Back To Basics With The Chevy II

World War II was a dividing line of sorts because automobile production was stalled as manufacturing facilities were used to support the war effort. After the war a fresh generation of auto making began in earnest.

The vehicles of the late 40s and the early part of the 1950s were typically big and roomy without any particular regard for fuel economy. Most drivers were males and most families were one car households, so they were manufactured with this demographic in mind.

However, as the decade wore on there became more of a demand for something smaller and more economical and as a response Chevrolet introduced the rear engine Corvair for the 1959 model year and Ford rolled out the Falcon the following year. Because of the success of the Falcon Chevrolet wanted to insert a direct competitor and they worked feverishly to design the Chevy II.

The Chevy II was a record setter for the company in terms of how fast they were able to bring it to market after beginning their design efforts. It took about 18 months for the first Chevy II to roll off the assembly lines after designers started their work.

General Motors released the Chevy II on September 29, 1961 for the 1962 model year. It was a basic compact car that was intended to provide solid transportation and it certainly served this purpose. Of the initial offerings, the Chevy II Nova convertible was the most eye-catching and Chevrolet manufactured 23,740 of these units with a price tag of just under $2500.

In 1969 the Chevy II was discontinued but the Nova name lived on as a model in its own right. The Chevy Nova is a favorite of classic Chevy fans as we all know and we will take a closer look at the Nova at another time. But it is important to remember that it all started out with the old school Chevy II.

 

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