Roman Red Respray/New Top/194ci I-6/2-Speed Automatic

1962 Chevrolet Nova Convertible

The Chevy Nova was a compact competitor in the legendary American pony wars. While the 1960s and 1970s witnessed a fight between American automotive manufacturers to produce the fastest and most powerful muscle cars, the Chevy Nova was just right when it came to size, speed, and affordability. But it didn't start out as the Chevy Nova…not quite, anyway. Eager to produce a budget-friendly compact muscle car, Chevy introduced the Chevy II. As a model name, Nova was relegated to runner-up name because it didn't start with C. However, Nova was chosen as the name for the higher-end, sportier trim option, and did eventually replace Chevy II as the car's official name in 1969.

For consignment a piece of early muscle car, before they knew of such a term muscle car. This one has had some cosmetics done and now presents as a decent looking example. A new top, some rust bubbling for the steel, as well as a re-upholstered front seat, and fresh carpeting, we have landed in 1962 and are ready to go for groceries in style.

Exterior
With a respray, and the exterior now bathed in Roman Red, it has some shine but could stand a buffing. All steel panels are good and have decently minded gaps. The trim spear on the sides shows a slight mis-algment when it meets up with the front quarter and door seam. Chrome and brite-work is in good condition with no rusting and only minor tarnish. A new white manually operated convertible top is now in and moves very easily. Standard wheel coverings and black wall tires finish the exterior job.

Interior
A swing of the doors and we note the original door panels with lots of horizontal chrome trim and even some tuck and roll in the red vinyl. This is broken up in the middle by a cream nicely aged vinyl strip. A red vinyl armrest sits within a tray and handles and cranks are all shiny. Inside a newly covered front bench in red vinyl sits with a showroom condition red carpeting flooded cockpit. In back an original replaced by embossing in the recovered front. The original dash shows well and has an oval instrument cluster and another pointed oval in the center for the radio. The dash front is formed with a mid horizontal running wide “spear” which has a lineup of pulls in chrome on the bottom of the dash below this spear. An original steering wheel wrapped with vinyl is fronting this dash. Note the rear passenger side sill has some water damage.

Drivetrain
194 cubes of inline 6-cylinder Chevrolet engine unrestored, sits within the patina riddled engine bay. Some surface rust is noted in the intake side mounted manifold and peeling blue paint on the valve covering. On back is a 2-speed Powerglide automatic transmission, and a 3.08 rear axle.

Undercarriage
Some surface rust is seen on the frame and suspension parts. The passenger floor pan draws our attention with some poorly done patches, and a side rail added in. One may question structural integrity as it does not look the nicest. Drum brakes are on all 4 corners.

Drive-Ability
A quick lighter, and smooth idler, I gave it a little goose, and off we go, cruising or running fast, this car does it all. Also, the new seats are truly comfortable, and all functions were working swimmingly.

An average presenting exterior, wonderful interior, and original engine which is still ticking and we have a classic grocery getter Nova from 1962. Thank you very much, and please don't applaud, just throw money!

VIN DECODE
20467W117790
2-1962
0467-Nova 400 2 Door Convertible
W-Willow Run Assy Plant
117790-Sequential Unit Number

COWL TAG
03B-2nd Week March Build
ST 620467-1962 Nova 400 Convertible
BODY WR8929-Willow Run Body #
TRIM 774-Red & Ivory
PAINT 923-Roman Red
L-1-White Top