The Chevrolet Nova or Chevy II was an American compact car introduced by the Chevrolet Motor Division of General Motors in 1962. The Nova was of unibody construction, was powered by an OHV inline four- or six-cylinder engine, and was initially available in two-door and four-door sedan configurations as well as convertible and station wagon versions. Intended as a low-cost alternative to Chevrolet's rear-engined Corvair, and as competition for the all-conquering Ford Falcon, the Nova eventually ended up outlasting both of them.
   Base powerplants included a four cylinder and inline six - the six is actually the third generation powerplant, replacing the second-generation Stovebolt. Rival manufacturer Chrysler introduced their Slant Six in their Valiant - a Chevy II rival.
   Although the Nova was not originally available with a V8 option, the engine bay was perfectly proportioned for one. It wasn't long before Chevrolet V8s were offered as dealer-installed options (between 1962 and 1963), up to and including the fuel-injected version available on the Corvette. The combination of readily-available V8 power and light weight made the Nova a popular choice of drag racers.
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   The Chevy II Nova Super Sport is released. As mentioned above, Novas couldn't "officially" have V8 engines at this time - the standard SS engine was the six-cylinder - but most of these little coupes eventually ended up with a small-block under the hood.
   There came a minor restyling in 1966, based in part on the Super Nova concept car. In general, proportions were squared up, but dimensions and features changed little. Engine options still ranged from the basic inline four- and six-cylinder engines, but now included the 283 and 327 in³ (4.6 and 5.4 L) V8 engines as well.
   
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