To the uninformed observer, the low-profile Chevy II Nova with a body composed of sharp planes and simple lines but no distinct style looks like a run-of-the-mill economy car. Most would guess that under the hood lies a four-cylinder engine that generates just enough power to struggle up a moderately steep hill but gets excellent gas mileage.

Chevrolet introduced the Nova in 1962 to compete with the Ford Falcon in the growing compact car segment when the innovative rear-engine Corvair lost much of its appeal. The early model looked and performed like a boring basic daily driver to rival the Falcon and the Plymouth Valiant, but all that changed with the '67 Nova SS.

While the base model Novas came with a 153 cubic-inch inline-four engine rated at a paltry 90 horsepower, the 1967 Chevy II Nova SS was a "wolf in sheep's clothing," a compact muscle car that drew the attention of muscle car enthusiasts.

1966-1967 Chevrolet Nova (Second Generation)

8.20 / 10
Key Features
  • fuel-efficient models
  • 327 cubic inch engine with 350 hp
  • Fuel-efficient
  • High-performance compact car
Specifications
  • Engine/Motor: 194, 230 inline six, 283, 327 V8
  • Horsepower: inline 6: 120, 140, 155 hp; V8: 275, 290, 350 hp
  • Torque: 220-350 lb-ft
  • Drivetrain: RWD
  • Transmission: 3-speed, 4-speed manual, Powerglide automatic
Pros
  • Lightweight with high power/weight ratio
  • Compact size
  • Several engine options in 6-cylinder and V8
  • Safety Features
Cons
  • Lacks muscle car appearance
  • Gear shift on steering column

More Power Than A Full-Sized Muscle Car

1966-1967 Chevrolet Nova (Second Generation) engine
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1967 was a banner year for American muscle cars with the 1967 Shelby GT500, Chevrolet Camaro Z/28, Plymouth Barracuda Formula S, Pontiac GTO, and several others setting speed records, but a compact version was rare.

In addition to the base model four-cylinder, Chevrolet offered the second-generation Novas with several inline-six engine options. The Nova SS came standard with a 194 cubic-inch inline-six rated at 120 horsepower, with upgrades available to two 230 cubic-inch engines producing 140 hp and 155 horsepower, respectively.

The V8 options included two 283 cubic-inch engines with either 195 hp or 220 hp, a 327 cubic-inch mill producing 275 hp, and the top-of-the-line 327 cubic-inch TurboFire V8 generating an impressive (for a compact car) 350 hp. By comparison, the 1967 Chevrolet Camaro Z/28 produced 290 hp with its 302 cubic-inch small-block V8.

Chevy offered three transmission options for the Nova: 3-speed manual, 4-speed manual, and an automatic. The Powerglide automatic transmission was available on all second-generation models except the 327 TurboFire. When mated to the close-ratio 4-speed manual transmission with power sent to the rear wheels, the TurboFire transformed the meek-looking Nova, available only as a two-door coupe, into a full-blown muscle car.

Related: Here's What A 1969 Camaro Z28 Costs Today

The Nova SS Crushes A Camaro Z/28

Dark Blue 1966-1967 Chevrolet Nova (Second Generation)
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For buyers looking for a fuel-efficient means of daily transportation to the office without concern for performance, the Chevy Nova with the 194 cubic-inch inline-six mated to the Powerglide automatic transmission is a good solution. Rated at 12.5 to 15.1 / 14.2 to 17, city/highway mpg, the mileage is disappointing by today's standards, but decent for a compact car of the time.

Buyers looking for muscle car performance need only look at the Nova SS. Both the 1966 and 1967 Chevrolet Chevy II Nova Sedan with a 327 cubic-inch V-8 Turbo-Fire 350-hp engine and a four-speed manual transmission show similar performance specs. A low profile and a high power-to-weight ratio gave the Nova an advantage over some of the competition. The compact muscle car accelerates from 0 to 60 mph in 5.3 seconds, 0-100 km/h in 5.5 seconds, and reaches the quarter mile in 13.8 seconds.

By comparison, the 1967 Chevrolet Camaro with its 302 cubic-inch small block V8 producing 290 hp accelerates to 60 mph in 6.7 seconds and reaches the quarter mile in 14.9 seconds at 97.0 mph.

Related: A Look Back At The 1969 Chevelle SS

The Nova SS Features A Muscle Car Floor-Mounted Gear Shifter

1966-1967 Chevrolet Nova (Second Generation) red interior
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A U.S. federal law making seat belts mandatory came into effect on January 1, 1968, requiring automobile manufacturers to equip all vehicles except buses with seat belts in all designated seating positions.

Although passenger restraints were not yet required for the second-generation Nova, Chevrolet made significant improvements to safety equipment for the 1967 models.

All models included features to reduce injury in a crash to passengers without a seatbelt such as a government-mandated safety steering wheel and energy-absorbing steering column, recessed instrument panel knobs, soft interior components, sun visors and armrests, and front shoulder belt anchors.

While all Nova models change gears with a shifter mounted on the steering column, the Nova SS has a floor-mounted or center-column shifter, characteristic of most muscle cars. Chevrolet distinguished the SS model with SS emblems on the grill and a "Super Sport" (written in script) attached to the rear quarter panel. The name "Nova" is not found anywhere on the SS trim.

Related: Here Is How Car Safety Features Have Evolved Over The Years

Bargain Price For A Compact Muscle Car

1966-1967 Chevrolet Nova (Second Generation) side view
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While the second-generation Chevy Nova doesn't generate the same excitement as full-sized 1960s muscle cars for car tuners, the compact car is still a sought-after model for customization. These "hot rods," modified in the right manner, can fetch over $100,000 on the resale market.

Factory 1966-1967 Chevrolet Nova SS models have held their value and those in good shape equipped with the 327-cubic-inch, 350-hp Turbo-Fire V-8 are selling in the $40,000 to $50,000 range.

The second-generation Nova SS offers an opportunity for the muscle-car enthusiast to take ownership without spending the fortune needed to purchase a full-sized classic muscle car.