Chevy II: A Brief Overview
The Chevy II, also known as the Chevrolet Chevy II, was a small automobile manufactured by Chevrolet and produced in six generations from 1962 through 1979, and then again from 1985 through 1988. It was designed as a basic-type car and aimed to compete with the Ford Falcon, with a rapid development program that led to its production just 18 months after the designers got the green light.
Development and Features
The Chevy II was developed on a tight schedule, with no time for experimentation or new ideas, resulting in a fairly conventional car. It rode on a 110-inch wheelbase and was designed to be a back-to-basics, low-cost compact car. The model was available in various body styles, including two- or four-door sedans, four-door wagons, two-door convertibles, and two-door hardtop coupes, with the latter two body styles exclusive to the Nova line .
Name Transition
Initially introduced as the Chevy II, the name “Nova” was eventually chosen as the name for the higher-end, sportier trim option, and it officially replaced the Chevy II as the car’s name in 1969. Nova became the top model in the Chevy II lineup through 1968, and the Chevy II nameplate was dropped, with Nova becoming the nameplate for the 1969 through 1979 models .
Engine Options
The Chevy II received a V8 option in 1964, with a 283 V8 capable of producing about 195 hp and a substantial 285 lb-ft of torque. In 1965, it received an additional boost with a new 327 V8 offering 300 hp, making it capable of holding its own against other powerful cars of the time.
Generations
The Chevy II was produced in six generations:
1. 1st Gen (1962-1965)
2. 2nd Gen (1966-1967)
3. 3rd Gen (1968-1972)
4. 4th Gen (1973-1974)
5. 5th Gen (1975-1979)
6. 6th Gen (1985-1988)
The Chevy II was a significant part of Chevrolet’s automotive history, offering a budget-friendly compact car option with various trims and engine choices over its production years.
Contents
- Why was it called the Chevy II?
- What is the oldest Chevy model?
- Is a 68 Nova a Chevy 2?
- What year Nova is the most sought after?
- Why did they stop making Novas?
- What year was the first Chevy 2 Nova?
- How much did a 1970 Nova cost?
- Is a Chevy II a Nova?
- What was the Pontiac version of the Chevy Nova?
- What is the difference between a Nova and a Chevy 2?
Why was it called the Chevy II?
Chevy management finally decided on “Chevy II,” because it started with a “C”—really. That’s why the other name they liked didn’t win the day—however, they decided to keep it for the top trim line for the Chevy II Series. That name was “Nova.” In other words, anyone who owned a Nova actually owned a Chevy II.
What is the oldest Chevy model?
Chevy Series C Classic Six
With instruction from Louis, the first car was designed, the Chevy Series C Classic Six. The prototype of the C was ready months before it was incorporated with production didn’t begin until the 1913 model. Chevrolet first introduced and used the “bowtie” emblem in 1914 on the H series models and the L series model.
Is a 68 Nova a Chevy 2?
Built on the X-body platform, the Nova was the top selling model in the Chevy II lineup through 1968. The Chevy II nameplate was dropped after 1968, with Nova becoming the nameplate for all of the 1969 through 1979 models. It was replaced by the 1980 Chevrolet Citation introduced in the spring of 1979.
What year Nova is the most sought after?
Q: What is the most sought-after Chevy Nova? A: The 1966-1970 Chevy Nova SS models, particularly those with the 396 big-block engine, are among the most sought-after. These models are beloved for their power, style, and the rumble of that big-block engine.
Why did they stop making Novas?
The Chevelle and the Nova were “mid-sized” cars. The problem was that with the downsizing trend of the 1970s as the gas prices put a squeeze on eerything, the full-sized cars started to shrink down to what those two mid-sized cars were. They were effectively squeezed out of the market.
What year was the first Chevy 2 Nova?
1962
The Chevy Nova was first introduced in 1962 as the top trim level for the new Chevy II compact. While the compact itself, the Corvair, was meant to be a rival for Volkswagen Bettle, the Chevy II was to challenge Ford Falcon.
How much did a 1970 Nova cost?
In 1970, 247,344 Novas were built, even though it was a holdover from 1969. And because production ceased on the Corvair in 1969, the 1970 Nova became Chevrolet’s economy car. The 1970 Nova began with a basic list price of $2,176 for a two-door sedan with a four-cylinder engine.
Is a Chevy II a Nova?
Built on the X-body platform, the Nova was the top selling model in the Chevy II lineup through 1968. The Chevy II nameplate was dropped after 1968, with Nova becoming the nameplate for all of the 1969 through 1979 models.
What was the Pontiac version of the Chevy Nova?
From 1971, the Ventura nameplate was used on Pontiac’s version of the Chevrolet Nova until it was replaced by the front wheel drive Pontiac Phoenix.
What is the difference between a Nova and a Chevy 2?
When the new Chevy II came out in 1968, Chevrolet began to back away from the Chevy II name. The car was officially called the Chevy II Nova, though marketing materials often referred to the car simply as Nova. For 1969, the Chevy II name was dropped and the car became known as the Chevrolet Nova.