The Chevy II would be Chevrolet’s second compact car launched over three years. The first was the “unusual” Corvair in 1960 with its rear-mounted, air-cooled engine. The second was the more conventional Chevy II, which was targeted directly at the likes of the popular Ford Falcon. The Super Sport option didn’t come along until 1963, reserved only for coupes and convertibles. The seller’s car is one of the latter and comes with a V8 engine, not available until 1964. Located in Littleton, Colorado, this Nova is available here on craigslist for $16,500. Thanks go to Barn Finds reader Gunter K!

In its second year, the Chevy II (as it was called then) was picking up momentum. 372,000 would be built in 1963, nearly 88,000 more units than the Corvair in its third year. The new SS option, a trim package on the upscale Nova like on the bigger Chevies, would account for 42,000 assemblies. We don’t know how many of those were convertibles like the seller’s car, but you did the math against overall convertible production at 25,000 cars, we’re guessing the number would be around 3,000. SS buyers spent $161 extra for its special emblems, instrument package, special wheel covers, extra side trim, and buckets seats with a floor shifter.

The only engine available in the SS in 1963 was Chevy’s 194 cubic inch I-6, not exactly a barn-burner even in a small car like the Nova. We’re not told how a 350 cubic inch found its way under the hood of the seller’s Nova, either before or after he purchased it, which was 16 years ago. When not in use, the convertible has stayed in the garage where the photos were likely taken. This drop-top has an automatic transmission, so is it a 2-speed Powerglide that would have been the choice in 1963, or was that upgraded as well to a Turbo-Hydramatic?

Overall, the car looks good with no mention of any rust, but there certainly appears to be some brewing at the bottom of the lower quarter panel on the driver side. So, if it’s there, it’s likely going to be elsewhere, too. The odometer reading is 87,000 and if the interior is original, it looks spotless. We’re guessing the vinyl upholstery has been redone at some point. The convertible top also looks good except that its fit looks awkward over the driver’s side window when the top is up.

NADA says a ’63 Nova convertible could top $40,000 in the right condition and makes no reference to the SS package being needed to get there. That sounds high, which in turn makes the seller’s price low. Even if you must fix some sheet metal, you’re going to be in for about $20,000 and have a car that you don’t see every day.