The 1965 Nova was to be the final iteration of the first generation Chevy II, and featured a redesigned front-end which used a new grille and new headlight bezels.

Parking lights were also moved down into the bumper, and the sedans gained a newly designed roofline. 1965 would also see the first revision to the Nova’s tail lights and backup lights since it was released in 1962, being slightly more angular than the preceding model years.

The Chevy II was available in a variety of different body styles under several trim levels: the entry level Chevy II 100 Series, up to the higher level Nova, and finally the Nova Super Sport.

Body style choices consisted of the 2-door sport coupe, 2-door sedan, 4-door sedan, and 4-door station wagon. Aside from the Nova Super Sport, which was only offered as the 2-door sport coupe, available body styling could be had as either a 100 Series or Nova trim.

The revised interior was available in a range of colors: fawn, aqua, red, blue, saddle, and black on SS models. 

Depending on the trim level, interior material could either be had as all vinyl or a combination of vinyl and cloth matched to the vinyl trim. Station Wagons would have all vinyl interior, as Chevrolet positioned the wagon with a focus on the utility it brings. Available colors on the 100 Series are restricted to fawn, aqua, or red in patterned fabric with matching vinyl (100 Series wagons remained all vinyl).

Standard engine choices remained the Super-Thrift 153 cid inline 4-cylinder and the Hi-Thrift 194 cid inline 6-cylinder, while the range of optional engine choices grew.

The 4-cylinder was the base engine for the 100 Series, and was only available in this trim level, while the 194 cid was the standard 6-cylinder engine and the 283 cid Turbo-Fire L32 was the standard V8 for those that desired more power. Optional engines in the 6 and 8-cylinder displacement classes consisted of the Turbo-Thrift 230, Turbo-Fire 283 and Turbo-Fire 327s in various configurations. 

Transmission choices were largely unchanged for 1965, with the 3-speed manual on the column being offered as standard equipment, known as the “three on the tree”. An optional Powerglide 2-speed was available as the sole automatic transmission choice, while a 4-speed floor shifted manual could be selected on V8 equipped cars.

Chevy II enthusiasts also marked 1965 as the year the Nova finally became a true American muscle car. Though the addition of two versions of the 283 small block V8 to the lineup in 1964 helped to move this transformation along in the right direction, this was mainly due to the help of the new 327 cubic inch V8 engines which were available options that brought up to 300 hp to the Nova when the L74 option was selected.

Suddenly, the Chevy II Nova could compete with its larger stable-mates and other mid to full-size muscle cars on even footing, due to the inclusion of the Turbo-Fire 327 V8s. 

The SuperSport, or Nova SS, was only offered as a sport coupe and featured a new brushed-chrome console, floor-mounted 4-speed manual, or Powerglide automatic. This would be the only year that the Powerglide could be optioned with the high powered 327 V8. The Nova SS also included front bucket seats, full instrumentation, SS badging, and special wheel covers. 

Despite these refinements to the Chevy II, it continued to see lower sales figures for 1965. This would be the only model in GM and Chevrolet’s lineup that would see a decline in sales.

Not only did the introduction of the mid-size Chevelle in 1964 affect the Nova’s sales standings, but competition in this segment was beginning to crowd the Chevy II’s niche. It’s main competitor in the economy segment, the Ford Falcon, continued to outperform the 1965 Nova nearly two to one at this time. Meanwhile, the Chevrolet Corvair had just received a redesign for it’s second generation, garnering quite a bit of publicity and consumer interest for 1965, further cannibalizing Chevy II sales.

The following year would see a completely redesigned Nova from Chevrolet as it introduced the second generation of Novas.

1965 Nova OEM Brochure & Advertisements

1965 Nova Model Options:

Body Styles & Model Options:

• 4-Door Wagon
• Hardtop Coupe
• 2-Door Sedan
• 4-Door Sedan
• Super Sport

Engine Options:

• Super-Thrift 153 | 153ci | 90hp I4
• Hi-Thrift 194 | 194ci | 120hp L6
• L26 – Turbo-Thrift 230 | 230ci | 140hp L6
• L32 – Turbo-Fire 283 | 283ci | 195hp V8
• L77 – Turbo-Fire 283 | 283ci | 220hp V8
• L30 – Turbo-Fire 327 | 327ci | 250hp V8
• L74 – Turbo-Fire 327 | 327ci | 300hp V8

Available Transmissions:

• 3-Speed Manual “Three on the Tree”
• Powerglide 2-Speed Automatic
• 4-Speed Manual

Production Numbers:

• Chevy II / Nova: 122,800
  • Super Sport: 9,100
  • 2-Door Coupe: 28,380
  • 2-Door Convertible: 0
  • 2-Door Hatchback: 0
  • 2-Door Sedan: Exact number unknown
  • 4-Door Sedan: Exact number unknown
  • 4-Door Wagon: 12,900

Dimensions & Capacities:

• Length:
  • 2 & 4-Door Sedan & 2-Door Coupe: 182.9 in / 12.24 ft
  • Wagon: 187.6 in / 15.63 ft
• Width: 70.8 in / 5.9 ft
• Height:
  • 2 & 4-Door Sedan: 55 in / 4.58 ft
  • 2-Door Coupe: 54 in / 4.5 ft
  • Wagon: 55.1 in / 4.59 ft
• Wheelbase: 110 in / 9.16 ft