The second-generation Chevrolet II, sold from 1966 to 1967, received a sharp restyling that gave the compact a more aggressive, semi-fastback profile. This new look coincided with a major performance upgrade. While base models still offered economical 4 and 6-cylinder engines, the big news was the availability of the L79 327 V8, which produced 350 horsepower in 1966. This turned the lightweight Nova into a formidable street and strip machine, capable of running with much larger muscle cars.
Collectors prize the 1966-1967 models for their clean lines and performance potential, especially in the two-door hardtop body style. The Super Sport (SS) package, combined with the L79 V8, represents the peak of desirability. These cars were not only fast from the factory but also became popular platforms for modification, so finding a numbers-matching, well-documented example is a challenge that adds to its value. The L79 engine, shared with the Corvette, gives the Nova significant credibility among performance enthusiasts.
The market for these cars is strong and stratified. While driver-quality 6-cylinder cars remain accessible, authentic V8 Super Sport models command premium prices. The average sale price sits around $45,000, but top-tier, restored L79 cars can approach $100,000. Given the number of tribute cars, buyers place a high value on originality and documentation like the Protect-O-Plate to verify a car's factory configuration.
Buying Tips
- Check for rust in the typical spots for unibody cars of the era: floor pans, trunk floor, cowl area, and the lower sections of the fenders and quarter panels.
- The L79 327 is the most desirable engine. Verify the block stamping to confirm its authenticity, as many base V8 cars have been upgraded with non-original performance engines.
- The VIN for a V8 SS Sport Coupe starts with '118'. Authenticate a Super Sport by checking the VIN and trim tag, as SS clones are extremely common.
- Inspect the front suspension components carefully. The stock steering and suspension were weak points, so look for excessive wear on ball joints and tie rod ends. Many cars feature sensible modern upgrades.
Prices for the second-generation Nova range from $10,000 for projects to $97,515 for pristine, high-performance L79 examples.
1,921 Chevrolet II 2nd Gen vehicles have been tracked across auctions and listings on Hypercars, with 413 currently live.
Data sourced from Bring a Trailer, Cars & Bids, eBay Motors, PCarMarket, and Collecting Cars. Updated daily.
Run a business in this market?
Get Hypercars OS
