Even though the compact Nova lived for five generations and spanned model years 1962 through 1988 (albeit with a gap in between), only one of those generations were available in a convertible body style. Finding a clean drop-top Nova these days is getting to be a challenge, but you are in luck.
The Pick of the Day is a 1962 Chevrolet Chevy II Nova listed for sale on ClassicCars.com by a private seller in Cameron Park, California. (Click the link to view the listing)
“Reluctantly selling my survivor ’62 Chevy Nova, build date third week of November 1961 in Willow Run, Michigan,” the listing begins. “I purchased the car from the second owner on March 17th, 2018, with 42,155 well-documented miles. The second owner purchased the car from the original owner’s family and owned it eight years prior to me taking ownership.”
The first-generation Chevy II was developed as a semi-unibody compact car and came in five body styles and three different series. Model years 1962 and 1963 were the only years when a convertible was an option.
Over the course of a two-year overhaul, today’s featured car received a long list of repairs and upgrades under the seller’s ownership. Power comes from the original 194cid inline-six which has been rebuilt, along with the two-speed automatic transmission and the original rear end. Replaced parts include the ignition components, lower radiator hoses, fan belt, brake lines, tires, starter solenoid, flywheel, muffler, and more. Today, the odometer shows 53,966 miles – which the seller says are true and actual.
The seller says that the paint on the car appears to be mostly original. There are 67 photos in the listing that showcase the condition from front to back, inside and out. One of them shows the car’s trim tag which denotes the exterior color as “Roman Red” (paint code 923). The trim code decodes to a red bench interior, so everything on the placard matches up with the car’s current state.
The listing concludes: “I am listing this hoping someone that appreciates classic history will see the value in this absolutely beautiful car and continue to enjoy a piece of Chevrolet history.”
I, too, have a special place in my heart for Novas, considering the fact that a ’68 was my dad’s pride and joy back in high school. I have always thought it would be fun to own a first-gen ragtop version.
The asking price is $42,000 or best offer, which includes a full set of original hubcaps, two boots for the convertible top, spare parts, and documentation. The car even comes with a copy of its original registration.
View this listing on ClassicCars.com, or swing by the archives at Pick of the Day.
42 grand for a 6 cyl??
NO THANKS
Beautiful Car. The 6 Cyl with Power glide Automatic had plenty of torque with excellent fuel economy. 24 mpg – 28 mpg every day driving. That + Convertible…. I spend 42 G’s for this nice Convertible!
Worth every penny!