The Chevrolet Chevy II: A Look Back at the 1962-1967 Models

While the Corvair Monza was a success for Chevrolet in 1961, the brand lacked a competitor for Ford's popular Falcon. Enter the 1962 Chevy II: a straightforward, affordable solution.

Classic Cars Image Gallery

In the fall of 1959, as the 1960 models were unveiled, the spotlight was on Detroit's response to foreign imports: Chevrolet's innovative, rear-engine Corvair; Ford's practical and straightforward Falcon; and Chrysler's stylish Valiant.

By the end of 1960, sales figures told the story — 435,676 Falcons, 250,007 Corvairs, and 194,292 Valiants — making it clear that the Falcon was the dominant contender, while the Corvair faced significant challenges.

In its debut year, the Falcon not only outsold the seemingly invincible Rambler but also exceeded the combined sales of the leading imports, the Volkswagen Beetle and Renault Dauphine. This was an impressive feat for a car Chevrolet had once dismissed as a "scaled-down big car."

Although the Corvair's unique, import-inspired design earned widespread acclaim, including a Time magazine cover feature and a Motor Trend "Car of the Year" award, the Falcon won over consumers with its superior interior space, larger trunk, and improved fuel efficiency.

The Corvair's survival in 1960 was largely due to the mid-year launch of the sporty Monza coupe, featuring bucket seats, which attracted a completely different audience. By 1961, the Monza made up nearly half of Corvair sales. While Chevrolet had discovered a new market niche, it still lacked a competitor to fill the gap left by the Falcon's success.

Fortunately for Chevrolet, Corvair sales contributed positively, allowing the division to reclaim its position as the industry's top seller by the end of 1960, after losing the title to Ford in 1957 and 1959. The consistent sales performance of the full-size Impala played a crucial role in this achievement. Meanwhile, the Falcon's overwhelming success may have backfired, as it cannibalized sales from Ford's more expensive larger models.

Ironically, even before the Monza's popularity surged, Chevrolet had already planned to expand its 1961 Corvair lineup by introducing station wagons, Greenbriar passenger vans, Corvan commercial vans, and Loadside and Rampside pickup trucks. However, the rear-engine design limited practicality, making these additions largely unsuccessful.

It quickly became evident that if Chevrolet hoped to compete with the soaring Falcon, which had expanded its offerings to include Econoline light-duty trucks, the Corvair was not the solution.

In December 1959, shortly after the Falcon's market debut, Chevrolet decided to introduce a traditional front-engine compact car for the 1962 model year. Claire MacKichan, a Chevy designer at the time, recalled, "It was a frantic effort. We aimed to incorporate Chevrolet's design elements while adhering to the Falcon's size and dimensions. Given the tight schedule, we relied on the technical expertise available at the time."

Discover more about the results of this hurried project on the following page.

For additional details about automobiles, explore:

Creating the Chevrolet Chevy II

Chevy designer Claire MacKichan reflected on the creation of the Chevrolet Chevy II, stating, "There was no room for experimentation or exploring new ideas from engineers or the design team. It had to be a straightforward, no-frills vehicle."

"It was the fastest project we ever completed," she added. "We worked tirelessly, day and night, to meet the tight deadline and get the car through production."

This urgency made the Chevy II one of General Motors' fastest new-car development programs. Just 18 months after receiving approval, the first Chevy II was produced at the Willow Run, Michigan, assembly line in August 1961, ready for its official launch on September 29.

The 1962 Chevy II was designed with a straightforward purpose: to provide Chevrolet customers with a no-nonsense, practical compact car, unlike the innovative Corvair. Chevrolet General Manager Ed Cole introduced the Chevy II to the press, emphasizing its focus on "maximum functionality and affordability."

The naming process for this new model sparked considerable internal debate at Chevrolet. The decision to use "Chevy II" was finalized late in the process, with "Nova" being a strong contender. Although "Nova" didn't start with a "C," it was chosen as the name for the premium series. Eventually, the Nova name would replace Chevy II, but not until the late 1960s.

The Chevy II was developed with the Falcon as its primary benchmark. The 1962 lineup featured sedans and wagons, mirroring the Falcon, but also included a two-door hardtop and a convertible, options the Falcon lacked at the time.

With a 110-inch wheelbase, 183-inch overall length, and 70.8-inch width, the Chevy II was slightly larger than the Falcon. Its interior comfortably accommodated up to six passengers, and the trunk offered 25.5 cubic feet of space, a significant improvement over the Corvair's limited storage.

The Chevy II's design was clean and appealing, featuring a practical three-box shape that maximized interior space. Its styling echoed the full-size Chevrolet models and even foreshadowed the design direction of the 1963 Impala.

Proceed to the next page for additional insights into the 1962 Chevrolet Chevy II.

For further details about automobiles, explore:

1962 Chevrolet Chevy II

The 1962 Chevrolet Chevy II was offered in three trim levels. The budget-friendly 100 series included a two-door sedan, a four-door sedan, and a two-seat station wagon.

Priced at $2,003, the four-cylinder two-door sedan cost $10 more than the base Corvair 500 coupe and $18 above the entry-level Falcon. Standard features across all models included a heater and defroster, electric windshield wipers, a foam-padded front seat, a cigar lighter, and Magic-Mirror acrylic lacquer paint.

Initially, a 200 series was planned but was canceled at the last minute. The mid-range 300 series featured the two sedans and, unusually for this segment, a three-seat wagon with a rear-facing third seat.

The premium Nova 400 lineup featured a stylish Sport Coupe hardtop, a convertible, two- and four-door sedans, and a two-seat wagon. Exclusive Nova features included upgraded interior and exterior details, such as full wheel covers, carpeting, and foam-padded rear seats. The wagon and convertible boasted all-vinyl interiors, while bucket seats were optional for the Sport Coupe and convertible.

The engineering was modern yet straightforward. The Chevy II introduced a unique body/frame structure, not shared with any other GM vehicle, featuring a separate front sub-frame for added durability.

Bolt-on front fenders, as opposed to welded ones, lowered repair costs, especially compared to fully unitized designs like the Corvair and Valiant. While front coil springs were standard, the standout feature was the innovative five-foot-long "Mono-Plate" rear leaf springs. These tapered, single-leaf units, crafted from high-strength steel and mounted in rubber bushings, offered reduced unsprung weight and improved durability.

The Mono-Plate springs also lowered production costs and were less prone to rust. Standard equipment included two-ply tubeless tires and 13-inch wheels, fitted with either 6.00 × 13 or 6.50 × 13 tires, depending on the model.

A fresh lineup of inline engines was designed specifically for the Chevy II. The base engine for the 100 and 300 series was a 153-cubic-inch inline four, marking Chevrolet's return to four-cylinder engines since 1928.

Key engineering highlights included a thin-wall cast-iron block for reduced weight, a single-barrel carburetor, hydraulic valve lifters, and an 8.5:1 compression ratio. The engine delivered 90 horsepower at 4000 rpm, surpassing the Falcon's 144-cubic-inch six-cylinder engine, which produced only 85 horsepower.

The Nova 400 series came standard with a new 194-cubic-inch six-cylinder engine, generating 120 horsepower. This engine was optional for the 100 and 300 series, with a more powerful 230-cubic-inch, 140-horsepower version introduced in the 1963 full-size Chevrolet. In contrast, the Falcon's optional 170-cubic-inch six-cylinder engine offered just 101 horsepower. Transmission options included a three-speed manual with a column shift and an optional two-speed Power-glide automatic.

What was the public's reaction to the first Chevy II? Discover more on the following page.

For additional details about automobiles, explore:

Reaction to the 1962 Chevrolet Chevy II

The 1962 Chevrolet Chevy II received largely positive feedback. Tom McCahill, a seasoned tester for Mechanic Illustrated, praised the Chevy II 400 Series Nova convertible during a press event at GM's Milford, Michigan, test track.

"At top speed, which reached 91 mph with the Powerglide transmission, this compact car felt stable and secure, even on rough surfaces. It was one of the smoothest 91 mph experiences I've ever had." McCahill compared its design to a "small Mercedes-Benz" and predicted it would "sell as quickly as cold beer on a hot Fourth of July, especially with some performance upgrades and a manual transmission."

Car Life was even more complimentary, awarding the Chevy II its Engineering Excellence Award. The magazine stated, "The Chevy II, whether equipped with a 4- or 6-cylinder engine, marks a significant advancement in American automotive design. It embodies practicality, offering a vehicle of sensible size, reliable performance, and understated elegance."

Consumer Reports praised the six-cylinder Chevy II as a "highly practical, conventional car with exceptional interior space," but noted its "above-average interior noise." The four-cylinder version faced criticism for its lack of refinement, with the magazine stating, "CR is hesitant to recommend the four-cylinder model for everyday use. It may suit specialized local needs, but only if you can tolerate the vibrations."

McCahill remarked, "The four-cylinder engine wasn't the smoothest I've ever driven, but it delivered solid performance and will likely keep running long after Castro shaves his beard." Alright then...

Motor Trend described the new Chevy II as "a straightforward car — simple, honest, and conventional." Editor Jerry Titus was particularly intrigued by the innovative single-leaf rear suspension: "Its performance seems almost paradoxical. Despite noticeable body roll, the car remains stable. The ride is comfortably soft, yet avoids the nauseating pitching and rolling common in some vehicles."

The interior space, steering, and braking system received praise. Performance for the six-cylinder Nova convertible with Powerglide was described as "moderate," achieving 0-60 mph in just under 16 seconds and a top speed of 98 mph. However, Titus noted that "the car feels most comfortable below 75 mph, where it doesn't seem strained."

The four-cylinder model, on the other hand, took 20 seconds to reach 60 mph. In contrast, a 1960 Falcon with a 90-horsepower engine and manual transmission took 21 seconds, while the 101-horsepower six-cylinder version introduced in 1961 achieved 0-60 mph in 14.3 seconds with a manual and 15.2 seconds with the Fordomatic transmission, according to Motor Trend.

In the market, the 1962 Chevrolet Chevy II fulfilled its purpose, with total production reaching 326,607 units. This included 59,741 Nova Sport Coupe hardtops and 23,741 convertibles, an impressive number for an economy car.

Over 86 percent of the models featured the six-cylinder engine. Importantly, the Chevy II contributed to Chevrolet's growth, with Corvair sales hitting 292,531 units and full-size models reaching 1,424,008 units, extending Chevrolet's lead over Ford by nearly 600,000 units.

This sales milestone was unprecedented, with Chevrolet Division capturing 30 percent of the U.S. market. Fortune magazine highlighted that "total [1962 Chevrolet] sales reached 2,078,029 units, surpassing even the record-breaking year of 1955 and setting a global record for a single car brand."

Over at Ford, it felt like a repeat of 1960. Falcon sales dipped slightly to 396,129 units, and the newly introduced 1962 Fairlane, an intermediate-sized model, reduced Galaxie sales, leading to a significant drop in Ford's overall market share.

Proceed to the next page for an in-depth look at the 1963 Chevy II.

For additional details about automobiles, explore:

1963 Chevrolet Chevy II

After a successful debut year, the 1963 Chevrolet Chevy II received numerous upgrades.

The most notable addition was the Nova Super Sport option, available for the Chevy II Sport Coupe and convertible. Modeled after the 1962 Impala SS, the Nova SS featured a unique all-vinyl interior with bucket seats, comprehensive instrumentation, 14-inch wheels with "SS" hubcaps, and exclusive exterior trim, including a polished rear cove panel.

The SS package was particularly attractive, especially on the convertible, solidifying Chevrolet's position in the sporty-compact market it had pioneered with the Corvair Monza.

The 1963 Chevrolet Chevy II Nova featured more chrome accents, including wider full-length body side moldings. All models received a redesigned, more prominent grille, amber parking lights, updated decklid ornamentation, and fresh interior fabrics. The Nova two-door sedan was discontinued.

Practical upgrades included rust-resistant "flush-and-dry" rocker panels, self-adjusting brakes, and a new "Delcotron" alternator. Engine options, such as the Super-Thrift 90-horsepower four-cylinder and the Hi-Thrift 120-horsepower six-cylinder, remained unchanged.

The Chevrolet Chevy II enjoyed a stellar year in 1963, with 375,626 units sold, including 42,432 Super Sports. This success disrupted the Falcon's momentum, as its production dropped to 328,339 units.

However, concerns about the four-cylinder engine's limitations became more apparent, with only 3,800 units sold. Additionally, competitors were not idle.

The Falcon expanded its lineup with hardtop and convertible models, and the 1963 1/2 Falcon Sprint introduced a 260-cubic-inch V-8, outperforming any Nova, even the Super Sport (the V-8 was optional across all Falcons). Meanwhile, Chrysler overhauled its Valiant/Dart compacts, earning the highest rating from Consumer Reports.

Consumer Reports observed: "Introduced last year, the Chevy II has yet to evolve into a smooth, quiet, or luxurious vehicle. However, it is easy to drive and highly maneuverable. Its standout feature is a spacious interior comparable to intermediate-sized cars, combined with a compact exterior and excellent entry height."

Throughout the spring of 1963, rumors circulated that the Chevy II would be discontinued to make way for the new mid-size Chevelle. While this was initially the plan, the strong sales performance of the 1963 model secured the Chevy II's continuation.

Discover more about the 1964 Chevrolet Chevy II on the following page.

For additional details about automobiles, explore:

1964 Chevrolet Chevy II

The year 1964 brought a mix of positive and negative developments for the 1964 Chevrolet Chevy II.

On the positive side, Chevrolet introduced the 195-horsepower, 283-cubic-inch V-8 engine ($107.70) and a four-speed manual transmission as factory options for all 1964 Chevy IIs. Additionally, Positraction and sintered metallic brake linings were made available.

For two years, enthusiasts had eagerly awaited a V-8-powered Chevy II, making the "Nova SS" badge truly meaningful. However, the bad news was that there was no Nova SS model available.

In a classic case of miscommunication, Chevrolet eliminated all 1964 Nova hardtops and convertibles, believing they encroached on the new Chevelle's price range. The 1964 Chevy II V-8 was a strong performer but was limited to Series 100 and Nova sedans and wagons.

The 300 series, along with Chevy II's only three-seat wagon, was discontinued. A small consolation was the return of the Nova two-door sedan after a one-year hiatus, serving as a partial replacement for the hardtop. Other 1964 updates included self-adjusting brakes and minor trim adjustments, which are hard to notice without expert knowledge. Additionally, front-seat seat belts became standard for cars produced after January 1, 1964.

Responding to enthusiast demand, Chevrolet reintroduced the Nova Sport Coupe and Nova Super Sport Coupe in early 1964. Unfortunately, the convertible was not revived. Popular Mechanics noted this development in a 1964 column: "In an unexpected move, Chevrolet revived the Nova hardtop sports coupe, which had been removed from the 1964 lineup, following public demand."

The article added, "It appears the public disagreed with Chevrolet's marketing team, who believed the Corvair and Chevelle would overshadow the Chevy II. Rumors even suggested Chevrolet planned to phase out the Chevy II entirely. However, strong buyer demand, communicated through dealers, forced the return of the Chevy II hardtop. The car's quality and pricing clearly resonated with consumers."

Demand for the Super Sport Novas remained strong throughout the rest of the 1964 model year, particularly for the four-barrel 220-horsepower 283 V-8 introduced mid-year. Motor Trend tested the two-barrel 195-horsepower SS with Powerglide, achieving 0 to 60 mph in 11.3 seconds, a quarter-mile time of 18.0 seconds at 75 mph, and a top speed of 100 mph.

Fuel efficiency ranged from 12.3 mpg in heavy traffic to 19.6 mpg on the highway. Motor Trend concluded, "By adding a V-8, larger brakes, and other refinements, Chevrolet has enhanced the appeal and performance of this already attractive compact car."

However, the sleek, all-new Chevelle Malibu attracted many buyers away from the Chevy II. Production for the model year dropped to 191,691 units, including 10,576 Nova Super Sport Coupes, significantly trailing the Falcon's 300,762 units. Engine installations were distributed as follows: 25,083 V-8s, 165,487 six-cylinders, and only 1,121 four-cylinders.

How did the Chevy II recover in 1965? Discover more on the next page.

For additional details about automobiles, explore:

1965 Chevrolet Chevy II

In 1965, the trend of buyers shifting toward mid- and full-size cars continued, leading to challenges for the 1965 Chevrolet Chevy II.

The compact cars that made headlines in the early 1960s — Tempest, F-85, Special, Falcon, Comet, Dart, and Valiant — became larger, heavier, and more powerful as the decade progressed. In Chevrolet showrooms, the Chevelle Malibu and Impala broke sales records, while the nearly unchanged 1965 Chevy IIs struggled to attract buyers.

This was unfortunate because the 1965 Nova SS was an impressive vehicle. Its design represented the pinnacle of the 1962-1965 body style, featuring a new grille, taillights, and trim for a sleek, custom appearance. The interior was also the most luxurious to date.

In the 100 and Nova series, sedan rooflines were updated for a more formal appearance, and the Nova two-door sedan was permanently discontinued.

For Chevy II fans, 1965 is most notable as the year the model transformed into a muscle car. The V-8 options expanded to include 250- and 300-horsepower versions of Chevrolet's powerful 327 V-8, suddenly positioning the Nova SS's performance close to that of the GTO, 4-4-2, and 271-horsepower Mustang 289s, at least in terms of straight-line speed.

Despite this, the Chevelle Malibu SS continued to overshadow the Nova SS in the market. Of the 122,800 Chevy IIs produced in 1965 (compared to 213,601 Falcons), only 9,100 were Super Sports. That year, the Chevy II was the only GM model to experience a sales drop.

Consumer Reports suggested that sedan and wagon buyers might prefer a Dart, Valiant, or the larger Chevelle. "While the Chevy II offers the best dimensions in its class, it seems to have been overlooked by its manufacturer. It’s a capable car but lacks the refinements found in other compacts."

Once again, rumors of the Chevy II's discontinuation circulated in the automotive press. Chevrolet General Manager Semon E. Knudson addressed these claims at the 1965 Chicago Auto Show, stating, "There were rumors last fall about discontinuing the Chevy II, but we have no plans to drop it." Once again, the reports of its demise were premature — the Chevy II would return for 1966.

Proceed to the next page to discover more about the 1966 Chevrolet Chevy II.

For additional details about automobiles, explore:

1966 and 1967 Chevrolet Chevy II

The redesigned 1966 Chevrolet Chevy II, though still based on the 1962 body, was reportedly influenced by the sleek Super Nova concept car unveiled at the 1965 New York Auto Show.

While the 1966 Chevy II sedans and wagons retained a somewhat uninspired design, the Nova Super Sport Coupe adopted the appealing styling of the larger Impala and Malibu coupes. The SS interiors also received upgrades, but the most exciting development for the third consecutive year was under the hood.

The expanded V-8 lineup included the 195- and 220-horsepower 283 engines, a 275-horsepower 327, and the top-tier small-block — a new 350-horsepower 327 V-8 borrowed from the Corvette Sting Ray. Equipped with this engine, the 1966 Nova SS became one of Chevrolet's top performance cars due to its lightweight design. Approximately 2,200 of the 350-horsepower 327 engines were produced, all paired with a four-speed manual transmission. Most were installed in SS Novas, with around 50 lightweight two-door sedans also receiving this powerful setup.

While the SS brought excitement, the 1966 Chevy II still fell short of its 1962-1963 sales figures, though it showed a significant improvement over 1965. Production reached 163,300 units, including 21,000 Super Sports, but this wasn't enough to surpass the Falcon's 182,669 sales.

In its final year on the 1962 body, the 1967 Chevrolet Chevy II saw minimal changes and failed to attract compact-car buyers. Production dropped to 106,500 units, the lowest in its history. Despite this, it outperformed the Falcon, which saw a steep decline to just 64,335 units.

The 1967 Chevrolet Chevy II introduced several updates, including a redesigned grille, a duo-tone SS all-vinyl interior, and an optional vinyl top, which was rarely chosen. Safety enhancements across all 1967 Chevy II models featured GM's new energy-absorbing steering column, front and rear seat belts, a padded dashboard, and padded sun visors.

Despite these updates, the Chevy II failed to keep pace with changing times. The four-cylinder engine remained in the lineup, and the Series 100 two-door, priced at $2,258, was one of the most affordable cars on the market — yet it struggled to attract buyers.

In 1968, a completely redesigned Chevy II Nova debuted, but for many enthusiasts, the true Chevy II legacy spanned from 1962 to 1967. Over those six years, despite competition from Falcons, Darts, Comets, Tempests, and even internal rivals, the no-frills Chevrolet Chevy II proved to be as enduring as the Eveready Bunny.

For additional details about automobiles, explore: