What kind of car is a Nova?
The Nova is a compact Chevrolet built in the United States from the early 1960s through the late 1970s, originally introduced as the Chevy II and later branded under the Nova name. It became one of GM’s best-known small cars and remains a popular classic today.
Origins and positioning in the Chevrolet lineup
The Nova originated from Chevrolet’s Chevy II lineup as an affordable, compact alternative to larger American cars. It was designed to attract buyers seeking practical transportation with the option of sportier performance variants, helping Chevrolet broaden its appeal during a era of growing consumer demand for smaller, more efficient cars.
Common body styles offered across the Nova’s life included:
- 2-door coupe
- 4-door sedan
- 4-door station wagon
These configurations gave buyers flexibility from family-friendly wagons to nimble two-door coupes, while the range of trim levels allowed for economical daily driving or a touch of sportiness.
Generations and design evolution
The Nova evolved through three broad phases in the 1960s and 1970s, reflecting shifts in GM engineering, safety rules, and consumer tastes. The early years leaned on the simple Chevy II platform, while later models adopted more modern styling and, at times, larger dimensions to keep pace with market demand. The final years of the original Nova era saw ongoing updates to safety features and interior comfort before GM transitioned the model to newer mid-size platforms.
First phase: the Chevy II to Nova badge
In its initial years, the car was marketed as the Chevy II and gradually adopted the Nova name as a sportier, more distinctive small-car option. The emphasis was on affordability, easy maintenance, and a straightforward driving experience.
Muscle-era refinements and restyling
As the 1960s progressed, the Nova line saw styling updates and the introduction of performance-oriented variants that appealed to enthusiasts. Powertrain choices expanded beyond basic inline-sixes to include V8 options, and trim packages highlighted sportier character without losing the model’s practicality.
Late-1970s shifts and production wrap
The late 1970s brought further revisions in response to safety regulations and changing market pressures. The Nova continued to serve as an affordable entry point for Chevrolet buyers, even as GM prepared new small-car platforms to replace older designs.
Powertrains and performance
Engine options for the Nova varied over its production, spanning practical inline-sixes to more powerful V8 configurations. The model also spawned a dedicated performance variant that catered to buyers seeking extra speed and improved handling.
- Inline-six engines (typical displacements around 194 cu in and 230 cu in)
- Small-block V8 options (283 cu in, 327 cu in, 350 cu in) offered in various years and trims
- Nova SS performance package with upgraded suspension and more potent V8 power in certain years
Those powertrain choices made the Nova versatile: economical daily transport when equipped with smaller engines, and a more spirited performer with V8 options and the SS package for enthusiasts.
Naming myths and market reach
A long-running urban legend tied the Nova’s name to a Spanish phrase “no va,” meaning “doesn’t go.” While popular in pop culture, Chevrolet has explained that the name referred to the car’s place in the Chevy II/Nova lineup and did not intend a negative connotation. The myth persists, but it does not reflect the car’s actual branding strategy or market reception.
Globally, the Nova name appeared in various markets and sometimes aligned with related GM small-car designs shared across brands. In North America, the model is most closely associated with the Chevy II/Nova lineage, while other regions saw different branding or adaptations based on local engineering programs.
Legacy and current status
Summary
The Nova stands as Chevrolet’s enduring compact, born from the Chevy II and evolving through generations to become a recognizable symbol of 1960s-1970s American motoring. It blended practicality with potential for performance, contributing to Chevrolet’s broader strategy of offering affordable, diverse small cars. For collectors today, the Nova’s appeal lies in its historical significance, variety of body styles, and the joy of reviving a classic piece of GM engineering.
What is a 1970 Nova worth today?
Typically, you can expect to pay around $14,900 for a 1970 Chevrolet Nova in good condition with average spec. The highest selling price of a 1970 Chevrolet Nova at auction over the last three years was $220,000.
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
How much is a 1972 Nova worth today?
Typically, you can expect to pay around $18,567 for a 1972 Chevrolet Nova in good condition with average spec. The highest selling price of a 1972 Chevrolet Nova at auction over the last three years was $106,700.
How much is a 1968 Nova worth?
Typically, you can expect to pay around $14,300 for a 1968 Chevrolet Nova in good condition with average spec. The highest selling price of a 1968 Chevrolet Nova at auction over the last three years was $101,520.
