This 1963 Chevrolet Chevy II Nova SS two-door sport coupe was modified after the seller’s 2014 purchase with the installation of a Tri Star 355ci V8 that is reportedly equipped with a Howards Cams camshaft, a Quick Fuel HR carburetor, an Edelbrock Performer RPM intake manifold, an MSD distributor, an aluminum radiator, and a Black Widow exhaust system. A four-speed automatic transmission and a Curry 9″ rear axle were also installed at that time along with a TCI Pro-Touring independent front suspension. The cabin is upholstered in red, and additional modifications include 17″ American Racing Rally-style wheels, an adjustable Panhard bar, Wilwood disc brakes, a power-assisted rack-and-pinion steering system, RideTech coilovers, aftermarket crossmembers, aftermarket sway bars, and a Shiftworks Nova Smoothie shifter. This modified Nova is now offered by the seller on behalf of the owner with build photos and a clean California title in the owner’s name.
This sport coupe example was finished from the factory in Ermine White (936) and was repainted some time ago under prior ownership. Modifications reportedly include aluminum inner fender panels and floor pan reinforcement plates. Additional features include a bright grille and headlight bezels, chrome bumpers, a driver-side side mirror, backup lights, and Chevy II and Nova SS badging. The seller notes filler is present in the body, and photos in the gallery show corrosion on the hood, paint imperfections, pitted brightwork, faded badging, and a hole from a removed side mirror.
The 17″ American Racing Rally-style wheels are mounted with 235/40 front and 255/40 rear Falken Azenis FK453 tires. Stopping power is provided by a Wilwood four-wheel disc brake system featuring 11″ drilled and slotted rotors. A power-assisted rack-and-pinion steering system with adjustable pinion support tubes is said to have been installed, and suspension modifications reportedly include the following components:
- TCI Pro-Touring independent front suspension
- Tubular front control arms
- RideTech coilovers
- 1½” coilover crossmember with channel brackets
- 1¾” rear crossmember with a driveshaft loop
- Greaseable polyurethane bushings
- Aftermarket sway bars
- Adjustable Panhard bar
- 1¾” torque arm with a slider and 1¼” links
- 1¾” subframe connectors
- 2″ drop spindles
- Bolt-on trailing arm channel brackets
- TCI Stage 2 Chassis Torque arm
The cabin was lined with Dynamat sound-deadening material and the package tray and carpets were replaced during the build. The front bucket seats and rear bench are upholstered in red vinyl, and interior equipment includes a Shiftworks Nova Smoothie shifter, a cueball shift knob, a Delco radio, a heater, and lap belts for the front occupants. A tear is present on the driver’s seat, and staining is evident on the headliner. Corrosion is visible on the underside of the trunk lid.
The two-spoke steering wheel is affixed to an IDIDIT tilting steering column and features a semi-circular chrome horn ring. It frames a 120-mph speedometer, a combination gauge, and an aftermarket central 7k-rpm tachometer. The five-digit odometer shows 97k miles, approximately 3k of which were added under current ownership. Total mileage is unknown.
The Tri Star 355ci V8 was reportedly installed in 2015 and is said to be equipped with the following equipment:
- Howards Cams hydraulic roller camshaft
- Quick Fuel HR carburetor
- Edelbrock Performer RPM intake manifold
- MSD Pro-Billet Ready-to-Run distributor
- Concept One pulley assembly
- Electric fuel pump
- Custom-fabricated aluminum radiator with cooling fans
- Aftermarket coolant-overflow tank
- Aftermarket engine mounts
- Custom-fabricated wiring harness
- Black Widow exhaust system
The California Performance Transmission four-speed 7004R automatic transmission was also fitted during the build process and is linked to a Curry 9″ rear axle. Additional equipment reportedly includes a Setrab transmission cooler, an aftermarket transmission mount, a Summit Racing chromoly driveshaft, a Lokar transmission kickdown cable, and aftermarket axle housing brackets.
Decoding the Fisher body tag reveals:
- Build Date: 05B – Second week of May build date
- Style: 63-0437 – 1963 Chevy II Nova two-door sport coupe
- Body: OA 19823 – Oakland, California, assembly plant, production number
- Trim: 775 – Red vinyl uphosltery
- Paint: 936 – Ermine White
- Acc. X – Super Sport
- M35 – Powerglide automatic transmission
Photos depicting the car at various stages of the modification process are included in the gallery.
