Designed as a budget commuter car, careful selections on the order form could transform the Nova into a street brawler with few equals. That lightweight body shell was perfect for racers (then and now), and what better compliment to it than a high-revving small block that cranked out well over one horsepower per cubic inch? Of course, that heavy-duty engine meant that you needed a heavy-duty drivetrain to match, which this car carries, and its all matching numbers. Rare? Only 5481 L79s were built, but not all of them were SS models, making this o highly unusual and desirable car.
The paint and bodywork is absolutely first rate. Fortunately the guys ho restored this car were absolute pros. This car was bought new in 1966 in Oregon by the original owner and taken to Northern California where is was barely used and then tucked away. The original owner was a hoarder and in 1986 this car was sold to the second owner at the estate sale with 1,907 miles. This is where the story gets neat... The second owner had sat in and attempted to purchase this car brand new off the showroom floor when he has a teenager, but at the time he couldn't afford it and once it finally sold he felt like he lost his first love. Well in 1986 his best friend called and said he had found and purchased the Chevy II out of the original owners estate. His friend sold him the car and they went to work. The car was all original, but because it sat for all the years the paint was pretty beat up. Being a car from Northern California the car has never had any rust and was always in good shape. In 2003 the second owner decided it was time to freshen up the car by repainting in its original Paint Code R, Regal Red. The color really enhances the sleeper look. Lots of time was spent sanding and buffing the finish to its current show-level appearance, and you won't be disappointed when you see it for the first time.
The real hook on this car, however, is the matching-numbers L79 327 living under the hood. As the top small block option for all of Chevrolets cars, this was a high-winding, high-performance, take-no-prisoners engine that took up where the fuelies left off. Making 350 horsepower from 327 cubic inches was an impressive feat in 1966, especially considering that this car uses only a single holley 4-barrel carburetor. Sporting all of its original components and hardware, the engine in this Chevy II has never been out of the car and only has 1,958 original miles. There's a lope to the idle that tells you the cam is healthy, but it is not the kind of thing that will tip off a prospective opponent at a stoplight. The detailing in the engine bay is highly accurate, with satin black fenders and firewall creating the perfect backdrop for the deatiled small block. Up top, there's an original air cleaner, which the factory chrome plated just to show you that you've purchased something special with an L79. Chrome valve covers sport correct 327 decals, and underneath, the original matching-numbers engine has been bathed in correct Chevy Orange paint. You'll also find the original 3245 Holley 4-barrel carburetor, 3893594 aluminum intake, rams horn exhaust manifolds, and accessories. This is truly a car that can be shown at the very highest levels, and it has. The first time shown in 2003 the score won first place at the Chevy Nationals scoring 958/1000.
Underneath, its every bit as nice. Satin black floors, original frame, correct exhaust system, highly detailed suspension and brakes, and correct finishes on all the components. The Muncie M21 4-speed is this cars original transmission, and it drives a rugged 12-bolt filled with 3.73 gears, which are perfect for a street car lightweight Chevy II like this which can launch with authority!!
Open the door and you see the original red bench seat interior which has never been out of the car. This continues the sleeper appearance as people will think its your mom's grocery-getter. The interior is absolutely original and in perfect shape. The red fabric covering the seats are factory fresh. This is a no thrills car as the only option is power steering, and is a factory ordered lightweight race car. This car is heater and radio delete. The white hurst shifter that is tucked in, right in front of the seat goes through all the gears perfectly.
If youre a fan of sleepers especially factory sleepers like I am, this is a car that should really make you sit up and take notice. It embodies the philosophy of less weight equals more performance, and kudos to GM for taking their hottest small block and making it available in the little Nova. With a concours-grade restoration on this rare car, it could be considered investment-grade. There are others out there, but how many are real Chevy II L79 hardtops with 100% matching numbers? If you want the best of the best, this is probably it. This is a car that will wow the crowds at the next national show, and remains as fun to drive today as it did when it was new. Call now!
If 125 of us went together on it that would only be 1000. a peice! and 2.92 days for each of us per yr to use. Member to member, we could get it across Canada. Only prob is it would be a 125,000.00 daily driver
WOW never heard of an original 66 Nova L79 with a aluminum intake # of 3893594, all the information that Ive ever read says the 66 L79 nova intake should be a 3890490.
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Susie & Joe Lizon
1965 L79 Acadian Beaumont SD Pearl White
1965 L79 Acadian Beaumont SD Regal Red
1965 Acadian Beaumont SD Convertible 327/300hp 4 speed Tan
WOW never heard of an original 66 Nova L79 with a aluminum intake # of 3893594, all the information that Ive ever read says the 66 L79 nova intake should be a 3890490.
riginal-miles-/291121235400?pt=US_Cars_Trucks&hash=item43c82d85c8&forcev4exp=true
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