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Rocket on Wheels: This 1966 Chevy Nova Is Crazy Fast, Flexes 502 Horsepower

This Nova is a small rocket on wheels 23 photos
Photo: eBay seller jcsides36p0/autoevolution edits
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The Nova was born in 1962, and while many people were upset to only get lazy four- and six-cylinder engines, the lack of a V8 unit had a major contribution to what this nameplate eventually became.
Chevrolet Nova rapidly became one of the most popular choices for people building restomods or interested in hefty engine upgrades.

A V8 engine finally became available for Nova buyers in 1964, and by 1966, it was already a very popular choice for customers not interested in aftermarket upgrades. Everybody else could get any Nova they wanted if the plan was to install a more potent engine under the hood.

The 1966 Nova in these photos rolled off the assembly lines with a six-cylinder engine. The VIN decodes to a six-cylinder two-door coupe assembled in Norwood, Ohio, but the unit in charge of putting the wheels in motion is now a crate unit with no more, no less than 502 horsepower.

The Nova is no stranger to massive upgrades, but eBay seller jcsides36p0 says they wanted their car to be truly special. The Nova received a complete restoration, and in addition to an engine upgrade, it also got a five-speed Tremec transmission, 17-inch Billet Specialties wheels, and four-wheel disc brakes (absolutely necessary, considering the massive power under the hood).

It's hard to find something to complain about on this Nova, and while everything looks great, buyers should probably see it live before committing to a purchase. It's the only way to understand what a 502-horsepower engine feels like on the Nova, so contact the seller to discuss additional information.

The vehicle doesn't need anything, as it's been thoroughly detailed and feels like a new Nova inside, outside, and under the hood. You obviously won't find a single spot of rust, though it's unclear if the Nova exhibited such problems before the restoration process kicked off. You can always ask more questions if you're interested in this car.

Unsurprisingly, this Nova has become an eBay sensation thanks to this unique mix of a crate engine and the perfect looks. The vehicle landed on the auction site earlier this week, and in just a few hours online, it received over 30 bids.

The top offer is $55,100, but the seller also configured a reserve. Unsurprisingly, it's still in place today, meaning that bidders must increase their offers to hit the reserve and secure the car. The auction will end in approximately four days, and considering that so many people entered the digital battle, I expect the reserve to be unlocked soon.

The vehicle is parked in Salisbury, North Carolina, and can drive anywhere on its wheels. However, given its shape, you'd better take it on a trailer and park it in a heated garage away from snow, rain, and heavy sun.
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About the author: Bogdan Popa
Bogdan Popa profile photo

Bogdan keeps an eye on how technology is taking over the car world. His long-term goals are buying an 18-wheeler because he needs more space for his kid’s toys, and convincing Google and Apple that Android Auto and CarPlay deserve at least as much attention as their phones.
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