• Make/Model: Chevy II, Nova SS
• Year: 1963
• Drivetrain: Big-block 454ci engine with a Turbo 400 automatic transmission.
• Location: Owatonna, Minnesota
• Price: $42,500 or trade

The 1963 Nova was an outrageous sales success. They were built to fill the gap between the compact Corvair, and the larger, full-size Chevrolet cars. It was also intended to combat Ford’s successful Falcon, and place GM into a new space in the market. The economy pricing and size of the Chevy II and Nova, along with its modest musclecar build, definitely attracted buyers. Whether someone was looking for a grocery-getter or an evening cruiser, the Nova would fit the bill.

Originally, the Chevy II was only available with a 153 cubic-inch four-cylinder or a 194 cubic-inch six-cylinder engine. This 1963 Nova SS that we found on craigslist, features a 454 cubic-inch big-block with a Turbo 400 transmission and a 3.23-geared rearend. While it isn’t a purpose-built race car, its modest looks make this a real sleeper. The current owner of the car is a dealership out of Owatonna, Minnesota, (American Classics and Hot Rods). We talked to Helen Sell at the dealership, and got the inside scoop on this car.

Although some might think the price tag is a little steep, it isn’t hard to see how it adds up. The car isn’t overly done, but the images show that it is well done. The paint is a really clean, attractive color that looks great next to the freshly chromed bumpers and polished stainless trim. A unique thing about this dealership is that they not only accept trades, but encourage them. “We took the Nova in on a trade,” Helen says. ”The previous owner came to our dealership wanting to buy a 1967 Dodge Coronet. But after walking around and admiring all the nice cars we have in our showroom, he fell in love with a 1966 Plymouth satellite instead.”

A multi-award winning car, all of the hard work has been done. Gary Temple, the sales manager at American Classics and Hot Rods told us, “This is an example of a $100,000 build that has more sweat-equity in it than anything else.” Sometimes it is better to buy a car that someone else has put their time and money into. If you think about it, what would it cost in time, effort, and money to build this car yourself? If you are interested in reading more about the car, be sure to check out the original sale ad here. Keep in mind that a car this cool might not be available much longer.

Do you have anything that you would consider trading for this Nova? Did the previous owner make the right choice when he traded it for the Plymouth Satellite? Tell us what you think of this deal, and how you might go about making one with American Classics and Hot Rods.