The History of the Chevrolet Nova

The Nova appeared in 1962 and came to the rescue for Chevrolet as an alternative for buyers to the compact "unsafe at any speed" Corvair.

Early Years

The Nova was originally called the Chevrolet Chevy II and sportier trim levels were called Nova.

Models

A buyer could order a sedan, hardtop or convertible. Sales were strong right from the start and by 1968 the Chevy II name was dropped and all trim levels carried the Nova name.

Redesign

In 1968 the Nova was redesigned and its body lines became more fluid. By 1969, with the end of Corvair production, the Nova became the smallest car in the Chevrolet lineup.

Muscle Car

It could be ordered with a large horsepower engine and quickly become a major part of the muscle car era of the late 1960s and early 1970s. The Nova line ended in 1979.

Nova Returns

In 1986 the Nova name returned as a sub-compact front wheel drive car with styling similar to the Toyota of the time. The model finally ended in 1988.

References

• Chevy Nova History