The Chevrolet Chevy II/Nova was a small automobile manufactured by Chevrolet and produced in five generations for the 1962 through 1979, and 1985 through 1988 model years. Nova was the top model in the Chevy II lineup through 1968. The Chevy II nameplate was dropped, Nova becoming the nameplate for 1969 through 1979 models. Built on the X-body platform, the Nova was replaced by the 1980 Chevrolet Citation introduced in the spring of 1979. The Nova nameplate returned in 1985, produced through 1988 as a NUMMI manufactured, subcompact based on the front wheel drive, Japan home-based Toyota Sprinter.
Chevrolet designer Clare MacKichan recalled about creating the Chevy II: “There was no time for experimentation or doodling around with new ideas from either the engineers or from us in design, And it had to be a basic-type car.” The 1962 Chevy II rode a 110-inch wheelbase, compared to 109.5 for the Ford Falcon, at which Chevy’s new compact was aimed. “I think that was the quickest program we ever did at any time,” he continued.
We worked night and day on that car, and it didn’t take very long to run it through our shop because we had a deadline.
And that’s what made the Chevy II one of the fastest new-car development programs in GM history – just 18 months after the designers got the green light, the first production Chevy II rolled off the Willow Run, Michigan, assembly line in August 1961, in time for its September 29 introduction.
Unlike the Corvair, the 1962 Chevy II was deliberately never intended to be revolutionary in concept or execution; its mission was to give Chevrolet buyers a simple, back-to-the-basics compact car. When he announced the Chevy II to the press, Chevrolet General Manager Ed Cole described the car as offering “maximum functionalism with thrift.”
CHEVY NOVA SECOND GENERATION
1966 Chevy IIs introduced an extensive sharp-edged restyle based in part on the Super Nova concept car. 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 KIT
Scale: 1/25
Skill Level: 2 (ages 10 and up)
Glue assembly, paint required
Molded in blue and clear with chrome and black vinyl tires
MSRP: $24.99 USD
Approx Street Price $19.99
This is the AMT Nova 1966 Pro Street 1/25. This is a project that started little over a year ago, boxed it back and placed it on a shelf. There’s really not much left to say on this model kit that hasn’t been said already. In the middle of other builds, I decided to get back at this kit. I totally forgot that it just needed a few hours to be finished at it was a body, interior and tires sanded to eliminate the mold line.
This kit is probably as old as the car it represents in real life. So expect lots of mold lines. Surprisingly not there is not much flash (at least on this copy). If you follow this website on Instagram, I posted pictures of the underside. The solid and bad representation of the exhaust was replaced by aluminum tubing from K&S for a more realistic exhaust ends. You can see that in the photos below. The engine comes with doubleheaders. I tried it but even the air scoop on the hood wasn’t enough to close it completely. If you love to build model autos and like to go loco super detailing the engines, this is s very good candidate. The body shell to lower chassis part went without the cursing language due to troubles I used to encounter in car model kits back in the 80’s. This one fits like a charm.
The original chrome plating stayed on the bumpers, rims, and trims. I used an Ammo by Mig NATO wash on the front grille to add more depth. A bit disappointing that the decal sheet does not include decal for the car badges. (What happened here Round 2?) I can achieve this by masking the area and dry brushing chrome. But it is a risky technique nonetheless, especially for beginners. Cutting corners on something so simple yet necessary for the overall finished look is a big no-no.
