Chevrolet history · 1962–1979 · 1985–1988
Chevy Nova and Chevy II history
By CarWhere Research · Updated
The Chevy Nova began as the Chevy II, introduced September 29, 1961, as a 1962 compact. Nova was its top trim until the Chevy II name was dropped for 1969. Four rear-drive generations ran through 1979, with SS versions offering big V8s, and the name returned on a front-drive compact built in California from 1985 to 1988.
Chevy Nova history
Chevrolet introduced the Chevy II on September 29, 1961, as a conventional 1962 compact to sit alongside the rear-engined Corvair. The first cars came off the Willow Run line in August 1961, and Nova was the name of the top-trim 400 series; a Super Sport package (RPO Z03) appeared for 1963.
The second generation (1966–1967) offered a 327 V8 rated at up to 350 hp, and the 1968 third generation shared its front subframe design with the new Camaro. That year the SS became a performance package with V8 power, including 396 big-blocks rated at 350 and 375 hp. The Chevy II name was dropped for 1969, and the car was sold simply as the Nova.
A fourth generation ran from 1975 until regular production ended on December 22, 1978. The name came back for 1985 on a front-wheel-drive compact built by the GM–Toyota NUMMI joint venture in Fremont, California, based on the Toyota Sprinter; after 1988 it became the Geo Prizm.[1]
Years and production numbers
| Generation | Model years | Selected production | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1st generation (Chevy II) | 1962–1965 | 1965: 122,800 | Nova = top trim; SS from 1963 |
| 2nd generation | 1966–1967 | 1967: 106,500 (about 10,100 Nova SS) | 327 V8 up to 350 hp |
| 3rd generation | 1968–1974 | 1968: 201,005 · 1969: 251,900 · 1972: 349,733 · 1974: 390,537 | Chevy II name dropped for 1969 |
| 4th generation | 1975–1979 | 1978: about 288,000 · 1979: under 98,000 | Regular production ended Dec. 22, 1978 |
| 5th generation (front-drive) | 1985–1988 | 426,888 total for 1986–1988 (1985 not available) | Built by NUMMI, Fremont, California |
Generations and key variants
| Variant | Years | Engine | Output |
|---|---|---|---|
| Chevy II Nova SS | 1963–1965 | Six or V8 (V8 from 1964) | varies by engine |
| Chevy II / Nova with 327 | 1966–1967 | 327 cu in V8 | up to 350 hp |
| Nova SS 396 | 1968–1970 | 396 cu in V8 | 350 hp or 375 hp |
| Nova SS | 1971–1976 | 350 cu in V8 | — |
Engine and drivetrain facts
- The 1968 Nova's front subframe design was shared with the first-generation Camaro, which made big-block swaps — and factory 396 SS cars — practical.
- The 1985–1988 Nova used Toyota-designed mechanicals and was built by NUMMI, the GM–Toyota joint venture in Fremont, California.
Sources:[1]
What changed, generation by generation
- 1962Chevy II launches; Nova is the top 400-series trim.
- 1963Super Sport package (RPO Z03) added.
- 1966Second generation; 327 V8 available up to 350 hp.
- 1968Third generation shares the Camaro's front subframe design; SS 396 available.
- 1969Chevy II name dropped; the car is sold as the Nova.
- 1975–1979Fourth generation; rear-drive Nova production ends December 22, 1978.
- 1985–1988Front-drive Nova built by NUMMI; replaced by the Geo Prizm for 1989.
Sources:[1]
What to check before you buy one
- Treat SS and 396 claims as unproven until a specialist has checked the original documentation and engine and drivetrain numbers.
- Inspect floors, trunk, rear frame rails and the subframe-to-body area for rust and repair quality.
- Ask what has been modified — many Novas have been turned into drag or street cars with non-original engines and suspension.
- On a 1985–1988 front-drive Nova, check for routine-maintenance records and rust as you would on any 1980s compact.
How to verify a Chevy Nova's factory options
Standardized 17-character VINs began with the 1981 model year, so every rear-drive 1962–1979 Chevy II and Nova predates them; only the 1985–1988 front-drive Nova has one.[2]
For cars built before the 17-character VIN, identification rests on the car's own serial number, its body and trim tags, engine stampings and its documented history. The GM Heritage Center maintains General Motors' historical archive and publishes vehicle information kits for many past GM models.[3]
Researching another Chevrolet or GM model? Start at the Chevrolet history timeline.
Frequently asked questions
What year did the Chevy Nova come out?
The car launched as the Chevy II on September 29, 1961, as a 1962 model, with Nova as its top trim. It was sold simply as the Nova from 1969.
What years were the Chevy Nova made?
The rear-drive Chevy II/Nova ran from 1962 through 1979, and a front-drive Nova was sold from 1985 through 1988.
Is a Chevy Nova the same as a Chevy II?
Yes. Nova began as the top Chevy II trim; the Chevy II name was dropped after 1968.
Did the Nova come with a 396?
Yes. From 1968 the Nova SS could be ordered with a 396 cu in V8 rated at 350 or 375 hp.
Who built the 1985–1988 Chevy Nova?
NUMMI, the GM–Toyota joint venture in Fremont, California. The car was based on the Toyota Sprinter and became the Geo Prizm for 1989.
Related histories
More research
Sources
Production figures and dates come from General Motors and Chevrolet press materials, the GM Heritage Center, the National Corvette Museum and reputable automotive press wherever available; auction figures are public results from the auction house. Market medians are CarWhere's own analysis of live US dealer listings from licensed vehicle-data providers.
- Chevrolet Chevy II / Nova — Wikipedia (secondary reference)
- 49 CFR Part 565 — Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) requirements — eCFR (U.S. Government)
- GM Heritage Archive — Vehicle Information Kits — General Motors (GM Heritage Center)
Independent reference compiled by CarWhere Research — not affiliated with or endorsed by General Motors. Chevrolet, Corvette, Camaro, Silverado, Tahoe, GMC, HUMMER, Cadillac, Blackwing and the other model names are trademarks of their owners.