1966 Chevrolet Nova II in Lithia Springs, Georgia

Vehicle Description

Sorry Ford fans, but the first-generation Nova is everything Ford hoped the Falcon would be: stylish, fast, and most of all, cool. From the beginning, Chevy's compact was embraced for its combination of timeless styling and the ability to put big horsepower in a lightweight package, and this 1966 Chevrolet Nova hardtop is a fantastic example of how the Nova got it right.

Restored and upgraded a few years ago, this one still looks awesome, and the sizzling code 31 Bolero Red paint looks awesome on the crisp Nova shape (that's this car's original color, by the way). Bright colors always look right on '60s muscle, regardless of whether it's a Camaro. On a Nova like this, it's like a threat, because you can't paint a car this color and not back it up with some serious blasting powder under the hood. There are no modifications to the original bodywork, not even a cowl-induction hood, which I always appreciate, and the car has an ultra-clean, purposeful look that's devoid of emblems, badges, and extraneous chrome. Workmanship is very well done and lets the basic design speak for itself, and in vivid fire engine red, it's broadcasting loud and clear. All the trim that remains has been plated, polished, or replaced to give this Nova a bright outlook indeed. It's just clean.

With Bolero Red, the only smart choice is a code 779A black interior, which backs up the Nova's aggressive looks and is this car's original interior choice. Neatly upholstered buckets wear reproduction seat covers that replicate the original patterns and give the Nova an upscale feel inside. The rear bench features factory-style upholstery, too, and it, too, looks completely unused and like new. Base Novas didn't get a lot of gauges, so this one let the aftermarket come to the rescue in the form of a full set of Dakota Digital instruments under a smoked panel, and the effect is very cool when you turn the key. The steering wheel is a custom unit that looks like 1966 all over again but features a fat rim that's easy to grab and there's a well-placed B&M shifter to your right. An AM/FM/iPod head unit nestles into the original opening in the dash so it looks completely at home there while powering a set of 6x9 speakers on the rear package shelf. In back, the trunk offers correct spatter paint and a reproduction mat.

In the light, compact Nova, you don't need a massive chunk of cast iron to make for entertaining performance, and as a result, the 350 cubic inch small block in this provides exhilarating acceleration while maintaining some pretty impressive street manners. It's upgraded with the usual bolt-ons, including an aluminum intake manifold and 4-barrel carburetor and a throaty dual exhaust system. It looks tidy enough, sitting there with its shiny dress-up parts and Chevy Orange paint on the block itself. It's clean underneath, although it's purely driver-grade and not detailed for show. However, things like the rear air shocks, new gas tank, and mono-leaf rear springs suggest someone had a plan when putting it all together And for a totally traditional high-performance look, it has been fitted with 14-inch Rally wheels wearing 195/70/14 front and 225/70/14 rear blackwall radials.

So go ahead and drool; this ultra-clean Nova proves that good things definitely come in small packages. Call today!