Was there a Chevy Nova SS?
The Chevrolet Nova did indeed have a Super Sport (SS) variant, produced in several periods from the early 1960s through the early 1970s.
These SS cars were not a single model year but a performance‑minded trim package applied to the Chevy II/Nova lineup, with early 1963–1965 versions and a late‑1960s revival in 1969–1970 that carried distinct styling and engine options.
Early Nova SS generations (1963–1965)
In the infancy of the Nova, the SS badge signaled a sportier version with performance options and styling cues. These cars emphasized lightweight handling combined with available V8 power and distinctive trim.
Below are the key milestones from the early SS era.
- 1963 Chevy II/Nova SS: The original factory SS in the Nova line, typically offered with a V8 engine and unique badging and interior accents.
- 1964–1965 Nova SS: Continued the SS option with upgraded instrumentation, trim accents, and available V8 power for improved performance.
- Legacy: The early SS models established the Nova’s identity as a compact performer within Chevrolet’s lineup.
These early iterations set the template for how a small Chevy could deliver performance styling without becoming a full‑size muscle car.
The 1969–1970 Nova SS revival
Chevrolet revived the SS badge on the Nova in the late 1960s, aligning with the era’s muscle‑car craze. The 1969–1970 Nova SS carried more aggressive styling and a range of V8 options, giving buyers a more explicit performance package within the Nova family.
The following points summarize the late‑60s revival of the Nova SS.
- 1969 Nova SS: Marked the revival of the SS within the Nova line, with powerful V8 options and distinctive SS badging and styling cues.
- 1970 Nova SS: Continued the performance theme with updated option mixes and the familiar SS appearance that enthusiasts recognize today.
- Collector context: The 1969–1970 Nova SS remains the best‑known and most sought‑after period among Nova SS enthusiasts due to its balance of performance potential and era styling.
These late‑1960s SS models reinforced the Nova as a practical car with genuine performance potential, fitting Chevrolet’s muscle‑car strategy of the era.
What defined the SS package across generations?
Across generations, the SS package typically included visual cues—badging, stripes, and wheels—along with interior and instrumentation upgrades. Engine options varied by year, and many SS cars were built with a mix of features that produced the “SS” look without always delivering the full performance package. When restoring or authenticating a Nova SS, confirming the correct engine and option codes is important for provenance and value.
Current status and takeaway
Today, the Nova SS remains a notable chapter in Chevrolet’s performance history. From the original 1963–1965 iterations to the 1969–1970 revival, the SS variants helped define the Nova as more than just a small family car. Surviving Nova SS cars are popular with collectors and restorers, with value influenced by authenticity, originality, and condition.
Summary: There was a Chevy Nova SS, in multiple periods, as a performance‑oriented trim package rather than a single model year. The early 1960s NS era and the late‑1960s revival produced some of the most recognizable and collectible Nova variants, blending styling with engine options that appealed to enthusiasts then and now.
