The 1966 Chevrolet Nova SS, a legendary muscle car that captured the hearts of enthusiasts, emerged as a potent force in the automotive landscape. This year marked a pivotal moment for the Nova SS, as Chevrolet introduced a redesigned model with a striking new look and a range of powerful engine options.
This iconic vehicle became a symbol of American muscle car culture, leaving an enduring legacy that continues to fascinate collectors and admirers today.
The 1966 Nova SS was not just a performance car; it was a statement. It represented a shift in the automotive industry, where power and style were no longer mutually exclusive. With its sleek lines, aggressive stance, and potent engines, the Nova SS quickly became a popular choice for those seeking a thrilling driving experience.
Introduction
The 1966 Chevrolet Nova SS was a significant model year for the Nova, marking the introduction of the SS package. This package, designed to appeal to performance-minded drivers, transformed the Nova from a basic compact car into a sporty and powerful contender.
The 1966 Nova SS was launched amidst a period of intense competition in the American muscle car market. The muscle car craze was in full swing, with manufacturers like Ford, Plymouth, and AMC all introducing their own high-performance models.
Chevrolet, determined to stake its claim in this burgeoning segment, saw the Nova as the perfect platform to introduce a budget-friendly muscle car.
The Nova SS Package
The Nova SS package was a comprehensive upgrade that transformed the Nova’s character. It included a range of performance enhancements, including:
- A more powerful engine: The SS was initially available with a 283 cubic inch V8 engine, later upgraded to a 327 cubic inch V8. These engines offered significant power increases compared to the standard Nova’s six-cylinder engine.
- A sporty suspension: The SS featured a revised suspension, with stiffer springs and shocks, to enhance handling and cornering performance.
- Distinctive styling: The SS was visually distinguished from the standard Nova with unique badging, grille, and wheel covers. It also came with optional bucket seats and a center console, adding to its sporty appeal.
The Nova SS was a hit with consumers, appealing to drivers who desired performance and style without breaking the bank. It became a popular choice for those looking for a fun and affordable muscle car, contributing to the Nova’s overall success.
Design and Styling
The 1966 Chevrolet Nova SS was a stylish and sporty compact car that embodied the spirit of the era. It featured a distinctive design that set it apart from other Chevrolet models of the time, combining classic American muscle car cues with a more refined and sophisticated aesthetic.
Exterior Design
The exterior design of the 1966 Nova SS was characterized by its sleek lines and sporty proportions. The car featured a distinctive grille with a horizontal chrome bar that extended across the width of the front end. The grille was flanked by twin headlights that were integrated into the bodywork, giving the car a more modern and aggressive appearance.
The Nova SS also featured a prominent hood scoop, which was functional and added to the car’s sporty appeal. The body style of the Nova SS was available in both two-door coupe and four-door sedan configurations. The coupe featured a sloping roofline and a fastback design, while the sedan had a more traditional boxy shape.
The Nova SS also featured a variety of trim options, including chrome bumpers, side moldings, and wheel covers.
Interior Design
The interior of the 1966 Nova SS was designed to be both comfortable and sporty. The dashboard featured a simple but functional layout with large, easy-to-read gauges. The seats were upholstered in a variety of materials, including vinyl and cloth.
The SS models featured a special interior with unique upholstery and trim. The car also came equipped with a variety of standard features, including a radio, heater, and rear window defroster.
Comparison to Other Chevrolet Models
The 1966 Nova SS was a more performance-oriented version of the standard Nova. It featured a more powerful engine, a sportier suspension, and a more aggressive styling. Compared to other Chevrolet models of the era, the Nova SS offered a balance of performance and practicality that made it a popular choice among buyers.
The Nova SS was also significantly smaller and more affordable than Chevrolet’s larger muscle cars, such as the Chevelle and Camaro.
Performance and Engine Options
The 1966 Chevrolet Nova SS was a performance-oriented compact car that offered a range of engine options to suit different driving needs and preferences. These engines, coupled with available transmissions, delivered a balance of power, efficiency, and driving enjoyment.
Engine Options
The 1966 Nova SS was available with three engine options, each offering distinct performance characteristics:
- 283-cubic-inch (4.6-liter) V8:This engine, also known as the “Turbo-Fire” V8, was the standard engine for the Nova SS. It produced 195 horsepower and 265 lb-ft of torque, providing a good balance of power and fuel economy. The 283 V8 was a reliable and durable engine, well-suited for everyday driving and light performance applications.
- 327-cubic-inch (5.4-liter) V8:This optional engine offered a significant power bump over the base 283. It produced 275 horsepower and 340 lb-ft of torque, making the Nova SS a more spirited performer. The 327 V8 was a popular choice for enthusiasts who desired a more powerful driving experience.
- 396-cubic-inch (6.5-liter) V8:This optional big-block engine was the top-of-the-line offering for the Nova SS. It generated a whopping 375 horsepower and 415 lb-ft of torque, transforming the Nova SS into a true performance machine. The 396 V8 was reserved for those seeking maximum performance and acceleration.
Transmission Options
The 1966 Nova SS was available with two transmission options:
- Three-speed manual transmission:This was the standard transmission for the Nova SS, providing a direct and engaging driving experience. It was well-suited for drivers who preferred a more hands-on approach to shifting gears.
- Powerglide two-speed automatic transmission:This optional transmission offered convenience and ease of driving, particularly in stop-and-go traffic. The Powerglide was a smooth and reliable automatic, providing effortless acceleration and cruising.
Handling and Driving Experience: 1966 Chevrolet Nova SS
The 1966 Chevrolet Nova SS was a nimble and fun-to-drive muscle car that offered a balance of performance and handling. Its compact size and relatively light weight contributed to its agility, making it a joy to maneuver on winding roads and city streets.
Handling Characteristics
The Nova SS’s handling was praised by contemporary reviewers for its responsiveness and predictable nature. Its independent front suspension and solid rear axle provided a good balance between comfort and control. The car’s relatively low center of gravity, thanks to its unibody construction, further enhanced its stability.
The 1966 Chevrolet Nova SS, a muscle car icon, offered a powerful blend of performance and style. While the Nova SS was known for its sporty handling and punchy V8 engine, Chevrolet also offered a more utilitarian option in the form of the 1975 Chevrolet C20 , a workhorse pickup truck designed for hauling and towing.
Despite their vastly different roles, both vehicles represented the spirit of American automotive ingenuity, each serving a distinct purpose for drivers seeking distinct experiences.
While not as sophisticated as some of its European counterparts, the Nova SS’s handling was more than adequate for its intended purpose.
Comparison to Other Muscle Cars
Compared to other muscle cars of the same era, the Nova SS offered a more balanced driving experience. While cars like the Ford Mustang and Plymouth Barracuda were known for their raw power, the Nova SS was more focused on overall handling and driver engagement.
The 1966 Chevrolet Nova SS, with its sporty lines and powerful engine, represented a shift in the American muscle car landscape. While it was a far cry from the sleek, art deco design of its predecessor, the 1949 Chevrolet Fleetline , it embodied the spirit of performance that would define the era.
The Nova SS, with its signature SS badging and optional 327 cubic-inch V8, was a testament to Chevrolet’s commitment to delivering driving excitement to the masses.
Its smaller size and lighter weight allowed it to be more nimble and agile, making it a more enjoyable car to drive on twisty roads.
The 1966 Chevrolet Nova SS, a muscle car icon, marked a significant shift in Chevrolet’s design philosophy, moving away from the more traditional styling of earlier models like the 1916 Chevrolet Touring. While the 1916 Touring exuded elegance with its open-air design, the Nova SS embodied the spirit of the American performance car with its sleek lines and powerful engine.
This transition from classic touring to performance-driven muscle cars highlights Chevrolet’s adaptability to changing market demands.
Overall Driving Experience
The 1966 Nova SS offered a rewarding driving experience that was both exhilarating and engaging. Its responsive steering, balanced handling, and potent engine made it a true driver’s car. The car’s relatively compact size and comfortable interior made it a practical choice for everyday driving as well.
The Nova SS’s overall driving experience was characterized by its fun-to-drive nature and its ability to deliver a thrilling performance without compromising on practicality.
Notable Features and Options
The 1966 Chevrolet Nova SS was a performance-oriented compact car that offered a range of features and options designed to enhance its performance, handling, and appearance. From its powerful engine options to its distinctive styling cues, the Nova SS was a popular choice for enthusiasts seeking a sporty and affordable driving experience.
Available Options and Packages
The 1966 Nova SS came with a variety of options and packages that allowed buyers to customize their vehicles to their liking. These options included performance enhancements, cosmetic upgrades, and convenience features.
- Performance Options:The Nova SS was available with a variety of engine options, including the 283 cubic inch V8 and the 327 cubic inch V 8. The 327 V8 was available with two different horsepower ratings: 275 hp and 300 hp.
The 327 V8 with 300 hp was the most powerful engine option available for the Nova SS.
- Appearance Packages:The Nova SS was available with several appearance packages that added a touch of sporty flair. The “Super Sport” package included a blacked-out grille, special badging, and a unique hood scoop. The “Rally Sport” package included a distinctive grille with a chrome insert, a blacked-out hood, and a sport steering wheel.
- Convenience Features:The Nova SS was also available with a variety of convenience features, such as power steering, power brakes, and an AM radio. These features made the Nova SS a more comfortable and enjoyable car to drive.
Popular Customizations
Many Nova SS owners have customized their cars to enhance their performance, appearance, or both. Some popular customizations include:
- Engine Upgrades:Owners often upgrade the engine to increase horsepower and torque. This can involve installing a larger engine, adding performance parts such as headers and camshafts, or upgrading the carburetor and intake manifold.
- Suspension Modifications:To improve handling, owners may modify the suspension system. This can involve installing adjustable shocks, lowering the car’s ride height, and upgrading the sway bars.
- Appearance Enhancements:Many owners customize the exterior of their Nova SS with paint jobs, stripes, and other aesthetic upgrades. They may also install aftermarket wheels and tires to improve the car’s stance and handling.
Cultural Impact and Legacy
The 1966 Chevrolet Nova SS, a symbol of American muscle car culture, left an enduring mark on popular culture. Its sleek design, powerful engine, and affordability made it a favorite among enthusiasts and a fixture in various forms of media, solidifying its legacy as a timeless classic.
The Nova SS in Movies and Television
The 1966 Nova SS’s popularity extended beyond the realm of car enthusiasts and into the world of entertainment. Its distinct appearance and association with speed and power made it a natural choice for filmmakers and television producers seeking to portray a sense of excitement and rebelliousness.
- One of the most notable appearances of the 1966 Nova SS in cinema was in the 1967 film “The Thomas Crown Affair,” where it was featured in a thrilling chase scene. The car’s sleek lines and powerful engine made it a perfect fit for the film’s action-packed sequences, further solidifying its image as a vehicle for both style and performance.
- In the 1970s, the Nova SS was also featured in numerous television shows, including “The Dukes of Hazzard” and “CHiPs,” where it served as a symbol of freedom and rebellion. Its presence in these popular shows helped to further solidify its image as a classic American muscle car.
The Nova SS in Music, 1966 Chevrolet Nova SS
The 1966 Nova SS’s influence also extended to the world of music. Its association with youth culture and rebellion made it a popular subject for songwriters and musicians.
- In the 1960s, several rock and roll bands wrote songs about cars, and the Nova SS was often featured in their lyrics. The car’s powerful engine and sleek design made it a symbol of freedom and rebellion, which resonated with the counterculture movement of the time.
- The Nova SS’s enduring popularity is evident in its continued presence in popular culture today. It has been featured in numerous music videos, and its image continues to be used in advertising and marketing campaigns. Its legacy as a classic American muscle car remains strong, inspiring a new generation of car enthusiasts.
The Nova SS’s Legacy: A Timeless Classic
The 1966 Chevrolet Nova SS’s impact on popular culture is undeniable. Its presence in movies, television shows, and music solidified its image as a timeless classic. The car’s affordability, performance, and stylish design continue to inspire enthusiasts today, making it a symbol of American muscle car culture.
Closing Notes
The 1966 Chevrolet Nova SS stands as a testament to the enduring allure of classic muscle cars. Its powerful engines, sharp handling, and iconic styling have secured its place in automotive history. Whether you’re a seasoned collector or a casual enthusiast, the Nova SS continues to captivate with its timeless appeal and captivating performance.
Its legacy lives on, inspiring generations of drivers and reminding us of the golden age of American muscle.
