<![CDATA[1963 Chevrolet Nova Convertible - Jalopnik Comments]]> <![CDATA[1963 Chevrolet Nova Convertible - Jalopnik Comments]]> <![CDATA[1963 Chevrolet Nova Convertible]]> @FreeMan: lol i know! in Australia, that would be total madness! Our potholes would break up a car like this one, in about 300 miles!

Naturally Exasperated?

]]> <![CDATA[1963 Chevrolet Nova Convertible]]> "The Chevrolet Nova sold poorly in Spanish-speaking countries because its name translates as "doesn't go" in Spanish."
This is a urban legend that I did not notice being shared here.

"It's the classic cautionary tale about the pitfalls of doing business in foreign countries that can be found in hundreds (if not thousands) of books about marketing: General Motors introduced their Chevrolet Nova model of automobile into a Spanish-speaking market, then scratched their heads in puzzlement when it sold poorly. GM executives were baffled until someone finally pointed out to them that "nova" translates as "doesn't go" in Spanish. The embarrassed automobile giant changed the model name to the Caribe, and sales of the car took off."

More about it here [www.snopes.com]

oldfcuk

]]> <![CDATA[1963 Chevrolet Nova Convertible]]> @Mad_Science:

Do you think you've seen my car? Or do you have something up your sleeve.. :)

AllenK

]]> <![CDATA[1963 Chevrolet Nova Convertible]]> My first car was a '63 Nova, purchased in 1977 for $225. "The Box" had the 230 CID I-6 and PowerGlide 2-speed auto ("Hey, where's third gear???").

White 2-door hardtop coupe. No rust, and only 75K on the clock. Bought it from an actual little old lady.

No seatbelts, metal dash, 4-wheel drums. VERY safe, that car.

The car was virtually indestructible, and while owning it I got paid a $275 insurance claim for a rear-ender, then sold the car for $250 in 1979. Good return on investment.

I also spent more than the value of the car in a stereo....Pioneer 8-track tape deck, The ubiquitous Jensen Triax speakers, and a HUGE 40-Watt amplifier. 40 WHOLE WATTS!!!

Oh, how I wish I still had that car, just so I could drop a small-block and a 4-speed in it for serious hoonage.

Zarba

]]> <![CDATA[1963 Chevrolet Nova Convertible]]> The reason why it was hot stuff to have the "6" badge on the fender was that the base Nova came with a FOUR back then.

landyachtmarina

]]> <![CDATA[1963 Chevrolet Nova Convertible]]> @AllenK: ...and your parents house is where, exactly?

Just curious....

Mad_Science

]]> <![CDATA[1963 Chevrolet Nova Convertible]]> I lost a battle with the rear bumper of an S-10 in my '66 coupe. Totally trashed the front cap!
That was a great little car,and it was pretty quick even with a stock 350.

That happened back in '96, and it's still rotting at my parents house. It's not a pretty sight. Maybe someday...


AllenK

]]> <![CDATA[1963 Chevrolet Nova Convertible]]> I wonder if we could get GM's design department to whip up a couple "Ecotec" or "I4" badges. Or in 30 years, are we just going to marvel at the quaint little "Hybrid" badges?

Maymar - now with 37% less anonymity

]]> <![CDATA[1963 Chevrolet Nova Convertible]]> This one brings back some memories. My dad 'inherited' a 64 ChevyII from a salesman in the company that had recently died. The company had just recently begun downsizing the company cars, and the sales guy that had this one was given the freedom to 'order' it from the lease company with the options he wanted. Well, the options he wanted were nothing .... except a 283 4V with a four speed. Even had the dog dish hub caps, and a bench seat!!! However, that damn thing was lightning quick. I couldn't drive, but my dad would let me shift from the passenger side. He would push in the clutch, and I would move the lever. Great fun for a 12 year old at he time!!!!

Damn, I miss the 60's ...........

racebeer

]]> <![CDATA[1963 Chevrolet Nova Convertible]]> Impressively weathered classic...the dull black streak under the filler cap is a nice touch. The droptop looks like some Coleman camping tent from Sears that's been converted into something to fit a car. Considering Cali. sun damage, I wonder many times that's been replaced.

I'm guessing there's a simple, stout 3-spd stick hooked up to that six.

brandegee

]]> <![CDATA[1963 Chevrolet Nova Convertible]]> Now if only that Nova convertible was in Project Car Hell. Instant vote from me.

TPSreports

]]> <![CDATA[1963 Chevrolet Nova Convertible]]> The beautiful thing is, nobody drives a car like that every day because they have to.


beercheck

]]> <![CDATA[1963 Chevrolet Nova Convertible]]> Big props keeping old iron alive! Gotta respect the humble Nova, too - it weighs, what, about 20% more than the Cavalier, and has about four times as much steel?

This old critter looks pretty good, all things considered. This is definitely not PCH - I'd love to take this rascal on. It'd be a snap.

And I don't even like Chevy.

Elhigh

]]> <![CDATA[1963 Chevrolet Nova Convertible]]> Did he buy it new? How many miles?

bmoredlj

]]> <![CDATA[1963 Chevrolet Nova Convertible]]> Yes, that is one leaf in the back. The famed "Mono Leaf" from GM.It was cheap & it worked. What more could you expect from Chevrolet?

citman

]]> <![CDATA[1963 Chevrolet Nova Convertible]]> My grandfather always tells the me story from back in '61-'62 when he used to work as a travelling salesman for a chain and sproket company.

The company was pushing all their salesman to renew their company leases in the new 'downsized' compacts, the Falcon,ChevyII,Dart and Tempest.

He's still proud that he went down to the dealer and leased a brand new full-sized Pontiac wagon.

He never drove anything smaller than a Continental, my grandfather. I think he's where I got my taste in cars.

danio3834

]]> <![CDATA[1963 Chevrolet Nova Convertible]]> @Retiree: I don't think that's the proper shackle. Looks "modified" but they were pretty light.

mytdawg

]]> <![CDATA[1963 Chevrolet Nova Convertible]]> That certainly can't be the original wheels and correct tire size - this II is now cruising on enormous meats.

I remember B-78-13s on the neighbor's II. They were very skinny and very tiny - how did those bias-belted rim-wrappers handle in the rain with a full load of school kids?

goatrope

]]> <![CDATA[1963 Chevrolet Nova Convertible]]> Somebody on Bewitched had to drive one of these. Gladys Kravitz maybe?

TinaChow

]]> <![CDATA[1963 Chevrolet Nova Convertible]]> Back then, over at Ford, they liked to ask: "Is that a Chevy too?"
This example sure defines the word veteran!


MalFuller

]]> <![CDATA[1963 Chevrolet Nova Convertible]]> only one leaf hanging off that tall shackle? Isn't that rather unusual, or was the back of this thing just that light?

FЯeeMan

]]> <![CDATA[1963 Chevrolet Nova Convertible]]> My brother had a 68 and I had a 70 with 6 cylinders. My mom had a 73, yellow with a black vinyl top, 350 and a 4 speed (go mom!). There will always be a fond spot in my heart and a soft spot in my head for Chevy II's and Novas.

mytdawg

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