Chevrolet introduced its Chevy II/Nova - opens in new window or tab. in 1962 as straightforward, compact transportation. But hot rodders, racers, and customizers saw the lightweight box on wheels as an envelope ripe for pushing. The restomod 1964 Nova station wagon recently for sale on eBay is a brightly-hued expression of that creativity.
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Falcon Fighter
The chrome-laden land barges Detroit produced in the late 1950s sparked a backlash among buyers looking for simpler, more economical transport. Chasing rising import sales, the Big Three introduced brand-new compact cars for 1960: the Chevrolet Corvair, Ford Falcon - opens in new window or tab., and Chrysler Corporation’s (later branded Plymouth) Valiant - opens in new window or tab..
With a rear-mounted, air-cooled engine, the Corvair - opens in new window or tab. seemed (on paper, anyway) an apt response to the ascendant Volkswagen Beetle - opens in new window or tab.. But Corvair sales lagged, especially when compared to the conventionally-designed Falcon. Chevrolet’s none-too-soon trip back to the drawing board resulted in the simple Chevy II and its top-tier Nova trim.
Young couples, small families, and their parents loved it. So did a rowdier group who discovered its engine bay could swallow a V-8. Sorry, Grandma. Your grocery-getter makes a great gasser.
Surf’s Up
Drag racing just scratched the surface of what Chevy IIs could do. They road raced, rallied, and even served as a low-cost alternative to a surfer’s vintage woodie.
This Nova for sale on eBay has some of that beachy vibe, as surfboards - opens in new window or tab. are included with the car. But really, it’s a well-executed machine that embraces sensible upgrades over strict originality. The seller states the wagon underwent a frame-off restoration - opens in new window or tab. that included “all high-end parts,” fresh two-stage paint, new or redone chrome, and impressive work under the body.
It’s in immaculate condition, given the 1,000 miles the Nova wagon's traveled since restoration. It also has upgraded QA1 coilover suspension - opens in new window or tab. augmented by power steering and brakes. This vehicle makes a nod towards Pro Touring - opens in new window or tab.. The idea is to bring these vintage cars up to modern standards of ride and handling.
Legacy Crate Engine
The Nova is powered by Chevrolet’s popular 350-cubic-inch ZZ4 crate small-block V-8. The ZZ4 was good for around 350 horsepower and some 400 pound-feet of torque in its day. That’s plenty of oomph for the lightweight wagon. Bone stock, these ‘64s only ever came with 220 horsepower for their roughly 3,000 lbs. of curb weight.
Key upgrades under the wagon’s hood include:
- Stainless-steel brake - opens in new window or tab. and fuel lines
Backing the V-8 is a 200R automatic transmission fitted with a Lokar floor-mounted shifter and a 3.55-geared 10-bolt rear end.
Custom Interior
The Nova Wagon’s tasteful two-tone interior features custom tan leather upholstery with white accents. The dashboard, too, is white, as is the replica Impala steering wheel mounted on an IDIDIT tilt column.
A Vintage Air system provides heat and air conditioning, and the new stereo is Sirius XM-compatible. Should the Nova wagon's new owner want to haul surfboards, the rear window powers down.
One of the Nova wagon’s most interesting custom touches is subtle: the rear exterior door handles were shaved. At first glance, it looks like a sporty two-door shooting brake. Yet with that bright paint and rumbly ZZ4, this Nova’s subtlety ends there.
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This article is meant to provide general guidance only. Automotive maintenance, repair, upgrade, and installation may depend on vehicle-specifics such as make and model. Always consult your owner's manual, repair guide for specific information for your particular vehicle and consider a licensed auto-care professional's help as well, particularly for advance repairs.