With the 1966 redesign of the Nova, Chevrolet introduced its second-generation with a sharp-edged design that many feel was inspired in-part by the 1964 Super Nova concept car. This year, the car’s looks were changed, but many of the features changed very little. However, this year did mark the Nova’s official induction into the muscle car world, as the new Nova benefited from the addition of the L79 option — a 327 cubic-inch V8 with 350 horsepower. In factory-stock trim with this engine under the hood, the car was capable of low 15-second ¼-mile e.t.’s. Packaged with a base 283 cubic-inch V8, the 1966 Nova SS came with a price of just $2,535.00.

Under that unique air cleaner is a 585-cfm Holley four-barrel carburetor. The camshaft in the L79 engine delivered decent throttle response, an acceptable power curve, and a lumpy idle at 800 rpm. But due to its duration overlap, it could not properly idle when mated to an automatic transmission. That is why no automatic was available.

The L79 version of the 327 cubic-inch V8 engine was filled with factory pieces that rivaled the best the aftermarket had to offer. Inside were forged, high-compression pistons, a performance-ground camshaft, high-flowing cylinder heads, and an aluminum intake with a four-barrel Holley carburetor.

The engine even looked the part of performance with chrome engine accessories like the twin-snorkel air cleaner, valve covers, and oil-fill and cap. When strapped into this car that weighed less than 3,000 pounds, you can imagine the performance potential.

The 283 cubic-inch V8 with a two-barrel carburetor was the base V8 engine, and delivered 195 horsepower.

When looking at all available engine options for the car, the 90 horsepower, 153 cubic-inch four cylinder was still available, but was only offered in the base-model 100-series. There were three six-cylinder engines available: the 194 cubic-inch engine with 125 horsepower, and two 230 cubic-inch engines with either 140 or 155 horsepower.

There were also two 283 cubic-inch V8 engines available — one with a two-barrel carburetor, and one with a four-barrel carburetor. The first was rated at 195 horsepower, and the other boasted 220 horsepower. There was also another 327 cubic-inch V8 that carried less power than the L79 version, delivering 275 horsepower.

If your Super Sport Nova came with a floor-shifted transmission, you also received the center console

The transmission choices remained from the previous year, the column- or floor-shifted three-speed manual, a floor-shifted four-speed manual, and the two-speed Powerglide automatic. It is important to note that the 350 horsepower 327 cubic-inch engine was only available with a manually-shifted three- or four-speed transmission, and was not available in the 100-series cars or station wagon.

The Super Nova show car made its debut at the New York Auto show in April of 1964. The design of the car revealed ideas being contemplated for the upcoming Chevy II restyle. The proportions of the car anticipated a shift in major styling themes that were edgier, and would become popular among drivers in the mid 60’s. The Chevy II script at the bottom of the front fender indicates Chevrolet had a change in mind for its compact economy car. Photo courtesy of GM.