1963 Nova Convertible on 2040-cars

You are looking at a rare piece of history here!  As most of you know, the only years of convertible Nova’s/Chevy II were 1962 & 1963.  I addition, a V-8 was not offered until 1964.  There were however some that were “dealer conversions”

Excerpt from Wikipedia:

Available engines for the Chevy II in 1962 and 1963 included a Chevrolet 153 4-cylinder engine (153 cu in (2.5 l)) and a new third generation 194 cu in (3.2 l) Chevrolet straight-6 engine . All Chevy II engines featured Overhead valves. Although the Nova was not originally available with a V8 option, it wouldn't be long before Chevrolet V8s were offered as dealer-installed options (between 1962 and 1963), up to and including the fuel-injected version available in the Corvette. The combination of readily available V8 power and light weight made the Nova a popular choice of drag racers.

This car, from what my brother and I have discerned so far is a dealer conversion.  There are many reasons we think it is.  The inner wells under the hood in the engine bay are not cut and the install looks professional like a dealer converted it back in the day for a customer who wanted a V-8.  We believe the motor is a 1965 283 V-8 and the transmission is a 1965 M21 Muncie 4 speed.  Headers and good condition dual exhaust with chrome tips. Even the shifter itself is of an older variety that my brother (he is a total gear head and used to work in a pit crew) says is from way back because the top handle of the shifter is welded to the shifting rod, and it has a line lock on it (not connected) which is also from way back.  The motor has power pack heads on it, and the old clip on retainers for the Chevrolet valve covers.  I have heard there is a database somewhere of dealer converted VINS, but have yet to dig into it.  I cannot guarantee it is a dealer converted car, but there are a lot of signs that it is.  If whoever gets this car does the digging, they may end up with something far more valuable than I am selling it for. Mileage on the odometer shows 46950.  I could not tell you whether it has flipped or not because the condition is so good.  To be on the safe side though, considering it is 51 years old, it may very well have.

The car is in incredible condition for a unrestored 1963, and turns heads every where it goes because it’s not that common.  That is why I bought it and because it’s a convertible.  As you can see from the pictures the paint looks great and the chrome even better.  The paint does have some blemishes and dings/chips here and there, but overall still looks great and has a nice shine.  The front bumper is a rare optioned bumper as well with the middle safety bar (I think it looks better than without).  It has all the appropriate SS badging, but the VIN plate is not SS coded (again leads me to believe it was a dealer conversion).  It also has the spinner capped SS hubcaps which are in great shape.  The undercarriage is in great shape with virtually no rust.  The trunk and all pans are also in great shape. The convertible top has one small spot where there was a small tear, but it was patched and is hardly noticeable.  Otherwise it is in great shape.  The rear zip out plastic window does have some clouding and could be replaced, but I bought the car to drive topless, so it has never been an issue.  The drivers seat is covered with a matching leather piece on the lower portion, but the original cover is below it.  Just replaced all the bushings on the front end, and the car drives tight and straight hands free. 

A non-refundable $500 deposit will be required at the end of the auction. The remainder will be due in cash or certified check/personal check. I am listing the car locally as well; as such the auction may end early. The vehicle is being sold as-is where-is with no warranty implied.  Vehicle will be released once all funds are secured. I will work with your shipper but you will need to set it up.  All inspections of the car are welcome, and must be done prior to the end of the auction.

 http://s1174.photobucket.com/user/cmotion/slideshow/

Just wanted to provide the address to more pictures I loaded in photobucket ....if there is a problem connecting to this link, email/message me and I will respond with another link or pictures.  Includes: All lower  panels/rockers/chrome/floor pans/engine bay/interior/exterior/transmission/top...etc

You are looking at a rare piece of history here!  As most of you know, the only years of convertible Nova’s/Chevy II were 1962 & 1963.  I addition, a V-8 was not offered until 1964.  There were however some that were “dealer conversions”

Excerpt from Wikipedia:

Available engines for the Chevy II in 1962 and 1963 included a Chevrolet 153 4-cylinder engine (153 cu in (2.5 l)) and a new third generation 194 cu in (3.2 l) Chevrolet straight-6 engine . All Chevy II engines featured Overhead valves. Although the Nova was not originally available with a V8 option, it wouldn't be long before Chevrolet V8s were offered as dealer-installed options (between 1962 and 1963), up to and including the fuel-injected version available in the Corvette. The combination of readily available V8 power and light weight made the Nova a popular choice of drag racers.

This car, from what my brother and I have discerned so far is a dealer conversion.  There are many reasons we think it is.  The inner wells under the hood in the engine bay are not cut and the install looks professional like a dealer converted it back in the day for a customer who wanted a V-8.  We believe the motor is a 1965 283 V-8 and the transmission is a 1965 M21 Muncie 4 speed.  Headers and good condition dual exhaust with chrome tips. Even the shifter itself is of an older variety that my brother (he is a total gear head and used to work in a pit crew) says is from way back because the top handle of the shifter is welded to the shifting rod, and it has a line lock on it (not connected) which is also from way back.  The motor has power pack heads on it, and the old clip on retainers for the Chevrolet valve covers.  I have heard there is a database somewhere of dealer converted VINS, but have yet to dig into it.  I cannot guarantee it is a dealer converted car, but there are a lot of signs that it is.  If whoever gets this car does the digging, they may end up with something far more valuable than I am selling it for. Mileage on the odometer shows 46950.  I could not tell you whether it has flipped or not because the condition is so good.  To be on the safe side though, considering it is 51 years old, it may very well have.

The car is in incredible condition for a unrestored 1963, and turns heads every where it goes because it’s not that common.  That is why I bought it and because it’s a convertible.  As you can see from the pictures the paint looks great and the chrome even better.  The paint does have some blemishes and dings/chips here and there, but overall still looks great and has a nice shine.  The front bumper is a rare optioned bumper as well with the middle safety bar (I think it looks better than without).  It has all the appropriate SS badging, but the VIN plate is not SS coded (again leads me to believe it was a dealer conversion).  It also has the spinner capped SS hubcaps which are in great shape.  The undercarriage is in great shape with virtually no rust.  The trunk and all pans are also in great shape. The convertible top has one small spot where there was a small tear, but it was patched and is hardly noticeable.  Otherwise it is in great shape.  The rear zip out plastic window does have some clouding and could be replaced, but I bought the car to drive topless, so it has never been an issue.  The drivers seat is covered with a matching leather piece on the lower portion, but the original cover is below it.  Just replaced all the bushings on the front end, and the car drives tight and straight hands free. 

A non-refundable $500 deposit will be required at the end of the auction. The remainder will be due in cash or certified check/personal check. I am listing the car locally as well; as such the auction may end early. The vehicle is being sold as-is where-is with no warranty implied.  Vehicle will be released once all funds are secured. I will work with your shipper but you will need to set it up.  All inspections of the car are welcome, and must be done prior to the end of the auction.