What kind of car is a Chevy Nova?
Chevrolet Chevy II / Nova. The Chevrolet Chevy II/Nova was a small automobile manufactured by Chevrolet, and produced in five generations for the 1962 through 1979, and 1985 through 1988 model years.
When did the Chevy Nova come out in 1961?
The popular Chevrolet Nova was introduced as the Chevy II in 1961 as a 1962 model. It offered buyers a third choice in terms of size, standing between the (then) compact Corvair and the full size Chevrolet. The plans for the Chevy II began in December of 1959 with the code name H-35.
What was the original name of the Nova?
This version of the story is also a myth, as the Spanish-market version of the car was known as a Corsa from the outset. In fact, the car was called the Corsa in all markets except the United Kingdom. There was also a Nova kit car designed and built by A.D.D. from 1971.
How long did it take Chevrolet to make the Nova SS?
After getting a foothold in the market, it only took Chevrolet a year to bring out the Super Sport (SS) version of the Nova.
Why did Chevy stop making the Nova?
Chevrolet marketing officials have complained that the Nova's design was outdated even when the first models were produced in 1984 and that the car is only offered in a four-door version. Daily business updates The latest coverage of business, markets and the economy, sent by email each weekday.
What brand of car is a Nova?
ChevroletAs a matter of fact, Chevrolet did reasonably well with the Nova in Latin America, even exceeding its sales projections in Venezuela. The story of the Chevy Nova is a classic example of an urban legend, a story that is told and retold so often that it is believed to be true even though it isn't.
Is Chevy Nova a Toyota Corolla?
The new '85 Nova was a joint venture / rebadging between GM and Toyota, which resulted in Corolla-based cars sold under GM brands. Initially, the resulting cars were Chevrolets, then Geos, and finally Chevrolets again. The Nova resided on the AE82 Corolla platform, which GM called S for its purposes.
Is a Nova a Camaro?
To create the Camaro, Chevrolet started with the compact Chevy II Nova (itself a belated response to Ford's Falcon). In much the same way that the first Mustang is mostly a Falcon under its skin, the first Camaro is mostly Nova bits. That includes its hybrid structure of a unibody with a front subframe.
What does Nova mean in cars?
The initials of the four model names spelled out the acronym NOVA (Nova, Omega, Ventura, Apollo). The 1973 introduction of the Omega and Apollo coincided with the subsequent oil crisis where sales of the X and H platform increased. The 1972 Nova received only minor trim changes.
Why is a Nova called a Chevy 2?
Chevy management finally decided on “Chevy II,” because it started with a “C”—really. That's why the other name they liked didn't win the day—however, they decided to keep it for the top trim line for the Chevy II Series. That name was “Nova.”
Is the Chevy Nova a muscle car?
During its eighteen years of production, Chevy Nova went from a small affordable car to a legendary (still affordable) muscle car, offering a wide range of body styles, specs, and variations.
Who made the 1988 Chevy Nova?
(first posted 8/23/2013) This Toyota is officially called the 1988 Chevrolet Nova Twin Cam. While Chevy built many Nova's over the years, this is one of only 3,300 cars offered with dual overhead cams, and the only Chevy with Toyota engineering.
The Beginnings of the Chevy Nova
At the time, Chevrolet was falling behind and needed a small, functional vehicle to compete with the era’s compact cars, such as the highly successful Ford Falcon. The Chevy Corvair didn’t get the success Chevrolet was looking for, so the Nova was an attempt to create something lasting and reliable.
What Was the Best Chevy Nova Year?
You might not find as much consensus among car aficionados about the best Chevy Nova years as you would for models like a Chevelle. Some cars have specific model years that stand out, with jacked-up performance or enhanced looks.
The Best Chevy Nova
If you value power and performance, the third-generation Chevy Nova models could be your favorites, as these came out at the peak of the muscle car era before regulations invaded. The unique Yenko Nova could be your favorite, proudly displaying an eight-cylinder engine with 450 horsepower.
Restore Your Vehicle With Raybuck Auto Body Parts
Owning or restoring an old Chevy Nova can be highly rewarding, but it can prove challenging if you don’t have the right parts or materials to get the job done. You’ll want to get your Nova in mint condition and restore it to the classic, performance-driven car it once was.
But the Problem With the Story Is..
Chevrolet's woes are often cited as an example of how good intentions can go wrong when it comes to translation. There are literally thousands of references to the incident on the Internet, and the Nova example has been mentioned in textbooks and often comes up during presentations on cultural differences and advertising.
Other Spanish Mistranslation Legends
GM, of course, isn't the only company to be cited as making advertising blunders in the Spanish language. But upon closer examination, many of these tales of mistranslation prove to be as unlikely as the one involving GM. Here are some of those stories.
The Tale of the Vulgar Pen
Story: Parker Pen intended to use the slogan "it won't stain your pocket and embarrass you," to emphasize how its pens wouldn't leak, translating it as " no manchará tu bolsillo, ni te embarazará ." But embarazar means "to be pregnant" rather than "to embarrass." So the slogan was understood as "it won't stain your pocket and get you pregnant."
Wrong Kind of Milk
Story: A Spanish version of the "Got Milk?" campaign used " ¿Tienes leche? ," which can be understood as "Are you lactating?"
Wrong Kind of Loose
Story: Coors translated the slogan "turn it loose" in a beer ad in such a way that it was understood as slang for "suffer from diarrhea."
No-Coffee Coffee
Story: Nestlé was unable to sell Nescafé instant coffee in Latin America because the name is understood as " No es café " or "It isn't coffee."
Misplaced Affection
Story: A slogan for Frank Perdue chicken, "it takes a strong man to make a tender chicken," was translated as the equivalent of "it takes a sexually aroused man to make a chicken affectionate."
What was the Chevy Nova?
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 ...
When did the Nova come out?
Produced between 1962-1988 (though some people will tell you the Nova died in the 70s), you would be lucky to find a used Chevy Nova at your Chevy Dealership.
How many Novas were equipped with the L34 engine?
The L34 option generated 350 horsepower, while the L78 generated 375 horsepower. Only 234 Novas were equipped with the L34 engine configuration, and 667 Novas featured the L78, making them both targets of car collectors. 1969 came and went without many significant changes to the Nova.
What year was the Nova SS?
The Nova, redesigned in 1968 as the Nova SS, was mechanically and aesthetically based off the Chevy Camaro. Outfitted with the standard 350 cubic-inch V8, generating 295 horsepower, there was also the available 396 cubic-inch V8, which boosted horsepower between 350-375. The L34 option generated 350 horsepower, ...
How fast was the 1966 Chevy 2?
Short, but Sweet…1966-1967. Although short, the second generation brought about a new and faster Chevy II model. Equipped with a 327 cubic-inch eight-cylinder engine, this model year boasted 350 horsepower and completed the quarter mile in 15.1 seconds, shaving nearly three seconds off its earlier record.
What is the engine in a Chevy Nova?
Built on the same platform as the Toyota Corolla, the Chevy Nova was a front-wheel drive subcompact car equipped with a 1.6-liter, 98 cubic-inch four-cylinder engine, operated by either a five-speed manual or a three or four-speed automatic transmission.
When was the first generation of Chevy Nova 400?
The first generation ran from 1962-1965, with a few notable highlights. Equipped with either a 153 cubic-inch four-cylinder or 194 cubic-inch six-cylinder engine, the Chevy II quickly evolved to include sportier options. The Super Sport, or RPO-Z03, was released in 1963 on the Chevy II Nova 400.
What is the engine in a Chevy 283?
283 V8, or. 327 V8. The top-of-the-line engine was the 327 Turbo-Fire engine which offered an incredible 350hp. With the weight of the car still under 3,000 pounds, this was a seriously fast car. Stylistically, the second generation of the Chevy II saw some upgrades and looked much sharper and meaner than it’s predecessor.
How much horsepower does a 283 V8 have?
The 283 V8 was capable of putting out about 195 hp and a substantial 285 lb-ft of torque. While the 195hp figure might not impress today's youngest car enthusiasts, the old Chevy II Nova only weighed about 2,500 pounds. For comparison sake, a 2014 Scion FR-S (which is a popular car with the "kids" in 2014) weighs about 2,800 lbs, ...
Is the Chevy Nova a muscle car?
History of the Chevy Nova. From its start as an economic al small car, to its rise to one of the best known muscle cars of its era, the Chevy Nova has long been a consumer favorite. Where did it all begin, and how did this awesome car get the axe?
Why didn't the Chevy Nova sell well in Spanish?
The Chevy Nova didn't sell well in Spanish-speaking countries, because Nova means "doesn't go" in Spanish. Sorry to disappoint you, but this is nothing but a myth. "Nova" is Latin for "new" and has the same meaning in both English and Spanish. Luckily for Chevrolet, no urban legend prevented the Nova from selling extremely well in Mexico and Latin America.
How long did the Nova last?
All in all, the Nova model lasted for five generations that stretch out from 1962 to 1985 (with a brief hiatus in the early '80s, caused by the Chevrolet Citation - but that's a whole other story). Out of these five generations, the second one had the shortest life span. It was first introduced in 1966 and was largely a restyled first-gen model. However, the Camaro arrived in '67, and the Nova sales went down, forcing GM to go back to the drawing board.
What is SS package in Chevy Nova?
When picturing a Chevy Nova, it's hard to imagine it without Chevrolet's emblematic Super Sport (SS) package. The Nova was not the first Chevy to ever get it, but it was the one to perfect it. The trim first became available on the Series 400 models in '63 and only included cosmetic changes, such as wheel covers and bucket seats. It became a true performance package in '68 on the third-gen Nova where it included a 350 cu in V8 good for 295 hp and a heavy-duty suspension.
What package did the Nova 3rd gen have?
Another notable package for the third-gen Nova was the Rally Sport . It didn't exactly make the Nova fully prepared for true rally racing, it was a popular choice nevertheless. The Rally package didn't feature any powertrain upgrades but included the iconic racing stripes, special Rally wheels, and multi-leaf rear suspension.
What is the third gen Nova?
The third-gen Nova was marked by the many special packages that were offered for it. In 1974, for instance, Chevrolet introduced the 'Spirit of America' package to commemorate the upcoming US bicentennial in '76. The patriotic packaged featured a red, white, and blue paint job with a matching interior, plus an extended list of standard equipment.
Was the 1985 Nova a bad car?
Truthfully speaking, though, we wish it was the fifth generation that was short-lived. The 1985 Nova was released to make up for the failure of the Citation but didn't find much success itself. The revived model shared the platform with the '83 Toyota Corolla as a part of the joint venture between GM and Toyota. It wasn't a bad car, but it was extremely boring and had little in common with its ancestors.
Is the second generation Nova convertible rare?
The second-generation Nova might have been short-lived, but it's hardly the rarest variant of the Nova. This honor goes to the first-gen convertible. It was only available during the first two model years and was discontinued after 1963. That was also the only year when the SS trim was available for the convertible, making these specimen particularly rare and collectible.
When was the Chevy Nova introduced?
T he popular Chevrolet Nova was introduced as the Chevy II in 1961 as a 1962 model. It offered buyers a third choice in terms of size, standing between the (then) compact Corvair and the full size Chevrolet. The plans for the Chevy II began in December of 1959 with the code name H-35.
Who drove the Nova?
The third was sold to Alan Green Chevrolet in Seattle. Alan Green also drag raced the Nova with driver Dick Milner and crew chief Tom Foster. Green, Milner and Foster raced the Nova at drag strips throughout the northwest United States and western Canada from 1963 until 1967.
How many 1967 Novas were built?
The dealer ordering guides listed the 275-horsepower (L30) 327 as the top engine option, although Chevrolet production data indicates there were a total of six 1967 Novas built with the L79 variant of the 327, cranking out 325 horsepower.
What year did Chevy make the drop top Nova?
This was the only year that Chevrolet built a "drop-top" Nova SS because it discontinued the convertible body style on Novas in 1964. This made the 1963 convertible SS one of the most valuable Novas, even though it only came with the 194-ci 6 cylinder. 1964 thru 1965.
What color paint is used on a 1976 Chevy Nova?
To commemorate the Olympic games in 1976, Chevrolet created the " Gold Medalist " Nova (RPO-Z78). It included special gold paint (paint code 53) and "Gold Medalist" emblems. While there are no specific numbers for the Medalist package, there were 5,489 Novas built with this special gold paint.
How much horsepower does a SS Nova 350 have?
Of course, the base powerplant for the SS Nova was a very capable 300 horsepower 350 small-block, especially when you consider its 3300 pound weight. In stock form, the SS 350 Nova was good for respectable 15 second clockings while the 375 horsepower big-block version was coaxed into the 13's quite easily.
What year was the Nova?
All that changed, however, with the introduction of the 1968 Nova. Conforming with the popular muscle machine formula of a relatively long hood and a short rear deck, the 1968 Nova launched itself right into the hearts (and garages) of those who wanted a subtle, yet effective street stomper.
Who drove the Death Proof Nova?
Then Kanan drove the Death Proof Nova. Forget that it was a priceless piece of Hollywood history, he treated it like any other Chevy and drove it to school, and everywhere--for the next five years. In 2007, Kanan took a job at Hoonigan. The team there assumed he had built his own Nova into a Death Proof tribute.
How much horsepower does the Death Proof Nova have?
Kanan estimates that today, the car puts about 425 horsepower. Kanan disassembled the grizzly “kill cage” from the film and installed a safe racing seat with proper seatbelts so he could drive his brother around. Then Kanan drove the Death Proof Nova.
What license plate does Death Proof Nova have?
The Death Proof Nova wears a JJZ 109 license plate, as a tribute to Steve McQueen’s Bullitt Mustang (1968). Stuntman Mike’s 1969 Charger wears a 938 DAN license plate, referring to 1974’s Dirty Mary Crazy Larry. Also in the film, the character Kim’s Mustang Mach 1 is a clone of the “Eleanor” Mustang from 1974’s Gone In 60 Seconds.
What was Buddy Hooker's first car?
Buddy Hooker presented his son with one of the only remaining Death Proof Novas—for his first-ever car. Kanan recalls that when they began work on the vehicle, the 350 V8 was in such bad shape that it was only firing on six of eight cylinders.
What car did Stuntman Mike drive in Death Proof?
When the director finally made 2007’s Death Proof he packed it with references to as many classic films as possible. For example, Stuntman Mike’s cars (the Nova, and a 1969 Charger) feature a grumpy rubber duck style hood ornament as a nod to Kris Kristofferson’s big rig in 1978’s Convoy.
Where is Rusty's car museum?
Rusty’s TV and Movie Car Museum, in Jackson Tennesse, features countless vehicles from films as diverse as The Fast and The Furious and the A-Team. The museum is also famous for sculpting life-size replicas of characters from Pixar’s Cars films.
Does Rusty's sell Death Proof Nova?
But Rusty’s continually buys and sells cars to keep their collection fresh. They must have decided to sell their Death Proof Nova because, in 2019, Stuntman Mike’s car came up for sale on the Car-From-UK website. You can find all the details on the auction listing for the Death Proof Nova .
When did the Chevy Nova come out?
The original Chevrolet Nova (initially the Chevy II) hit the U.S. market in 1962. (This car should not be confused with the smaller, front wheel drive vehicle which was produced in 1985 as a joint venture between General Motors and Toyota and also assigned the Nova name.) Between 1972 and 1978 the Chevrolet Nova was also sold in Mexico ...
Why is the Chevy Nova so poorly sold?
The Chevrolet Nova sold poorly in Spanish-speaking countries because its name translates as "doesn't go" in Spanish.
What does Nova mean in Spanish?
GM executives were baffled until someone finally pointed out to them that “nova” translates as “doesn’t go” in Spanish. The embarrassed automobile giant changed the model name to the Caribe, and sales of the car took off.
Is "nova" a Spanish word?
First of all, the phrase “no va” (literally “doesn’t go”) and the word “nova” are distinct entities with different pronunciations in Spanish: the former is two words and is pronounced with the accent on the second word; the latter is one word with the accent on the first syllable.
Was the Chevy Nova changed?
The Nova’s model name was never changed for the Spanish-speaking market. The Chevy Nova legend lives on in countless marketing textbooks, is repeated in numerous business seminars, and is a staple of newspaper and magazine columnists who need a pithy example of human folly.
The Beginnings of The Chevy Nova
- At the time, Chevrolet was falling behind and needed a small, functional vehicle to compete with the era’s compact cars, such as the highly successful Ford Falcon. The Chevy Corvair didn’t get the success Chevrolet was looking for, so the Nova was an attempt to create something lasting and reliable. There seemed to be some question as to what to ca...
First Generation — 1962-1965
- Smaller than most Chevy vehicles but larger than the Corvair, the new Chevy II was available as a four-door sedan, convertible, station wagon or two-door coupe. The Chevy II Nova 400 was the sportiest option, with a 120 horsepower, six-cylinder engine. The car offered smooth driving in a sensible version that appealed to many people. Overall, the car was mainly functional, reflecting …
Second Generation — 1966-1967
- Of all the Chevy Nova generations, the 1966-1967 era may be the briefest, but it also created a new and faster vehicle. Little separated the second generation from the first, save more minor trim features, sheet metal makeovers and performance boosts. A new 327 eight-cylinder engine made the Nova capable of 350 horsepower. Shop Second Generation Chevy Nova Parts»
Third Generation — 1968-1972
- The third generation, starting in 1968, introduced a complete redesign of the Chevy II Nova. It was a similar style to the Chevelle, with a semi-fastback styling and 111-inch wheelbase. The Nova SS, fitted with a standard 350-cubic-inch V-8 engine, generated similar horsepower as earlier models and resembled the Camaro. The L34 and L78 models continued to highlight the Nova as an effe…
Fourth Generation — 1973-1974
- Government regulations impacted the fourth-generation Novas and returned the vehicle to a simpler, more functional car. In 1973, Chevy downgraded the SS model and started offering options for any engine, with the most effective being the 175-horsepower 350. Chevrolet also introduced a new hatchback version of the two-door Nova. Safety regulations created changes i…
Fifth Generation — 1975-1979
- The fifth generation of the Chevy Nova saw extensive changes and highlighted a long and changing journey from the Nova’s genesis as a simplistic compact car. Style changes made the Nova look a bit boxier, though it retained its smooth, semi-fastback shape. These newer models also included catalytic converters to combat emissions, disc brakes and steel-belted radial tires…
Sixth Generation — 1985-1988
- The sixth generation ushered in a new era for Chevy Nova history. General Motors and Toyota teamed up to create a subcompact version of the Nova. Though the Nova had already evolved significantly with the addition of the luxury model, the car had always been quintessentially American. As demonstrated by the symbolism of its “Spirit of America” model in 1974, the Nova …
What Was The Best Chevy Nova Year?
- You might not find as much consensus among car aficionados about the best Chevy Nova years as you would for models like a Chevelle. Some cars have specific model years that stand out, with jacked-up performance or enhanced looks. As you scan the Chevy Nova timeline, it’s maybe a little harder to determine because of the broad ranges of models the car went through. Indeed, the Ch…
The Best Chevy Nova
- If you value power and performance, the third-generation Chevy Nova models could be your favorites, as these came out at the peak of the muscle car era before regulations invaded. The unique Yenko Nova could be your favorite, proudly displaying an eight-cylinder engine with 450 horsepower. Or the 1969 version could stand out to you, serving as the first vehicle to fully take …
Restore Your Vehicle with Raybuck Auto Body Parts
- Owning or restoring an old Chevy Nova can be highly rewarding, but it can prove challenging if you don’t have the right parts or materials to get the job done. You’ll want to get your Nova in mint condition and restore it to the classic, performance-driven car it once was. Raybuck Auto Body Parts can help you in that restoration process. We offer a wide range of parts and materials to ai…
Early Days…1962-1965
Short, But Sweet…1966-1967
Long Haul…1968-1974
The Fourth…And Almost Final Generation…1975-1979
Final Call…1985-1988
- Chevy resurrected the Nova badge in the spring of 1984 and released the fifth generation of Novas between 1985 and 1988. Built on the same platform as the Toyota Corolla, the Chevy Nova was a front-wheel drive subcompact car equipped with a 1.6-liter, 98 cubic-inch four-cylinder engine, operated by either a five-speed manual or a three or four-spee...
Rumor Reversal
What Went Wrong?
Other Performance Options from Chevy
The Legacy of The Nova
An Exciting Investment