What is a Chevy 2?
A Chevy II is Chevrolet’s compact car from the 1960s, a name that ultimately gave way to the Nova branding for the same family of small cars.
The term “Chevy II” generally refers to Chevrolet’s early compact lineup and its evolution into the Nova, encompassing a range of sedans, wagons, and, in some cases, sport-focused variants produced during the decade and into the 1970s.
Origins and naming
Context on how the Chevy II started and how the Nova branding developed over time.
Key milestones in the Chevy II/Nova lineage include:
- 1962: Chevrolet launches the Chevy II as an affordable compact designed to compete with rivals like the Ford Falcon.
- Late 1960s: The Nova badge becomes the dominant model name, and the range expands with different body styles and trims.
- By the end of the 1960s: The Chevy II badge is largely supplanted by the Chevrolet Nova designation for most marketing and documentation.
- 1970s: The Nova continues through multiple generations with various updates before GM shifts toward other small-car offerings in the late 1970s.
These milestones illustrate how the Chevy II started as a budget compact and evolved into the Nova family, a shift that helped Chevrolet diversify its small-car lineup.
Design, body styles, and options
Overview of the typical body styles and options offered during the Chevy II/Nova era.
Notable variants and configurations commonly available included:
- Body styles: two- and four-door sedans, station wagons, and, in some years, coupe configurations.
- Performance variants: Sport packages and higher-trim versions with more powerful engines were offered, especially as the line matured and competed with other sporty compact models.
- Interior and trim: A spectrum from basic economy interiors to more comfortable mid-range trims with upgraded materials and features.
In short, the Chevy II/Nova provided an adaptable, affordable small-car platform with multiple body styles and the potential for enhanced performance in select trims.
Engines and performance
Overview of typical engine options across the era.
Engine families ranged from economical inline-sixes and smaller V8s to more robust V8 options offered on higher trims or performance-oriented packages. The emphasis was on reliability and value for buyers, with sportier variants offering additional acceleration and style.
Legacy and modern references
The Chevy II/Nova lineage remains a touchstone for classic-car collectors and enthusiasts, with preserved examples frequently appearing at shows and auctions. The name continues to symbolize Chevrolet’s era of accessible, compact performance and helped lay the groundwork for later small-car designs.
Summary
The Chevy II, commonly known today through its Nova branding, was Chevrolet’s prominent compact car of the 1960s. It offered practical sedans and wagons with a path toward higher performance in some trims, leaving a lasting imprint on Chevrolet’s history of small, affordable cars.
How much is a 1963 Chevy 2 worth?
Typically, you can expect to pay around $18,625 for a 1963 Chevrolet Chevy II Nova 400 in good condition with average spec. What is the highest selling price of a 1963 Chevrolet Chevy II Nova 400? The highest selling price of a 1963 Chevrolet Chevy II Nova 400 at auction over the last three years was $124,200.
How much is a 1967 Chevy 2 worth?
Typically, you can expect to pay around $8,200 for a 1967 Chevrolet Chevy II 100 in good condition with average spec.
Why is a Nova called a Chevy 2?
There was a lot of debate within the Chevrolet organization over just what to call this new car, and the decision to go with "Chevy II" was a very late one. Among the finalists was Nova. It lost out because it didn't start with a "C," but was selected as the name for the top-of-the-line series.
What's the difference between a Chevy 2 and a Nova?
The Chevy Nova was a trim level within the Chevy II lineup, so the distinction is a matter of branding and time period. From 1962 to 1968, the car was officially the "Chevy II," with "Nova" being the top trim level, like the Malibu for a Chevelle. In 1969, Chevrolet dropped the "Chevy II" name altogether, and the car was known simply as the "Nova" until production ended in 1979.
This video explains the difference between Chevy II and Nova: 58sNovaResourceYouTube · Dec 3, 2017
- Chevy II (1962–1968): The official model name was the Chevy II. The "Nova" was a higher-end trim package within the Chevy II series, which included features like bucket seats and other style upgrades, especially on the Nova 400 models.
- Nova (1969–1979): The "Chevy II" part of the name was dropped, and the car became the Chevrolet Nova. This is when the Nova became its own standalone model, continuing from the previous year's Chevy II Nova design.
You can watch this video to learn more about classic Chevy II Nova: 1mAfter The Smoke ClearedYouTube · Jun 15, 2020
