Chevrolet Chevy II/Nova SS 327
by Chris Hafner
on November 30, 2007
It's a classic formula for cheap speed--take a light, humble,
entry-level car, wedge in a big performance engine, stiffen up the suspension,
and you have a pint-sized hot rod; a David capable of conquering the largest,
most grotesque big-block Goliaths in the automotive world.The Chevy II/Nova was Chevrolet's tiny compact car of the 1960s--a car
reviled by the young and hip, at least when they weren't busy ignoring it, as a
secretary's car (a wildly inappropriate insult now, but commonplace at the
time). The introduction of the Corvette's exciting 350-horsepower,
327-cubic-inch small bock V-8--with fuel injection, exotic technology back
then--changed all that.
The effect was akin to putting Rocky Balboa's heart and muscle in
Michael J. Fox's body--an unassuming, unintimidating, self-effacing everyman was
suddenly infused with the fight, power, and drive of a world-class brawler. All
of a sudden, Chevy's budget compact was a world-class performer; a subtle street
stalker that could purée a Ford Mustang.
To modern eyes, the Chevy II/Nova SS 327 looks even better now than it did
then. Compared to modern cars, its small, delicate contours look more classic
and less wimpy than they once did, and its less-gargantuan dimensions give it
more pleasing proportions than many of its bigger contemporaries.
Nova Resource.org is just that--an excellent repository for
technical specs, sales brochures, and owner photos, including those featured
here.
And, yeah, I realize I just did two Chevys in a row. Don't worry, Ford fans, I'll get you equal time.
And, yeah, I realize I just did two Chevys in a row. Don't worry, Ford fans, I'll get you equal time.
pops on January 27, 2008 at 04:43 PM
My first ride in a hot rod was in the back seat of a brand new 1966 Chevy II with the 350hp 327 engine. A friend of my sister had just purchased the car and was anxious to show it off. I was 15 years old at the time and the hottest car I had ever ridden in was a 1959 Chevy wagon.
The new owner took it to redline in each gear, much to my delight. I will never forget the sound of that 327 screaming, the new car smell of vinyl and carpet and the incredible accleration.
I still love the look of the car, probably becuase it brings back those memories of a time 42+ years ago, that I will never forget. Thanks for the article on this great car!!!