Looking at this Nova really shows how little I know and how much I love cars and motorcycles. When something as special as this 1966 Chevrolet Nova CONVERTIBLE crossed the threshold at the shop, it took me a minute and an explanation to see how unique the car is.

First off, Chevrolet never made a 1966 Nova Convertible. Unless someone got an itch, this maybe the only one in the world. That went a long way to getting my full attention, especially when you look at the car and how it appears absolutely factory built and not out of the ordinary.

Our car is a 1966 Nova with the top from a 1963 Chevy 11 Convertible Top assembly grafted to the later model’s body. One of the bigger changes was the windshield frame which required a completely unique header to catch and attach the convertible top when it is erected. The convertible assembly then retracts into what appears to be a factory top cavity behind the rear seats with factory hardware holding it in place.

I have almost no information about who built the car or when. Our consignor has owned the car for at least four years and bought on line from a dealer in Indiana after seeing it several years ago. He was told it came from a seller in Louisiana and this was all the information he was given. Since his purchase, more heavy lifting was done towards the front end of the car. A TCI “1962-1967 Nova Custom” IFS Kit was installed, replacing the stock factory Nova set up, now giving it Independent Suspension and Disk Brakes. New Inner Fenders were added to accommodate the IFS and to give the car a finished appearance. Tubing has been installed under the car from the front suspension to the rear, tying both ends together and giving the uni-body torsional strengthening that removal of the hard top would have caused.

The car drives perfectly. Being a local engine builder for some of the local Hot Rod crowd in Southern Oregon and an expert medal fabricator, the engine was freshened up and tuned as a daily driver. Having driven the car a bit, I have to say that this is one of the most pleasant small Block Chevy’s I have had the pleasure to drive. It has no stumbles, no drivability issues and when the RPM’s build, it sounds incredibly good. The 4-Speed transmission is perfectly matched to the motor and working through the gear box will take you back to the 60’s and stop light racing in the day. It's really a blast.

One last item about the color. Either the light was changing, I cannot operate a camera well or the paint changes color in different lighting. The color in the shop is the color in the first images on the page. It is more a dark maroon then a red. Blame the photographer, but I did the best I could.

The selling price is $49,995. VIN# 116376N110173 and miles showing are 854 since the car was purchased four years ago, miles prior were unknown. For other interesting bikes and collectible vehicles, visit our web site http://www.automaniagp.com 541 479 8888 or come by and see us at 895 SE Gladiola Drive, Grants Pass, Oregon, 97526. Oregon Dealer DA1287.

Automania LLC is a Consignment Oregon Dealer selling quality, privately owned vehicles including Aprilia, Buell, BMW, Citroen, Ducati, Harley Davidson, Honda, Hummer, Kawasaki, Moto Guzzi, MV Agusta, Nissan, Ossa, Piaggio, Suzuki, Triumph, Vespa, Classic Hot Rods, Buick, Dodge, Ford, Chevrolet, Lamborghini