It is always fascinating to review a legendary car line. With the likes of Ford, Dodge, and GM, it is also very difficult to have an all-time favorite. But some cars are just so iconic and prestigious that no matter which one of these company’s you’re a fan of, you just have to give it up and say that I am a fan of all classic cars.
The Chevrolet Nova is one of those cars that make you realize why you fell in love with cars in the first place. With its one-of-a-kind design and personality, this car ruled the 60s and the 70s.
All of the model years of the Chevy Nova were legendary and stood the test of time, but we can always have a favorite. But first, let’s take a look at the birth of this beloved vehicle and check out some history.
A Quick Glance At The History Of The Nova
Clare MacKichan, a Chevrolet designer, recounted the establishment of the Chevy II, saying, There was no place for experimenting or scribbling around with new concepts either from technicians or us in design, and it had to be a basic-type vehicle." The 1962 Chevrolet II had a 110-inch (2,800-mm) wheelbase, in comparison to the Ford Falcon's 109.5-inch (2,780-mm) wheelbase, which was the car that the new chevy was targeting.
"I believe that was the fastest project we've ever done," he added. "We worked on that vehicle day in and day out, and because we had a target date, it didn't take long to put it through our shop." And it was because of this that the Chevy II became one of the quickest new-car development projects in GM history: barely 18 months after the architects were given the go-ahead, the very first production Chevy II drove off the Willow Run, Michigan, production line in August 1961, in preparation for its September 29 debut.
Unlike the Corvair, the 1962 Chevy II development team purposefully eschewed any groundbreaking innovations, either in idea or practice; their goal was to provide Chevrolet purchasers with a simple, back-to-basics compact automobile.
Chevrolet General Manager Ed Cole defined the Chevy II to the media as combining "absolute functionalism with thrift." When the Chevy II was launched, it was the first post-World War II vehicle using a four-cylinder engine.
There was extensive disagreement inside the Chevrolet Company over what to title this new car, and the conclusion to choose "Chevy II" came very late in the game. Nova was one of the candidates. It was passed over because it did not begin with a "C," but it was chosen as the title for the top-of-the-line series. The Nova nameplate would eventually replace the Chevy II, but not until 1969.
The 1968 Chevy Nova: Our Favorite
In 1968, Chevrolet debuted a brand-new compact with a modern semi-fastback style comparable to that of the also-new Chevelle. The 111-inch wheelbase was nearly as lengthy as the Chevelle's, despite the total length being a foot less. Only two- and four-door sedans were available: the convertible, wagon, and hardtop coupe were no longer available.
Chevrolet was abandoning the Chevy II name. The whole series was known as the Chevy II Nova, but the car was simply defined as "Nova" in sales pamphlets.
The 90 HP 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine was still available, as were the 3.8-liter and 4.1-liter straight sixes. The 295 HP 5.7-liter engine and massive suspension were included on the 1968 Nova SS, transforming it into a true muscle car.
In 1969, the Chevy II badge was eliminated, and the car was renamed the Chevrolet Nova. The improvements would be mostly limited to engines during the following years.
The Nova got stronger and stronger each year. Chevrolet offered a 5.7-liter engine with 300 HP for the Nova SS in 1970 and a 255 HP version for lower Novas.
Besides what was under the hood, the 1968 Chevy Nova's design was next-level. With a style that fused a gritty look with an elegant spice, the 1968 Nova was as eye-catching as any car ever.
Not To Forget About Other Novas
There are other Chevy Nova models that are as iconic as the one mentioned earlier. The 1963 Chevy Nova that started this legendary lineup with its sporty exterior was a game-changer for the company.
The 1975 Chevy Nova was a new look for the series. It was not a muscle car anymore but kept the semi-fastback style. It was one of the most beautiful cars of the 70s.
The 1985 Nova that was made in partnership with Toyota and was half American, half Japanese. It had a more modern look to it and was a more international vehicle.
The Soulful American Muscle
Car enthusiasts never get tired of reminiscing the older car series. With the creation of the Chevy Nova, GM started a new chapter in the history of the automotive industry.
It is hard not to love this glamorous 60s based car. In this world of electrifications and over-the-top finishes, it’s good to sometimes go back in time and appreciate the greatness of the pioneers that paved the way for future innovations.