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1962 Chevrolet Chevy II and Nova

Although the Corvair introduced groundbreaking innovations, it failed to capture the widespread popularity necessary for mass production. Chevrolet required a straightforward, no-frills vehicle to compete effectively in the expanding compact car market.
The hurried production process led to the creation of the Chevy II, a car with a straightforward, boxy design that was both inoffensive and visually acceptable. Marketed as "the thrift car," it promised practical transportation with a timeless style that would remain appealing long after leaving the dealership.
Advertisements praised the Chevy II as a "spirited, family-friendly vehicle" that combined affordability with a touch of luxury. Available in three trims—basic 100, mid-tier 300, and the upscale Nova 400—the lineup also featured a Sport Coupe and a convertible, alongside sedans and station wagons in each series.
The Chevy II offered two engine options: a 90-horsepower, 153-cubic-inch Super-Thrift four-cylinder or a 120-horsepower, 194-cubic-inch six-cylinder, the latter being standard on Novas. This marked Chevrolet's return to four-cylinder engines since 1928. Drivers could choose between a column-shift three-speed manual or an optional two-speed Powerglide automatic transmission.

The Chevy II featured a unique body/frame design with a separate front sub-frame, a configuration not shared by other GM vehicles. Its single-leaf rear springs were designed to reduce the typical stiffness of traditional multi-leaf springs. The two-door Nova 400 offered optional front bucket seats, hinting at future trends in mid-1960s car design. Production for the model year reached approximately 406,500 units, including an impressive 23,741 convertibles.
Key Facts About the 1962 Chevrolet Chevy II and Nova
Model | Weight range (lbs.) | Price range (new) | Number built |
Chevy II 100 | 2,410-2,755 | $2,033-$2,399 | 47,000 (approx.) |
Chevy II 300 | 2,425-2,855 | $2,084-$2,577 | 92,800 (approx.) |
Chevy II Nova 400, I6 | 2,540-2,775 | $2,198-$2,497 | 266,721 (approx.) |

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1963 Chevrolet Chevy II and Nova

The 1963 Chevrolet Chevy II and Nova received subtle design updates, including a more prominent aluminum grille. Nova 400 models were equipped with the 120-horsepower, Hi-Thrift 194-cubic-inch six-cylinder engine, while the Chevy II 300 and 100 series offered the 90-horsepower Super-Thrift four-cylinder. Distinctive beltline stripes and chrome rocker-panel moldings distinguished the Nova 400 from its less flashy counterparts.
Updates for the year included self-adjusting brakes and a Delcotron alternator. Buyers could customize these compact Chevys with options like seatbelts, heavy-duty suspension, Positraction rear axle, a grille guard, and even taxi-specific equipment.
After just one year on the market, promotional materials highlighted the Chevy II's unibody design, claiming it was "quickly gaining popularity and standing out from the competition."
1963 marked the last year for the convertible model, which featured a manually operated top unless buyers opted for the $54 power top upgrade.
Key Facts About the 1963 Chevrolet Chevy II and Nova
Model | Weight range (lbs.) | Price range (new) | Number built |
Chevy II 100 | 2,430-2,810 | $2,003-$2,397 | 50,400 (approx.) |
Chevy II 300 | 2,440-2,900 | $2,084-$2,575 | 78,800 (approx.) |
Chevy II Nova 400, I6 | 2,590-2,835 | $2,235-$2,494 | 171,100 (approx.) |

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1964 Chevrolet Chevy II and Nova

An advertisement for the 1964 Chevrolet Chevy II and Nova boasted, "Despite its newfound energy, it remains a quiet, robust, practical, and unassuming car—but with a bit more bite." While it was faster than previous models, a V-8 Chevy II still took over 11 seconds to accelerate from 0 to 60 mph.
Unfortunately, the stylish Chevrolet Nova convertible was discontinued for 1964. The Super Sport option also vanished initially but was reintroduced midyear due to customer demand, available as a package for the Nova hardtop coupe.
The 1964 Chevrolet Nova SS coupes featured sleek body-peak moldings and silver rear coves. Inside, they offered front bucket seats and a console-mounted shifter for either the Powerglide automatic transmission or, in V-8 models, a four-speed manual. Over a third of Sport Coupes were equipped with the SS package.
For 1964, the mid-range Chevy II 300 series was discontinued, leaving the Chevy II 100 in two- and four-door sedan and wagon variants, alongside the more upscale Nova 400 in sedan, wagon, and hardtop coupe configurations. The 90-horsepower, 153-cubic-inch four-cylinder engine was exclusive to the budget-friendly Chevy II 100, while the Nova 400s came standard with a 120-horsepower, 194-cubic-inch six-cylinder engine.
Key Facts About the 1964 Chevrolet Chevy II and Nova
Model | Weight range (lbs.) | Price range (new) | Number built |
Chevy II 100 | 2,455-2,840 | $2,011-$2,406 | 53,100 (approx.) |
Chevy II Nova 400 | 2,560-2,860 | $2,206-$2,503 | 102,900 (approx.) |
Chevy II Nova SS, I6 | 2,675 | $2,433 | 10,576 |
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1965 Chevrolet Chevy II and Nova

Parking lights were relocated to the deep-section bumper, and sedans received a refreshed roofline. The taillights, backup lights, and rear cove were redesigned. An expanded engine lineup offered buyers six different power options.
The lineup started with the modest 90-horsepower Super-Thrift four-cylinder and the 120-horsepower Hi-Thrift six-cylinder. Moving up, there was a 140-horsepower six-cylinder and a 195-horsepower 283-cubic-inch V-8. At the top were two Turbo-Fire 327-cubic-inch V-8s, delivering 250 or 300 horsepower.
Midyear introduced a more powerful 283 V-8 with dual exhausts, producing 220 horsepower. This wide range of options was impressive for a mainstream compact car.
The 1965 Chevy II was available in the base 100 trim or the more upscale Nova 400, each offered in three body styles. The Nova Super Sport was exclusive to the Sport Coupe, with production dropping to just 9,100 units. Nova models featured either a six-cylinder or V-8 engine, while the four-cylinder was reserved for the 100 series.
Super Sports featured a new brushed-chrome console paired with either a floor-mounted four-speed manual transmission or a Powerglide automatic, though a column-mounted three-speed manual remained the standard option. Bucket seats were upholstered in textured vinyl, and the dashboard included an ammeter, oil pressure gauge, and temperature gauge.
Key Facts About the 1965 Chevrolet Chevy II and Nova
Model | Weight range (lbs.) | Price range (new) | Number built |
Chevy II 100 | 2,505-2,875 | $2,011-$2,413 | 40,500 (approx.) |
Chevy II Nova 400, I6 | 2,645-2,880 | $2,243-$2,510 | 51,700 (approx.) |
Chevy II Nova SS, I6 | 2,690 | $2,433 | 9,100 |

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1966 Chevrolet Chevy II and Nova

The 1966 lineup began with the Chevy II 100 and Chevy II Nova 400 models. For just $159 above the Nova 400 price, buyers could upgrade to the Nova Super Sport. Available exclusively as a Sport Coupe, the Nova SS was the pinnacle of the series. The 1966 Chevrolet Nova SS featured wide rocker panels, a bright aluminum deck lid cove, SS emblems on the grille and rear panel, and Super Sport branding on the quarter panels. It borrowed wheel covers from the Chevrolet Malibu SS and included Strato-bucket front seats, though a tachometer was an additional cost.
The SS package could be paired with any Chevy II engine except the four-cylinder, but the standout option was the new Turbo-Fire 327-cubic-inch V-8, producing 350 horsepower. This engine debuted in the Chevrolet Chevelle. A close-ratio four-speed manual transmission transformed the otherwise modest Nova into a performance machine; the Powerglide automatic was not available with this high-output engine.
The 1966 Chevrolet Chevy II and Nova also offered a 275-horsepower 327 V-8, a 195- or 220-horsepower 283-cubic-inch V-8, or inline-six engines of 194 or 230 cubic inches. The standard column-shift three-speed transmission was now fully synchronized, enabling shifts into first gear while moving. Two wagon variants were available, with the premium model named Nova.
Key Facts About the 1966 Chevrolet Chevy II and Nova
Model | Weight range (lbs.) | Price range (new) | Number built |
Chevy II 100 | 2,520-2,990 | $2,028-$2,536 | 47,000 (approx.) |
Chevy II Nova | 2,640-3,010 | $2,245-$2,518 | 73,900 (approx.) |
Chevy II Nova SS | 2,740-2,870 | $2,430-$2,535 | 23,000 (approx.) |

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1967 Chevrolet Chevy II and Nova

All 1967 Chevrolet Novas featured a crosshatch pattern on the deck lid trim panel. Officially still named the Chevy II Nova, it outsold the entry-level Chevy II 100. The Chevy II 100 lacked decorative trim and brightwork. While a four-cylinder engine was standard in the 100 series, most buyers opted for a six-cylinder. Novas started with a 194-cubic-inch six but could upgrade to a 250-cubic-inch six for improved performance. Additional options included a 195-horsepower, 283-cubic-inch V-8 and, for $93 more, a 275-horsepower 327-cubic-inch V-8. Nova SS coupes featured a console-mounted shifter with Powerglide automatic or four-speed manual transmissions, while other models used a column-mounted gearshift.
Sales of the 1967 Chevrolet Chevy II and Nova fell by over a third compared to 1966, with 106,500 units sold (including 12,900 station wagons). Around 10,100 Nova SS models were purchased, 8,200 of which had V-8 engines. In the Chevy II 100 and standard Nova series, six-cylinder engines were significantly more popular than V-8s.
Key Facts About the 1967 Chevrolet Chevy II and Nova
Model | Weight range (lbs.) | Price range (new) | Number built |
Chevy II 100 | 2,555-2,985 | $2,090-$2,583 | 35,900 (approx.) |
Chevy II Nova | 2,660-3,015 | $2,298-$2,671 | 47,600 (approx.) |
Chevy II Nova SS | 2,690-2,820 | $2,487-$2,590 | 10,100 (approx.) |

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1968 Chevrolet Chevy II Nova

The 1968 Chevrolet Nova eliminated wagon and two-door hardtop styles, offering only a two-door coupe or four-door sedan. It came with four-cylinder, six-cylinder, and V-8 engines.
The 1968 Chevy Nova provided more shoulder and legroom compared to the 1966 model, along with a redesigned interior featuring a contoured instrument panel. With the Chevrolet Camaro and Chevelle attracting sporty-coupe buyers, Nova Super Sport production fell to 6,571 units, down from over 10,000 in 1967.
The Nova SS still delivered excitement, featuring a standard 295-horsepower Turbo-Fire 350-cubic-inch V-8. It included simulated hood air intakes, black accents on the grille and decklid, and unique emblems. The Nova SS also came with a deluxe steering wheel, red-stripe wide-oval tires, and enhanced suspension. Buyers could choose between a floor-shifted three-speed, a four-speed manual, or a Powerglide automatic transmission.
The 1968 Chevrolet Nova's engine options began with a 90-horsepower Super-Thrift four-cylinder and a 140-horsepower Turbo-Thrift 230-cubic-inch six-cylinder. A 250-cubic-inch six was also available. V-8 choices included a 200-horsepower Turbo-Fire 307 and a 275-horsepower Turbo-Fire 327, though the high-performance 350-horsepower 327 was discontinued.
The sales brochure highlighted 15 powertrain combinations for coupes and 12 for sedans. Optional features included power brakes and steering, air conditioning, rear shoulder belts, and headrests. Performance enthusiasts could opt for front disc brakes, a heavy-duty clutch, dual exhausts, rally wheels, Positraction, and specialized gauges. Chevrolet soon streamlined the name, dropping "Chevy II" and simply calling the compact models Novas.
Key Facts About the 1968 Chevrolet Chevy II Nova
Model | Weight range (lbs.) | Price range (new) | Number built |
Chevy II Nova | 2,760-3,025 | $2,222-$2,419 | 201,000 (approx.) |

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1969 Chevrolet Nova

SS models were equipped with multiple-leaf rear springs, while other Novas retained their single-leaf setup. Optional fake front fender louvers were available, though not standard. A total of 17,564 SS coupes were manufactured in 1968.
Chevrolet's sales brochure highlighted the affordable clutchless Torque-Drive transmission for Novas, but the model needed more than just innovative features to draw buyers. With muscle cars dominating the market and midsize muscle cars becoming the trend, the Nova's sporty image suffered, leading to a 50% drop in sales to around 106,200 units, including 17,564 SS models.
Key Facts About the 1969 Chevrolet Nova
Model | Weight range (lbs.) | Price range (new) | Number built |
Nova | 2,785-3,065 | $2,237-$2,434 | 106,200 (approx.) |
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1970 Chevrolet Nova

Entry-level Novas featured a 90-horsepower 153-cubic-inch four-cylinder engine, a new 155-horsepower 250-cubic-inch six-cylinder, or a widely favored 200-horsepower 307-cubic-inch V-8.
Performance enthusiasts could leverage the Nova's lightweight design and the optional Super Sport package, which included a 300-horsepower 350-cubic-inch V-8 or the larger "big-block" 396.
In 1970, the 396 V-8 actually had a 402-cubic-inch displacement due to a slight bore increase, but Chevrolet retained the "396" name. High-performance Novas were labeled SS 350 and SS 396, available exclusively with a four-speed manual or floor-shifted Turbo Hydra-Matic transmission.
The SS 396 was available in either 350- or 375-horsepower configurations. Nova SS models featured a unique hood with faux air intakes, a blacked-out grille and rear panel, and wide-oval tires mounted on seven-inch wheels.
A $98 Custom Exterior package was available for non-SS Novas, and a vinyl top could be added for $84. Of the 254,242 Novas sold in 1970, 19,558 were SS 350 or SS 396 models.
Key Facts About the 1970 Chevrolet Nova
Model | Weight range (lbs.) | Price range (new) | Number built |
Nova | 2,820-3,071 | $2,335-$2,533 | 254,242 (approx.) |

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1971 Chevrolet Nova

Advertisements described the 1971 Nova as "America's just-right car," emphasizing its ability to seat five adults in coupes and six in sedans, a dig at the cramped subcompacts of the time. Six-cylinder Novas could be equipped with Chevrolet's short-lived Torque-Drive semi-automatic transmission, which was also used in the Vega but only installed in 2,992 Novas.
The 1971 Chevrolet Nova coupe could be enhanced with custom interior and exterior trim packages, as well as Super Sport features. The SS package included a 270-horsepower 350-cubic-inch V-8 engine, black accents, a sport suspension with E70x14 tires, and SS badges. With the muscle-car era fading, the 350 was the largest V-8 offered in the Nova. The coupe was the most popular 1971 Nova model, with many featuring the 200-horsepower 307-cubic-inch V-8.
The heavily marketed Vega impacted Nova sales this year, but the compact would soon regain popularity, lasting well into the 1970s.
One reason for Nova's appeal was its ability to attract a broad audience seeking practical, sensible transportation. The coupe, in particular, appealed to diverse demographics—spacious enough for families yet compact enough to appeal to young singles.
Older buyers appreciated the coupe's understated design, while younger drivers found its appearance stylish and modern. With a starting price under $2,400, it was affordable for a wide range of buyers.
The Nova was well-suited to an era of rising insurance costs and strict federal regulations on emissions and fuel efficiency. It positioned Chevrolet as a strong competitor against other practical models from GM, Ford, and American Motors.
Key Facts About the 1971 Chevrolet Nova
Model | Weight range (lbs.) | Price range (new) | Number built |
Nova | 2,952-3,108 | $2,376-$2,501 | 194,878 (approx.) |
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1972 Chevrolet Nova

A notable addition for 1972 was the Skyroof option, a folding soft sunroof available in six colors, installed in 6,268 coupes. The Rally Sport package, featuring a special suspension, returned and proved popular, with 33,319 units sold.
Super Sport features were added to 12,309 coupes, some of which also included the Rally package. Nova production shifted to Norwood, Ohio, where it was assembled alongside the Camaro.
The standard engine remained a 250-cubic-inch six-cylinder, with two optional choices: a 130-horsepower 307-cubic-inch V-8 or a 165-horsepower 350-cubic-inch V-8. Coupes started at $2,351 with the six-cylinder, while four-door sedans cost $28 more.
The Custom Decor package added full-length rocker panel and bodyside moldings, along with bright window or drip rail moldings. Air conditioning was an additional $381, and a vinyl roof cost $87.
Despite minimal changes, the Nova achieved its best sales year, with 349,733 units produced in 1972. Of these, 139,769 were equipped with the six-cylinder engine.
Key Facts About the 1972 Chevrolet Nova
Model | Weight range (lbs.) | Price range (new) | Number built |
Nova | 2,949-3,116 | $2,351-$2,469 | 349,733 |

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1973 Chevrolet Nova

The SS option remained, but it was now a $123 appearance package featuring a blackout grille and Rally wheels. It could be paired with any Nova engine. Notably, 35,542 SS packages were sold, making 1973 the most successful year for this option.
Engine options began with the standard 100-horsepower 250-cubic-inch six-cylinder. Buyers could also choose a 115-horsepower 307-cubic-inch V-8 or 145- and 175-horsepower 350-cubic-inch V-8s.
The hatchback was exclusive to the two-door model and featured a large hinged panel incorporating the rear window and extending to just above the taillights. A new Custom series joined the lineup, with the Custom hatchback priced at $2,701 with a six-cylinder engine, $173 more than the base hatchback. Air conditioning added $381 to the cost.
All 1973 Chevrolet Novas included side guard door beams, enhanced sound insulation, and flow-through ventilation systems. Rear springs were upgraded to multiple-leaf designs. A sunroof and fold-down rear seats were optional features.
Key Facts About the 1973 Chevrolet Nova
Model | Weight range (lbs.) | Price range (new) | Number built |
Nova | 3,274-3,033 | $2,377-$2,792 | 369,509 |

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1974 Chevrolet Nova

Nova sales continued their upward trend from 1972, nearing 400,000 units in 1974. Six-cylinder models saw the most growth, while V-8 sales declined.
The first energy crisis, caused by Middle Eastern oil export cuts, led to long gas lines and fears of fuel rationing. During this time, fuel-efficient compacts like the Nova became increasingly appealing to many Americans.
The 1974 Chevrolet Nova featured larger parking lights, new bow-tie grille emblems, and redesigned bumpers that added two inches to its length and provided better protection in minor collisions. Nova SS hatchbacks and notchbacks offered either a 100-horsepower six-cylinder engine or a 350-cubic-inch V-8 with 145 or 185 horsepower. Steel-belted radial tires were introduced as an option for the first time. Opting for the 185-horsepower V-8 included a Muncie four-speed floor-shift with enhanced linkage.
A special "Spirit of America" edition was launched, featuring a white paint job with red and blue accent stripes.
Key Facts About the 1974 Chevrolet Nova
Model | Weight range (lbs.) | Price range (new) | Number built |
Nova | 3,150-3,437 | $2,811-$3,217 | 390,537 |

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1975 Chevrolet Nova

The 1975 lineup included two-door coupes, hatchbacks, and four-door sedans. The basic Nova could be upgraded with the sporty SS two-door package. However, the major highlight was the introduction of the LN coupe and sedan, which positioned the Nova in the luxury compact segment, even rivaling some premium European imports. The Nova LN was marketed as "the most luxurious compact in Chevrolet's history," featuring wide-back reclining front seats described as "big, soft lounge chairs."
The LN package included extra sound insulation, map pockets, an electric clock, a smoked instrument lens, and a day/night mirror. Coupes could also be equipped with swing-out quarter windows. The sales brochure proclaimed, "Thanks to LN, Nova's image will never be the same again."
All Novas now came with cut-pile carpeting, previously exclusive to the Custom series. Speedometers featured larger, more readable graphics, and windshields offered increased glass area. Front-door armrests were redesigned with built-in pull handles.
Front tread width increased by 1.5 inches, and the front stabilizer bar was reinforced. All Novas were equipped with front disc brakes and steel-belted radial tires.
Key Facts About the 1975 Chevrolet Nova
Model | Weight range (lbs.) | Price range (new) | Number built |
Nova | 3,276-3,493 | $3,099-$3,870 | 272,982 |

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1976 Chevrolet Nova

The Concours was the most luxurious compact car Chevrolet had ever produced. It featured rosewood vinyl accents on the upper door panels, instrument panel, and steering wheel. Concours models included an upright hood ornament, bumper guards, bright trim moldings, black bumper impact strips, and full wheel covers, while base Novas had hubcaps. The Concours coupe also introduced a fold-down front center armrest, a first for Chevrolet coupes. A V-8 Concours coupe cost $547 more than the equivalent base Nova.
Engines for the 1976 Chevrolet Nova included a 105-horsepower inline-six, a 165-horsepower 350-cubic-inch V-8, or a 140-horsepower 305-cubic-inch V-8. Coupes could be equipped with a Cabriolet padded vinyl top.
Minor updates were applied to the brakes, as well as the fuel and exhaust system mountings. Dashboards featured redesigned knobs. The $187 Nova SS package included a black grille with a distinctive diamond-mesh pattern, Rally wheels, a four-spoke steering wheel, and heavy-duty suspension.
Following evaluations, the Los Angeles Sheriff's Department placed the largest order for compact police cars in U.S. history with the 1976 Chevrolet Nova.
Key Facts About the 1976 Chevrolet Nova
Model | Weight range (lbs.) | Price range (new) | Number built |
Nova | 3,188-3,485 | $3,248-$4,134 | 334,728 |

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1977 Chevrolet Nova

The Concours model featured distinct styling elements compared to other Novas, including a finer-mesh grille, a stand-up hood ornament, redesigned wheel covers, and wider bright wheel-opening moldings.
The sales brochure described the Concours as "International in style, American in function," highlighting its blend of classic design and practicality. It emphasized that the Nova was "not too small, not too big, and not too expensive."
Every 1977 Chevrolet Nova, including the Concours, offered three engine options and four transmissions: a 110-horsepower 250-cubic-inch inline six, a 145-horsepower 305 two-barrel V-8, or a 170-horsepower 350 four-barrel V-8. Transmission choices included three-speed (column or floor shift) and four-speed manuals, as well as the Turbo Hydra-Matic.
Novas could also be equipped with heavy-duty suspension or the F41 sport suspension. Many police departments, inspired by the Los Angeles Sheriff's Department's thorough testing, ordered Novas with either the 305- or 350-cubic-inch V-8 engines.
Key Facts About the 1977 Chevrolet Nova
Model | Weight range (lbs.) | Price range (new) | Number built |
Nova | 3,139-3,486 | $3,482-$4,186 | 365,264 |

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1978 Chevrolet Nova

The 1978 Chevrolet Nova received a redesigned front end, with the Nova Custom taking over as the premium model, replacing the more expensive Concours. The Custom series featured a fine-mesh grille with integrated vertical parking lights, bright-accented headlights, triple-unit taillights, and hood molding.
Custom models did not include the stand-up hood ornament found on the Concours. Upholstery options included all-vinyl or Edinburgh woven sport cloth with vinyl accents.
Base models of the 1978 Chevrolet Nova had a checkerboard grille texture with parking lights positioned near the headlights. The Rally package offered a diamond-pattern grille with horizontal parking lights, black headlight bezels, triple band striping, and color-keyed Rally wheels. All Novas came with a new dual-spoke, soft vinyl-covered steering wheel.
The 1978 Chevrolet Nova offered three engine options: a 250-cubic-inch six-cylinder, a 145-horsepower 305-cubic-inch V-8, or a 170-horsepower 350-cubic-inch V-8. By this time, law enforcement agencies in 48 states were using Novas, as proudly noted in the sales brochure.
Production fell by nearly 100,000 units for the model year, dropping to 288,000, making the Nova the only Chevrolet series to experience a sales decline in 1978. Hatchback sales trailed behind coupes and sedans, and base models significantly outsold the Custom versions.
Key Facts About the 1978 Chevrolet Nova
Model | Weight range (lbs.) | Price range (new) | Number built |
Nova | 3,132-3,443 | $3,702-$4,220 | 288,109 |

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1979 Chevrolet Nova

The 1979 Chevrolet Nova lineup mirrored 1978, offering base-level hatchbacks, coupes, and sedans, along with Custom coupes and sedans. Base coupes and sedans remained the top sellers. Nova Customs featured an upgraded acoustical package with enhanced headlining, full hood insulation, and additional luxury features.
These final Novas were marketed for their "solid value" and "reputation for dependability," drawing on a 17-year legacy that began with the Chevy II. For their last iteration, a redesigned horizontal-bar grille included vertical parking lights. New chrome hood and fender moldings were added, and front-bumper filler panels gave the car a more polished appearance.
Key Facts About the 1979 Chevrolet Nova
Model | Weight range (lbs.) | Price range (new) | Number built |
Nova | 3,135-3,394 | $4,055-$4,499 | 97,721 |

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1986 Chevrolet Nova

The 1986 Chevrolet Nova debuted exclusively as a four-door sedan, with a five-door hatchback introduced shortly after. It was powered by a carbureted 1.6-liter four-cylinder engine producing 74 horsepower, paired with either a five-speed manual or three-speed automatic transmission. This powertrain was shared with the Corolla.
The 1986 Chevrolet Nova four-door sedan was priced at $7,435, a relatively high figure for Chevrolet. The five-door hatchback, featuring a split-folding rear seat, started at $7,669. Comparable Corolla models were a few hundred dollars cheaper.
All Nova options were bundled into seven packages, simplifying the extensive list of extras found in models like the Chevrolet Chevette. (Despite its simplicity, the Chevette offered nearly 30 options.) However, selecting higher-tier packages could quickly elevate the Nova's price above $10,000.
Key Facts About the 1986 Chevrolet Nova
Model | Weight range (lbs.) | Price range (new) | Number built |
Nova | 2,163-2,205 | $7,435-$7,669 | 167,749 |

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1987 Chevrolet Nova

The 1987 Chevrolet Nova was available in two body styles: a four-door sedan and a five-door hatchback. The four-door model was significantly more popular, outselling the hatchback by about three to one. The sole engine option remained a 74-horsepower 1.6-liter four-cylinder designed by Toyota, paired with either a five-speed manual transmission or a four-speed automatic.
As in previous years, Novas were manufactured at the NUMMI (New United Motor Manufacturing Inc.) plant, a joint venture between GM and Toyota in Fremont, California. Although Corollas were priced slightly lower than Novas, Chevrolet dealers often offered discounts due to slower sales.
"Slow sales" referred to Chevrolet's standards, as the Nova sold comparably to the Corolla. Apart from minor differences in interior and exterior trim, the two cars were nearly identical, though the Nova featured a slightly softer suspension that prioritized ride comfort over handling.
Key Facts About the 1987 Chevrolet Nova
Model | Weight range (lbs.) | Price range (new) | Number built |
Nova | 2,206-2,253 | $8,258-$8,510 | 150,006 |

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1988 Chevrolet Nova

The Twin-Cam engine delivered 110-horsepower, 36 more than the standard single-cam engine. It came with a five-speed manual transmission as standard, like other Novas, but offered an optional four-speed automatic instead of the three-speed found in base models.
The more powerful engine positioned the 1988 Chevrolet Nova Twin-Cam as a junior sport sedan, but the upgrade came at a cost. While the base Nova started at around $8,800, the Twin-Cam was priced at $11,395.
This higher price included features like fuel injection, sport suspension, power steering, a leather-wrapped steering wheel, a tachometer, four-wheel disc brakes, and wider tires on aluminum wheels. However, the steep price limited its appeal, and few were sold. The Twin-Cam was only available in black metallic paint with a grey interior.
All 1988 Chevrolet Novas came standard with rear shoulder belts, a rear window defogger, and an AM/FM stereo radio. This marked the final year for the Nova name at Chevrolet. Starting in 1989, Chevrolet moved this model to its new Geo division, renaming it the Prism. Geo was Chevrolet's strategy to create an import-like brand to appeal to buyers who preferred foreign cars.
Key Facts About the 1988 Chevrolet Nova
Model | Weight range (lbs.) | Price range (new) | Number built |
Nova | 2,211-2,257 | $8,795-$11,395 | 109,133 |

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- How Chevrolet Works: Dive into the rich history of Chevrolet, one of America’s most celebrated car brands, starting from its establishment in 1911.