Chevy II’s received a major restyling for 1966. Like its big brother Chevelle, the compact offering was still based upon the previous chassis, but the outer skin and interior were all-new. Model series were the same as previous years, but the L79 350-hp, 327-cid from the Corvette was now available giving Chevy’s small car added performance . . . and respectability. In 1966 large cars and large-displacement engines dominated the marketplace, but they weren’t the only answer for road and track success. To the surprise of many, Chevrolet offered the Nova with a powerful free-revving engine that challenged established musclecars.

An unspecified number of Novas were fitted with the vaunted 350-hp Corvette-derived L79 V-8 which proved to be a spectacular combination. The 327-cid engine offered near-instant power that left its large-engine competition still struggling to get off the line.

This unrestored L79 Nova sports a well-traveled look with its unrestored exterior and well-campaigned interior, yet offers a stunning full-drivetrain restoration under the hood. Set up to resemble an old drag racing car, it has fenderwell headers, side exhaust, M-H Racemaster rear tires, and a column-mounted tach to go with its bench pedestrian bench seat interior. This sleeper Nova is an original L79 car that still retains its factory engine as certified by well-known Chevrolet historian Jerry MacNeish. Imagine the looks you’ll get when you smoke the competition at stop light drag races!