Did they make a 66 Nova convertible?
The short answer is no. Chevrolet did not produce a factory-created 1966 Nova convertible.
In the 1966 model year, the Chevy II/Nova lineup offered several body styles, but a factory convertible was not part of the program. This is reflected in period catalogs and GM production records, and remains a point of clarification for collectors and enthusiasts when evaluating surviving cars or advertisements. If you encounter a car marketed as a 1966 Nova convertible, it is more likely to be an aftermarket modification or a misidentified model rather than a factory-built convertible.
What the 1966 Chevy II/Nova offered
The following overview covers the official body styles available for the 1966 Nova in the United States. Note that none of these came as a factory convertible.
- 2-door coupe
- 4-door sedan
- 4-door wagon (station wagon)
In summary, the 1966 Nova lineup did not include a factory convertible; the options were coupe, sedan, and wagon variants, with performance-oriented trim levels such as the Nova SS offered within those body styles.
Why the misconception persists
Despite the clear factory lineup, myths persist about a 1966 Nova convertible. Photos from dealer promos, custom builds, or mislabeling of a model year can lead to confusion among casual observers and collectors alike.
If you encounter a vehicle advertised as a 1966 Nova convertible, seek primary documentation and corroboration from credible sources such as the GM Heritage Center, build sheets, and period catalogs to confirm authenticity.
How to verify authenticity
When researching a car's provenance, rely on primary documentation and cross-check with reputable collector guides. The following steps can help determine whether a Nova was factory-equipped with a convertible or not.
- Check the VIN and body style code on the trim plate and any build sheet to confirm model year and body configuration.
- Request the factory build sheet or invoice; the absence of a convertible option in factory records strongly suggests it was not factory-built as a convertible.
- Compare with period catalogs and GM production records for the 1966 Nova lineup to confirm that no convertible option existed for that year.
Bottom line: there is no factory 1966 Nova convertible in Chevrolet's production history; any claims should be substantiated with verifiable documentation.
Summary: The 1966 Nova did not have a factory convertible. If you see one advertised, treat it as likely aftermarket or misidentified, not factory-built. For collectors and restorers, authenticity and documentation from reliable sources are essential.
