Ten Years Gone: 1966 Chevrolet Chevy II Nova 4Dr Station Wagon – Sold?

December 8^th Update – We just confirmed the Craigslist ad for this ride expired and with no replacement listing found, we’re assuming this car sold.  This one may have got away, but if you have your heart set on something similar, email us the details of what you’re looking for or call Rudy directly at (908)295-7330.

As we scour the internet looking for cool classic cars to feature, there are many we want to post yet something holds us back enough to move on to the next option.  This 1966 Chevrolet Nova four-door station wagon, first listed on Craigslist in October 2020 in Cedar Grove, New Jersey falls into that category for two reasons.   First, when we first came across this car for sale earlier this summer, we noticed the dealer plate we spotted on a backend picture of the car. However, in his latest description while that was enough back then to move on, in the seller’s latest description he mentions that he’s been working on this street machine for ten years.  That likely means the seller owns a body shop or other automotive-related facility where it’s not uncommon to have dealer plates to facilitate driving cars they own. The second issue was the initial asking price, which was originally $30,000. In this latest listing, the seller has brought the price down to $25,000 and is open to reasonable offers.

Originally a six-cylinder car, this Nova’s restoration included adding a 350 cubic inch small block V8. So, we tried to take that into account when we tried to figure out the seller’s pricing rationale.  When we compare the asking price against the Hagerty Insurance Online Valuation Tool, we learn its a whopping $10,500 higher than that guide’s #1 “Concours” appraisal.  Next, when we looked up this car with the Collector Car Market Review Online Tool, we discover the seller’s asking price is some $7,700 higher than the #1 “Excellent” estimate. Finally, when we look at the NADA Guides Classic Car Online Valuation Tool, we learned that the seller’s asking price actually falls into the midpoint of the current “Low”, “Average”, and “High” retail value range of $15,600, $24,100, $45,300, respectively. So, this last guide is likely what the seller used to determine their asking price.  Unfortunately, we’ve run into a number of cases recently where the NADA’s estimates for vintage station wagons were much more optimistic than the other two guides’ values so we learn towards those instead.  That last pricing guide prevents us from giving the seller our latest “NEW! (short for “No Effin Way!) Award based on his asking price.

Chevrolet launched the more conventional first-generation Chevy II in 1962 after the Ford Falcon outsold the radical VW Beetle- inspired Corvair in 1960.  Chevrolet produced the first generation cars from 1962 through 1965.  The wagon featured here is decked out in the top-level Nova trim, as these cars are more commonly known as.  The Chevy II’s design was unique in that a front subframe connected to a unitized body assembly from the firewall back.

For 1966, Chevrolet launched the second-generation Chevy II featuring an extensive sharp-edged restyle.  In general, proportions were squared up but dimensions and features changed little. Highlights included a bold grille and semi-fastback roofline. “Humped” fenders in an angular rear end were reminiscent of larger 1966 Chevrolets, though the 1966 Chevy II and Nova had vertical taillights and single headlights. The lineup again started with Chevy II 100 and Chevy II Nova 400 models.

The King Rose Archives YouTube Channel features this interesting 1966 Chevrolet Sales Person training video reinforcing how tough Chevy IIs are able to stand up to taxi cab duty, among other things:

Don’t let our critique of this car above fool you – we love the color, the quality of the restoration, and the upgrade in performance over stock.  The seller/restorer indicates he has over ten year invested in this build so, at your in-person inspection you can learn more about the condition of the car when he started this project.  If that checks out, this appears to be a great street machine you can enjoy now while you add your personal touches over the winter.  Good luck with the purchase!

Here’s the seller’s description:

“Fully restored 1966 chevy nova station wagon. Pictures honestly speak for themselves. Truly a one of a kind. Removed the v6 and dropped in a 350cu v8. Brand new turquoise paint job and fully restored interior. 18” bullet rims with brand new tires. Straight pipe exhaust. This nova is louder than a motorcycle. Not for the faint hearted. True muscle head enthusiast welcomed! Asking price is 25,000 but reasonable offers are more than welcomed. Took over 10 years to finish this car. Hate to see her go but on to the next project. If interested please text me. Thanks for looking!“

Do you have a Chevy Nova story you’d like to share?  Comment below and let us know!