The Chevrolet Nova, a compact car produced by Chevrolet from 1962 to 1979, and then again from 1985 to 1988, holds a special place in automotive history. Known for its reliability, affordability, and potential for customization, the Nova became a favorite among budget-conscious buyers, hot rodders, and everyday drivers alike. Understanding the nuances of each model year is crucial for anyone considering purchasing or restoring a Nova.
This guide delves into the various generations of the Chevy Nova, highlighting the best years for performance, style, and overall value, while also pointing out the years that might present more challenges for enthusiasts.
| Model Year(s) | Notable Strengths | Potential Drawbacks |
|---|---|---|
| 1962-1965 (First Generation) | Simple design, relatively lightweight, easy to work on, classic styling. | Limited engine options (initially), drum brakes, basic interior appointments. |
| 1966-1967 (Second Generation) | More powerful engine options (including V8s), improved styling, available Super Sport (SS) package. | Rust susceptibility, especially around wheel wells and lower body panels. |
| 1968-1972 (Third Generation) | Wide range of engine choices (including high-performance small blocks), updated styling, improved handling (later years). | 1968 models had some suspension issues, increasing emissions regulations impacted performance in later years, rust. |
| 1973-1974 (Fourth Generation - A Body) | Improved interior space and comfort, more modern styling (for the time), decent fuel economy (with smaller engines). | Reduced performance compared to earlier generations, larger and heavier than previous models, controversial styling. |
| 1975-1979 (Fourth Generation - A Body) | Continued improvements in comfort and features, availability of economical engines. | Further decline in performance due to emissions regulations, styling not as popular as earlier generations, rust. |
| 1985-1988 (Fifth Generation - NUMMI Built) | Fuel-efficient, reliable transportation, good build quality (due to NUMMI partnership with Toyota). | Not as desirable among collectors, limited performance potential, generic styling. |
| 1969 Nova SS 396 | Arguably the most desirable Nova, packing serious horsepower in a small package. | Extremely rare and expensive, prone to rust, requires specialized knowledge for restoration. |
Detailed Explanations
1962-1965 (First Generation): These Novas are celebrated for their simplicity and classic early 1960s styling. They're relatively lightweight, making them fun to drive, and their straightforward design makes them easy to work on for DIY mechanics. However, the initial engine options were somewhat limited, mostly focusing on smaller inline-four and inline-six engines, and the drum brakes offered less stopping power than later disc brake systems. The interiors were also quite basic, reflecting the car's budget-friendly nature.
1966-1967 (Second Generation): This generation marked a significant step up in performance, with the introduction of more powerful V8 engine options. The styling was also refined, giving the Nova a more aggressive and appealing look. The availability of the Super Sport (SS) package further enhanced the car's performance and appearance. Unfortunately, these models are prone to rust, particularly around the wheel wells and lower body panels, requiring careful inspection and potentially extensive restoration work.
1968-1972 (Third Generation): The third-generation Nova is often considered the sweet spot for many enthusiasts. It offered a wide range of engine choices, from economical inline-sixes to potent small-block V8s, including the legendary 396 cubic inch engine. The styling was updated, and later years saw improvements in handling. The 1968 models, however, had some reported suspension issues, and increasingly stringent emissions regulations began to impact performance in the later years of this generation. Rust remained a concern.
1973-1974 (Fourth Generation - A Body): These Novas were larger and more comfortable than their predecessors, with improved interior space and a more modern (for the time) styling. They also offered decent fuel economy with smaller engine options. However, the larger size and weight contributed to reduced performance compared to earlier generations. The styling of this generation is also considered less desirable by some enthusiasts.
1975-1979 (Fourth Generation - A Body): The fourth-generation Nova continued to focus on comfort and features, with further improvements in interior appointments. Economical engine options remained available. However, increasingly strict emissions regulations continued to stifle performance, and the styling of these later models is not as universally admired as earlier generations. Rust remained a significant problem.
1985-1988 (Fifth Generation - NUMMI Built): This generation of the Nova was a completely different animal. Built in a joint venture between General Motors and Toyota (NUMMI), these Novas were fuel-efficient, reliable, and well-built. However, they lacked the performance and classic styling that made earlier Novas so popular. They are generally considered more of a practical and economical transportation option than a collector's item.
1969 Nova SS 396: The 1969 Nova SS 396 is arguably the most desirable Nova of all. Packing a powerful 396 cubic inch V8 engine into a relatively small and lightweight car created a true performance machine. These models are extremely rare and expensive, making them highly sought after by collectors. Due to their age, they are prone to rust and require specialized knowledge for restoration.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which Nova year is the most collectible? The 1969 Nova SS 396 is generally considered the most collectible due to its high performance and rarity.
What years of the Nova are most prone to rust? The 1966-1979 Novas are particularly susceptible to rust, especially around the wheel wells, lower body panels, and floorboards.
Are the 1985-1988 Novas any good? Yes, the 1985-1988 Novas are known for their reliability and fuel efficiency, thanks to their Toyota-influenced design and build quality.
What makes the Super Sport (SS) Nova special? The SS package included performance upgrades like a more powerful engine, upgraded suspension, and distinctive styling elements, making it a more desirable and sporty version of the Nova.
Which Nova year is the easiest to work on? The first-generation (1962-1965) Novas are generally considered the easiest to work on due to their simple design and readily available parts.
What should I look for when buying a used Nova? Check for rust, engine condition, transmission health, and the overall condition of the body and interior. Verify the VIN to ensure the car is what the seller claims it to be.
Can I put a modern engine in an older Nova? Yes, engine swaps are a common modification for Novas. LS engines are a popular choice for their power and relatively compact size.
Are parts readily available for older Novas? Yes, parts availability for older Novas is generally good, with many aftermarket suppliers specializing in restoration and performance parts.
Conclusion
Choosing the best year for a Chevrolet Nova depends heavily on your individual priorities. If you're looking for a classic muscle car with high performance potential, the 1969 Nova SS 396 is the ultimate choice, but be prepared for a significant investment and potential restoration work. For a more affordable and practical option, the later fourth-generation models or the NUMMI-built fifth-generation offer decent comfort and reliability. Carefully consider your budget, desired performance level, and tolerance for restoration work when making your decision.