![]() Super Sports would continue as the Nova line gained a massive revamping for 1968 but the SS mystique edged over to the bigger Chevrolets for its final years.įor 1963-1967 Chevrolet Chevy II Nova SS specifications, go on to the next page.“Up with good looks. A black-out grille and visored headlights weren't enough to lure customers - some of whom were moving upward to Chevelle's SS and its 396-cid potential. All this potential must have struck a chord with the public, as Super Sport sales more than doubled.Įlation had to be short-lived, as SS production for 1967 slumped back to 10,100. In five years, the Chevrolet Chevy II Nova SS had grown from a mild-mannered utility vehicle to one of the hottest street performers, capable of traveling to 60 in 7.2 seconds - provided that the assertive 327 was installed.Įven the milder 327 with Powerglide did the trick in 8.6 seconds. A close-ratio four-speed gearbox was available with that top powerplant, but not Powerglide automatic. Two tougher versions of the 327 emerged: one cranking out 275 bhp, the other tweaked to 350. A tachometer was optional other gauges were not.Īs before, the SS package came with any powertrain, except the four-cylinder. Strato-bucket front seats were part of the $159 SS package, which included console shift. Even so, Super Sport production slipped to 9,100.Įxtensive restyling for 1966 gave the series a sharp-edged, masculine look appropriate with the changing times, accented by a semi-fastback roofline taper and angular rear end. A more potent version of the 283 arrived at midyear, with dual exhaust pipes helping to whip up 220 horsepower. Additional vigor could be ordered for 1965 in the form of a 327-cid V-8, churning up 250 or 300 horsepower.Ī mild face-lift produced a cleaner front end with bumper-mounted signal lamps. Motor Trend managed only an 11.3-second time to 60 mph with the 195-bhp engine. With sharper teeth." Full-throat screamers these were not, even with V-8 power. "Despite its new vigor," ads declared, "it's still a nice, quiet, sturdy, sensible, unpretentious car. More than one-third of this year's sport coupes had the SS option. Inside were front bucket seats and a console-mounted gearshift, for either the Powerglide automatic or - yes, there it was - a four-speed for the V-8. Thin body-peak moldings went on SS coupes, and the rear cove was silver-colored. Could Chevrolet not follow suit?Ĭontinue to the next page to learn more about the 1963-1967 Chevrolet Chevy II Nova SS. Ford dropped a V-8 into its Falcon this year. It required larger (14-inch) tires and included a four-gauge instrument cluster, front bucket seats, silver-striped body moldings - but the ordinary six-cylinder engine. ![]() Mild restyling with a bolder aluminum grille for 1963 was accompanied by the availability of a $161 Super Sport package, claimed to deliver "Nova 400 glamor with a sports car flourish" when installed on sport coupes and convertibles. When an early 360-bhp conversion by Bill Thomas dashed to 60 mph in a stunning 5.2 seconds, more than a few performance fans took note. Installation of V-8s was underway during 1962, but only at individual dealerships, using over-the-counter parts. No, what did the trick was the Super Sport option introduced for 1963 - plus the potential for V-8 power. Single-leaf rear springs were claimed to eliminate the "inherent harshness found in multi-leaf springs." Giving a hint of things to come, front bucket seats were available on the Nova 400 two-door.Ĭhevrolet's first four-cylinder powerplant since 1928 isn't what cemented Chevy II's spot in the automotive annals. The luxury Nova 400 line added a sport coupe (hardtop) and convertible.Įither a 153-cid Super-Thrift four-cylinder engine or 194-cid six provided the power. ![]() Sedans and wagons came in basic 100 and midrange 300 series. will catch glances years away from the showroom." Chevrolet billed its unibody senior compact as "the thrift car," though insisting that its "no-nonsense styling. So, the boxy little Chevy II dashed into the 1962 lineup to fill the void.Īt first, it didn't look like much: just basic ho-hum transportation to rival the Falcon and Valiant, as well as the rising number of imports. Chevrolet needed something new - but not so different - to compete in the growing compact category. ![]() The rear-engined Corvair, though technically innovative, lagged in universal appeal. Ford's compact Falcon had Chevrolet worried. ![]()
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