1966 Chevrolet Nova

The 1966 Chevrolet Nova's crisp lines have always made a strong foundation for custom craftsmanship, and this restomod takes that potential seriously. Deep black paint, unique body modifications and a sculpted 2+2 interior give the compact Chevy a presence well beyond its original street-car roots. A 525-horsepower Chevrolet Performance LS376 crate V8 supplies a ton of muscle, backed by a six-speed automatic transmission and a thoroughly upgraded chassis. The result is an ambitious interpretation of Chevrolet's classic hardtop, with the details to match its aggressive stance. Rich, gloss black paint emphasizes the Nova's angular bodywork, complemented by satin black accents on the bumpers and window surrounds. Flush-mounted front and rear glass integrates into modified surrounding sheet metal, while flush-fitting Kindig-It door handles further clean up the sleek profile. Custom designed and 3D-printed front fender vents feature honeycomb-pattern inserts divided by horizontal accent bars. Up front, projector-style LED headlights flank a one-off black grille and matching Chevrolet bowtie, above a smoothed bumper. A front chin spoiler adds definition below, balanced by a low-profile spoiler along the trunk lid's trailing edge. Vertical red LED taillights sit within custom 3D-printed bezels, while black Super Sport scripts and SS identification provide subtle finishing touches. Premium black Budnik wheels with polished lips measure 18" up front and 19" out back, wrapped in high performance Michelin Pilot Sport 4 S tires sized 255/40ZR18 and 305/30ZR19. The new Chevrolet Performance LS376 crate V8 is rated at 525 horsepower and paired with a Chevrolet Performance SuperMatic 6L80E six-speed automatic through a Connect & Cruise powertrain package, creating a time-tested, bullet-proof drivetrain. A Ford 9" rear axle handles the load and carries 3.73 gears and a limited-slip differential. An upgraded aluminum radiator handles cooling, while longtube headers feed a custom dual exhaust with an H-pipe crossover and polished mufflers. Tubular front control arms, a four-link rear suspension, QA1 coilover shocks, front and rear sway bars, and subframe connectors support the chassis upgrades. Power rack-and-pinion steering provides directional control, while Wilwood four-wheel disc brakes feature drilled and slotted rotors and red calipers Inside, custom tan upholstery contrasts sharply with the black exterior. Contoured front buckets and two individually sculpted rear seating positions establish the 2+2 layout, with suede-like inserts, contrasting diamond stitching and pronounced bolsters carried throughout. A tall upholstered divider separates the rear seats. A tan-wrapped billet steering wheel sits on a tilt column ahead of Dakota Digital gauges. The custom console houses an automatic shifter, aluminum cupholders and a padded armrest. Modern air conditioning with digital controls and polished circular vents adds comfort, while a Kenwood Excelon touchscreen unit provides SiriusXM, Android Auto and Apple CarPlay connectivity. A custom headliner and a fully upholstered trunk extend the finish throughout the car. The strength of this Nova lies in how thoroughly the build was carried through. Details like the flush glass, custom bodywork and individually sculpted rear seats reflect the time and fabrication invested beyond the major mechanical upgrades. That depth of execution gives this Chevrolet a distinct identity and makes it a compelling choice for someone seeking a finished custom with far more ambition than a typical engine swap and off the shelf parts. Key Highlights Chevrolet Performance LS376 crate V8 rated at 525 horsepower SuperMatic 6L80E 6-speed automatic transmission Chevrolet Performance Connect & Cruise powertrain package Ford 9" rear axle with 3.73 gearing Limited-slip differential Power rack-and-pinion steering Wilwood four-wheel disc brakes Modern air conditioning with digital controls Tubular front control arms Four-link rear suspension QA1 coilover shocksj Front and rear sway bars Longtube headers and custom dual exhaust with H-pipe crossover Flush-mounted front and rear glass Flush-fitting Kindig-It door handles Custom 3D-printed fender vents and taillight bezels Projector-style LED headlights and LED taillights 18" front and 19" rear Budnik wheels with Michelin Pilot Sport 4 S tires Custom tan 2+2 interior with suede-like inserts and diamond stitching Dakota Digital gauges Custom center console Kenwood Excelon touchscreen with SiriusXM, Android Auto and Apple CarPlay Custom headliner and fully upholstered trunk