1966 Chevrolet Nova

Description

The second-generation Chevrolet Chevy II arrived for 1966 with completely redesigned styling, bringing sharper body lines, a wider stance and a more substantial appearance while retaining the compact proportions that made the Nova such a popular performance platform. This 1966 Chevrolet Nova takes that familiar shape in a thoroughly modernized direction, having undergone an extensive rotisserie restoration that included significant chassis and suspension upgrades, tubbed rear wheelhouses and a detailed, show-quality undercarriage. Finished in Light Blue Metallic over a custom two-tone interior, the build is powered by an LS6 V8 backed by a 4L60E automatic transmission and a Strange Engineering 9" rear axle.

The body is finished in Light Blue Metallic, a subtle color that highlights the Nova's crisp body lines while retaining a largely traditional exterior appearance. Chrome front and rear bumpers, bright window surrounds, body-side moldings and factory-style trim preserve the character of the original design. The restoration extends beneath the car, where the floors and structural components are finished to complement the body rather than simply undercoated. Tubbed rear wheelhouses provide clearance for the widened rear footprint. Polished Intro wheels measure 18" up front and 20" at the rear and are wrapped in Michelin Pilot Super Sport tires measuring 225/40ZR18 and 295/30ZR20, respectively.

Power comes from a 5.7L LS6 V8 backed by a 4L60E 4-speed automatic transmission. A stainless dual exhaust system with an H-pipe routes beneath the car, while an aluminum radiator and and electric cooling fan support the powertrain. Power is delivered to a Strange Engineering 9" rear axle with 3.50 gears and a limited-slip differential. The original chassis arrangement has been extensively revised with a Chris Alston's Chassisworks front subframe, tubular front control arms, coilovers at all four corners, a front anti-sway bar and power rack-and-pinion steering. The factory rear leaf springs have been replaced by an adjustable 4-link suspension and Wilwood power 4-wheel disc brakes with drilled and slotted rotors provide stopping power.

Inside, the Nova features a fully custom two-tone light blue and ivory interior centered around upholstered front bucket seats with center diamond-stitching and a matching rear seat. Coordinating pleated door and rear quarter panels are joined by blue carpeting, a body-color dashboard and a center console housing the automatic shifter. AutoMeter instrumentation replaces the original gauges, while a billet 3-spoke Intro steering wheel with an ivory-wrapped rim complements the wheels. Modern air conditioning adds contemporary convenience.

The level of finish extends throughout the Nova, from its highly detailed engine compartment and custom interior to the fully upholstered trunk and body-color undercarriage. Despite the extensive work performed throughout the build, the exterior remains clean and immediately recognizable as a 1966 Nova, preserving the straightforward character of the original design while presenting to a considerably higher standard throughout.

Key Highlights

• Ground up built 1966 Nova Restomod
• 5.7L LS6 V8
• 4L60E 4-speed automatic transmission
• Strange Engineering 9" rear axle with 3.50 gearing
• Limited-slip differential
• Power rack-and-pinion steering
• Wilwood power 4-wheel disc brakes
• Modern air conditioning
• Chris Alston's Chassisworks front subframe
• Adjustable rear 4-link suspension
• Tubbed rear wheelhouses
• Tubular front control arms
• Coilover suspension
• Front anti-sway bar
• Show-quality body-color undercarriage
• Stainless dual exhaust system with H-pipe
• Aluminum radiator with electric cooling fan
• Polished 18" front and 20" rear Intro wheels
• Michelin Pilot Super Sport tires
• Custom two-tone light blue and ivory interior
• Custom bucket seats with diamond-stitched centers
• AutoMeter instrumentation
• Intro billet steering wheel with ivory-wrapped rim