This is a throwback article (probably about 8-10 years ago) to the Apex Auto Works Chevy II Nova. Crazy how the subject matter has gotten even more accurate with time. The car, however, ultimately met its end in Mexico during a 3-day road race called the Chihuahua Express. (scroll to bottom for pics)
I’m only in my 30s, and somehow I feel like an old man…
Not because I’m actually an old man, but because I’m having a hard time relating to today’s youth. Only a decade or so separates us… but our mindsets & convictions seem to be generations apart. In my 30’s – I’m realizing that this is not the America I grew up in. It isn’t… we’ve lost something. And that makes me sigh.
They say a picture’s worth a thousand words…
Well these pictures speak on what we’ve lost… or what we’re losing. Pride, authenticity, character, spirit… just to name a few. The truth is – we’re drowning. We’re running out of fight. The people are tired.
So when I see a car like this Chevy Nova…
Greasy, raw, scarred, and unapologetic – it’s more than a car. It symbolizes something greater. It reminds us of who we were. Before Americans allowed America to become too safe, too scared, and too damn politically correct.
This Chevy II Nova is visceral…
It’s loud, running on fuel & fire. It represents danger. And that’s the appeal! It doesn’t have yellow & white warning labels on the visors. This Nova can’t drive itself, because it assumes you know what the fuck you’re doing. There are Taco Bell wrappers under the seats. I mean damn – am I seriously writing the script for Demolition Man here?
There was a time when we smoked cigarettes – real ones.
And we drove dangerous cars with bench seats & lap belts (at best). It wasn’t “dangerous”, because hell it was normal. We carried snake-skin briefcases with gold latches & a revolver in it. And ate steak for lunch. SPF & hand sanitizer didn’t exist, but 3-wheelers did. Air travel was lavish, flight attendants were fit, and the airplane seats had ashtrays in them. Kids drank from the hose. McDonald fries were cooked in straight-up lard. And if any of that upsets you… I’m sorry but that just makes me love it more
Photos by Jason Scott
Chevy II Nova MODLIST
327ci SBC bored 30-over to a 331ci
12:5:1 compression
Big cam
Muncie 4-speed transmission
Ford 9″
Grand National hubs
Jeep steering box.
A-arms and spindles off a Ford LTD
Coilovers in front
Truck arm rear suspension with coil springs
Wilwood disc brakes
Holley 650cfm double pumper
Diff cooler
32 gallon fuel cell
Fender-well headers
Mechanical fuel pump
The rear window ZDUS-clips-out for spare
Mechanical fan
NASCAR p/s
Accusump
Front suspension & steering is like a Nova’s, except strengthened & extended
15″x8″ Arrow steel wheels
Toyo R888s