Original price: $2,200.00 – $2,500.00
On loan from: Larry Schmidt, Grand Island, NE
Number made: 73,900 (Chevy II Nova; all models)
Engine, etc.: 427 cu. in.; Kinsler injectors (850 h.p.)
The name was actually “Nova” but the “Chevy 2” name was decided on by Chevrolet management because it started with a “C”. Anyone who owned a Nova owned a Chevy II. By 1968 Chevrolet officially called it the Chevy II Nova or simply Nova. In 1969 the Chevy II name was dropped entirely and the car became the Chevrolet Nova.
The “gasser” looks only purpose was to go fast down a dragstrip while still having enough street equipment to be considered “street”. They used legal tricks to boost traction including raising the front end and center of gravity for better weight transfer. This gave them their high riser look and aggressive driving abilities.
The Chevy II was aimed at a new generation of youthful buyers and designed to compete with the Plymouth Valiant and Ford Falcon. It was a compact car that started production in 1962. They were offered in a convertible in 1962 and 1963, and a two-door hardtop in 1962 to 1965. Nova became its own nameplate in 1969.
Extensive restyling happened in 1966 with inspiration from the Super Nova concept car. Changes included a squarer look, bold grille, single headlights, vertical taillights, and a semi-fastback roofline. The Chevy II line included a two and a four-door sedan, and a station wagon.
Sources: https://www.conceptcarz.com/vehicle/z1975/chevrolet-nova-series.aspx
https://www.motortrend.com/how-to/build-nova-gasser-week-day-5-lives/
https://oldcarbrochures.com/static/NA/Chevrolet/1966_Chevrolet/1966_Chevrolet_Chevy_II_Brochure/dirindex.html (Original dealer brochure, Chevy II)