Novas Exploded Onto the Streets Of Newport

 In 1960, in an attempt to bring more small car value, along with perhaps some European flair, Chevrolet would undertake a grand experiment. That year they introduced the rear engine Corvair. Sadly for Chevy, the Corvair was constantly outsold by the rival, Ford Falcon, a conventional front engine, rear wheel drive car. Chevy scrambled and by 1962 introduced the small, entry level Chevy II. The "Deuce" came in three basic trims (there was a fourth that was cut almost immediately), the 100, the 300 and the Nova 400. By far the sportiest, the Nova 400 was also the most popular. By 1969 the Chevy II moniker was dropped and all compact Chevy cars were Novas. The brand was pulled in 1979 but reemerged in 1985 through the 1988 model year. Among the nearly 300 vehicles at the Wheels Back On Monmouth show in Newport were a number of Chevy II and Nova automobiles. Here are some of them.