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The Chevy Nova, a Consumer Favorite

The Chevy Nova, a Consumer Favorite

From its start as an economical small car, to its rise to one of the best known muscle cars of its era, the Chevy Nova has long been a consumer favorite.

In 1960, Chevrolet went to the drawing board and designed a compact car that would be economical and appealing to the average consumer. By 1962, the first Chevy II Nova rolled off the production line.

This first model was available in three different series and five different styles, giving  consumers plenty of choice.There were also two different engine choices: a 153, 4-cylinder and a 194 6-cylinder with the option between three series - 100, 300, and 400.

The convertible 400 series was one of the biggest sellers in the 1960s and cost roughly $2,475. Now, a 1962 Chevy II Nova 400 drop-top would sell for a little more than $20,000 due to inflation!

At BluePrint Engines, we have the industry's best-in-class warranty for 30 months or 50,000 miles and applies to individual or professional installations so you can get to cruising around town with confidence and peace of mind.

In fact, check out this awesome Nova sporting one of our popular SBCs!

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Our 383’s Power Classic Novas

Our 383’s Power Classic Novas

Produced in five generations by Chevrolet, the Nova is one of the most recognized  Chevy models in the world.

The Nova was the top model in the Chevy II lineup through 1968. The Chevy II nameplate was then dropped, making Nova the nameplate for the 1969 through 1979 models. Built on the X-body platform, the Nova was replaced by the 1980 Chevrolet Citation introduced in the spring of 1979.

Chevrolet designer Clare MacKichan recalled about creating the Chevy II: "There was no time for experimentation or doodling around with new ideas from either the engineers or from us in design; And it had to be a basic-type car."

The 1962 Chevy II rode a 110-inch wheelbase, compared to 109.5 for the Ford Falcon, at which Chevy's new compact was aimed.

"I think that was the quickest program we ever did at any time," MacKichan continued. "We worked night and day on that car, and it didn't take very long to run it through our shop because we had a deadline."

That’s what made the Chevy II one of the fastest new-car development programs in General Motors history. Only 18 months after the designers got the green light, the first production Chevy II rolled off the Willow Run, Michigan, assembly line in August 1961, in time for its introduction on September 29 that same year.

Unlike the Corvair, the 1962 Chevy II was deliberately never intended to be revolutionary in concept or execution; its mission was to give Chevrolet buyers a simple, “back-to-the-basics” compact car.

Because of its compact design, it’s become a popular car for collectors.

In fact, we were sent this photo of a classic, candy-apple-red Nova powered by one of our 383’s!

 

This is a great looking ride with and even more powerful engine.

BluePrint Engines has the industry's best-in-class warranty for 30 months or 50,000 miles and applies to individual or professional installations so you can get to hustling around cones with confidence and peace of mind.

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