903, Chevrolet is one of America's oldest remaining legacy automakers. Acquired by General Motors in 1918, Chevrolet is the core GM brand responsible for the bulk of GM's US sales. As a mass-market manufacturer, Chevrolet competes in multiple key segments, primarily the SUV and truck segments, but also sports cars and mainstream sedans and hatchbacks (until recently). Core models for the brand include the Silverado, Colorado, Suburban, Camaro, and Corvette.
Speaking of the Camaro, it was and still is the most prolific offering from Chevrolet, overshadowing the Chevy II Nova SS, the second fiddle to the Camaro, but deserved the same amount of attention as the Chevrolet Camaro.
This article focuses on the Chevy II Nova SS, specifically the second-generation Chevrolet Chevy II Nova SS, and the evolution of the Nova SS.
The Nova's Second Wind
Known as the Chevrolet Chevy II, this resulted from Chevrolet's desire to produce a simple, compact car free of any gimmicky or revolutionary features that might deter the average consumer. The first generation of this compact model debuted in 1962, and production ended in 1965; it was offered in five body styles and powered by a selection of four engine options. By 1965, Chevrolet had updated the Chevy II and Nova models, with the Super Sport models distinguished by design elements like a brushed-chrome center console and bucket seats.
Revisiting The First Corvette: C1 Generation Specs And History
The C1 Corvette is a collector's dream classic, but it wasn't always perfect. We look at the development of this iconic American sports car.
By this time, the Chevrolet Chevy II had become a fully-fledged muscle car because of the engine selection offered, which included a 5.4-liter naturally aspirated V8 engine that outputted 300 hp. This engine option immediately established the compact Nova SS muscle car in the same performance weight class as the Pontiac GTO and the Ford Mustang 289. Although it was a competent performance car, it wasn't a performance car from the 1960s that many remember.
A Chevy Not To Be Trifled With
Engine | 5.3-liter, naturally aspirated, V8 |
|---|---|
Horsepower | 350 hp @ 5,800 rpm |
Torque | 360 lb-ft @ 3,600 rpm |
0-60 | 6.5 seconds |
Top speed | 132 mph |
Chevrolet's second-generation Chevy II debuted in 1966, and for this model year, Chevrolet introduced a handful of cosmetic changes inspired by the Chevrolet Super Nova concept car.
These included changes to the bodywork, like a revised grille and a roofline akin to a fastback model. Alongside visual enhancements, the Chevy II Nova was adorned with safety equipment. Still, the most notable change in that model year was the introduction of the Chevrolet Camaro, which affected the Chevy II Nova's sales. However, it remained a popular choice for many enthusiasts and even had more power. Distinguishing the Super Sport trim were more chrome elements juxtaposed by blackout trim features, and the entire car was adorned with "SS" emblems. Still, the Chevy II Nova SS didn't wear its performance abilities on its sleeve, characterized by its compact, boxy physique that could blend in with regular traffic.
This Is One Of The Most Important Corvettes Ever Made
The most legendary and experimental Corvette of its day is heading to auction. This is why it's special.
While its exterior design was unassuming, its powertrain was anything but timid. Three engine options existed for the 67' model year: two versions of a 283 cubic inch V8 engine producing 195 hp and 220 hp, and a 327 cubic inch V8 rated for a total output of 350 hp. The winning formula for the Chevy II Nova SS was the 327ci V8 paired with a close-ratio four-speed manual transmission that culminated in an exciting driving experience and had more power than the Chevrolet Camaro SS 350, Chevy's spotlight-hogging muscle car at the time.
Dynamite comes in compact packages.
Oddly enough, the less powerful six-cylinder-powered was the more popular configuration. Still, the V8-powered derivative offered an exciting driving experience characterized as a compact muscle car attainable for the average consumer and capable of pleasing the tuner community. The combination of the TurboFire V8's grunt, the Nova SS' lightweight frame, and its power-to-weight ratio culminated in an unassuming compact muscle car that could best some of the era's best.
Directly contending with the Chevy II Nova SS were the Ford Falcon and the Plymouth Valiant. The Ford Falcon was the first compact car offered by America's Big Three automakers and was intended as a smaller version of the Ford Galaxie. Its most powerful iteration commanded a total output of 225 hp from a 289 cubic inch V8 engine paired with a four-speed manual transmission. The Plymouth Valiant was another model directly contending with the Chevy II Nova SS, and although the model only gained its 318 cubic inch V8 engine in 1968, it was still less powerful.
Nova Super Sport Comes Into Its Own
The Chevrolet Chevy II Nova SS was a promising offering leading up to 1967, but it was the third generation iteration of the compact muscle car where everything would click. For this model year, Chevrolet dropped the Chevy II moniker and replaced it with the Nova name. However, this was one of the less important changes introduced that year. Significant changes were made to the compact car, such as the adoption of a longer wheelbase, a revision of its vehicle structure, the discontinuation of two body styles, and most notably, at least in this context, the Nova SS was made an official performance package, having previously only been offered as a trim option.
The 350 hp V8 engine used in the previous model year had returned. However, this time, Chevrolet offered two variations of the Turbo Jet big block 6.5-liter V8 engine, which produced 375 hp and 415 lb-ft in its most potent configuration. Alongside a potent power plant, Chevrolet also employed a handful of performance upgrades, including upgraded suspension. Although one of the smallest models available at the time in the muscle car segment, the Chevrolet Nova Super Sport was established as one of the best muscle cars of the 20th century.
An Icon Of The Muscle Car Segment
The Chevrolet Chevy II Nova SS is a certifiable classic in terms of its age and status within the automotive world. Although the legend of the Chevrolet Camaro may have outshined it, it is one of the best offerings from the automaker's earlier catalog. On the used market, even the compact model's most potent and exciting variations can be found in decent condition for less than $15,000.
The 10 Most Important Chevrolet Models Ever Made
These are the ten vehicles that helped make Chevrolet what it is today.
The Chevy II Nova SS deserves its flowers as it was an underrated darling of the muscle car segment. Although it did live in the shadow of the Chevrolet Camaro, the Nova SS was established as a lightweight, compact muscle car that could tough it out with the biggest and best muscle cars of the time.
2025-02-10T12:26:27ZSources: Chevrolet, BringATrailer