The formula was a good one: take a lightweight car like the Chevy II and stuff it full of small block V8. This 1966 Chevy II (also known as the Nova) is a road-ready example of that formula in action, and adds a big dose of eyeball appeal to go with it. Colors like the bright burgundy finish on this Nova help give Chevy's compact a bigger presence. They're not big cars, which is why they're so potent out on... the road, but in bright colors you have no choice but to treat them with respect. The paint and bodywork on this car are several years old and the paint is starting to show its age, but if you like to drive, there aren't many better Bowties for the job. A professional buff might clean things up, but either way, this car gets noticed. The steel underneath is quite straight and shows off good gaps, suggesting that when the work was done, they took their time. Nice chrome, including the factory grille with authentic SS emblem and the 'Super Sport' logos on the quarters, gives it just enough flash to get some attention as you go rolling past. The interior is extremely nice, however, with late-model buckets wearing newer seat covers, matching door panels, and contrasting carpets, all neatly tailored to fit the car's mature image. A center console is a relatively rare option in the bare-bones Nova, and it has been augmented with a custom B&M shifter to manage the TH350 3-speed automatic transmission underneath. A wood-rimmed steering wheel is a slightly extravagant sight in a simple Nova, but it fits with the new interior's luxurious vibe. Even in an SS, the gauge package was little more than the speedometer and fuel gauge, but someone has thoughtfully added a tach under the dash. A modern digital AM/FM/CD stereo lives in the dash and powers speakers stashed throughout the interior. And for a little car, there sure is plenty of trunk space, even with a full-sized spare tire tucked up in there. So, OK, this Nova originally carried a six, but today there's a raucous 350 cubic inch V8, just as the General intended... more or less. The upgrade is a literal bolt-in, so why wouldn't you do it? It's considerably more powerful than anything they were building in 1966 and has been augmented with an Edelbrock 4-barrel carburetor and intake manifold and a Pertronix ignition. Chevy Orange paint and chrome rocker covers certainly help with the highly detailed look, and there's a giant radiator up front. The 3-speed automatic transmission is plenty tough for V8 duty and channels power to the original rear end. A newer dual exhaust system with cut-outs gives it a fantastic bark and disc brakes were added up front in preparation for the speed this neat little torque factory can generate. Classic Torque Thrust wheels really fill the wheel wells yet keep the '60s look and carry blackwall radials at all four corners. A slick V8 SS with an awesome look and lots of receipts for all the work. If you like the promise of light weight and horsepower, then perhaps this car deserves a closer look. Call today!