Photo: Bogdan Popa/autoevolution/Craigslist
Chevrolet was still offering the Nova as an option for the Chevy II in 1963, but the carmaker decided to go a step further by following the recipe that worked like a treat for the Impala.
The Impala Super Sport, which debuted in 1961, became a very successful model, so Chevrolet wanted to expand the SS to more nameplates.
The Nova received it in 1963. It was known as RP Z03 and cost $161.40, coming with sporty equipment, like bucket seats, a floor shifter, wheel covers, a special instrument package, and SS emblems.
Customers could only order the SS with a six-cylinder engine like the main Nova option. Chevrolet didn't offer a V8, so buyers had to stick with lazier mills. It doesn't mean the Nova SS ended up with six-cylinders exclusively. Many buyers performed swaps, specifically looking for the V8 power that better fitted the Super Sport tags.
The Nova SS convertible posted on Craigslist earlier this week still has a straight-six engine. It may be disappointing for some fans, but it's the original mill, so the car makes for an excellent restoration candidate for a factory icon.
The seller did not reveal if the 194 under the hood still starts and runs, but considering the car has been sitting for a long time, don't be surprised if it doesn't. The seller explains that this Nova spent 20 years under a cover, so the engine could very well be seized from sitting. First, you should check whether the engine turns over by hand, as it could be a sign that fixing it is still possible.
The car's condition is good, and the body is still solid, with only minor rust issues on the surface. The buyer should put the car on a lift and check the undersides, as 20 years under a cover could lead to major problems on the floors and in the trunk.
The owner says the interior is disassembled, but you get lots of extra parts to help with the restoration. In theory, nothing is missing, but you should still look into what you're getting as an extra and see if the car is complete and prepared for an overhaul.
The selling price makes sense, considering it's a 1963 Nova SS with the original engine. Many people would've preferred a V8-powered convertible, but a straight-six is the only way to get an original Nova.
The owner will sell the car for $15,000, and while it might seem a little pricey at first glance, it's probably a matter of time until the Nova finds a new home. A professional restoration could push the price close to $50,000, so it's up to the buyer to decide if they can make a profit on this Nova SS or just save it to keep it in the garage.
The Nova received it in 1963. It was known as RP Z03 and cost $161.40, coming with sporty equipment, like bucket seats, a floor shifter, wheel covers, a special instrument package, and SS emblems.
Customers could only order the SS with a six-cylinder engine like the main Nova option. Chevrolet didn't offer a V8, so buyers had to stick with lazier mills. It doesn't mean the Nova SS ended up with six-cylinders exclusively. Many buyers performed swaps, specifically looking for the V8 power that better fitted the Super Sport tags.
The Nova SS convertible posted on Craigslist earlier this week still has a straight-six engine. It may be disappointing for some fans, but it's the original mill, so the car makes for an excellent restoration candidate for a factory icon.
The seller did not reveal if the 194 under the hood still starts and runs, but considering the car has been sitting for a long time, don't be surprised if it doesn't. The seller explains that this Nova spent 20 years under a cover, so the engine could very well be seized from sitting. First, you should check whether the engine turns over by hand, as it could be a sign that fixing it is still possible.
The car's condition is good, and the body is still solid, with only minor rust issues on the surface. The buyer should put the car on a lift and check the undersides, as 20 years under a cover could lead to major problems on the floors and in the trunk.
The owner says the interior is disassembled, but you get lots of extra parts to help with the restoration. In theory, nothing is missing, but you should still look into what you're getting as an extra and see if the car is complete and prepared for an overhaul.
The selling price makes sense, considering it's a 1963 Nova SS with the original engine. Many people would've preferred a V8-powered convertible, but a straight-six is the only way to get an original Nova.
The owner will sell the car for $15,000, and while it might seem a little pricey at first glance, it's probably a matter of time until the Nova finds a new home. A professional restoration could push the price close to $50,000, so it's up to the buyer to decide if they can make a profit on this Nova SS or just save it to keep it in the garage.
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