1965 Nova Restoration Information

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

 

1965 Nova Engine Codes & Specs

Available Engine Specifications

Type

Size

Carb

Horsepower

Torque

Bore & Stroke (in.)

Compression Ratio

L4

153ci

1x1bbl

90 hp @ 4000 RPM

152 lb-ft @ 2400 RPM

3.875 x 3.25

8.5:1

L6

194ci

1x1bbl

120 hp @ 4400 RPM

177 lb-ft @ 2400 RPM

3.563 x 3.25

8.5:1

L6

230ci

1x1bbl

140 hp @ 4400 RPM

220 lb-ft @ 1600 RPM

3.875 x 3.25

8.5:1

V8

283ci

1x2bbl

195 hp @ 4800 RPM

285 lb-ft @ 2400 RPM

3.875 x 3.00

9.25:1

V8

283ci

1x4bbl

220 hp @ 4800 RPM

295 lb-ft @ 3200 RPM

3.875 x 3.00

9.25:1

V8

327ci

1x4bbl

250 hp @ 4400 RPM

350 lb-ft @ 2800 RPM

4.00 x 3.25

10.5:1

V8

327ci

1x4bbl

300 hp @ 5000 RPM

360 lb-ft @ 3200 RPM

4.00 x 3.25

10.5:1

4 Cylinder Engine
Code

Size / Carb

HP / RPO

Transmission

Notes

153

OA

153 cid 1x1bbl

90 hp

3-Speed Manual

-

OC

153 cid 1x1bbl

90 hp

3-Speed Manual

Heavy Duty Clutch

OG

153 cid 1x1bbl

90 hp

3-Speed Manual

Taxi Equipment

OH

153 cid 1x1bbl

90 hp

Powerglide

-

OJ

153 cid 1x1bbl

90 hp

Powerglide

Taxi Equipment

6 Cylinder Engines
Code

Size / Carb

HP / RPO

Transmission

Notes

194

OK

194 cid 1x1bbl

120 hp

3-Speed Manual

-

OM

194 cid 1x1bbl

120 hp

3-Speed Manual

Heavy Duty Clutch

ON

194 cid 1x1bbl

120 hp

3-Speed Manual

Heavy Duty Clutch

OQ

194 cid 1x1bbl

120 hp

3-Speed Manual

Taxi Equipment

OR

194 cid 1x1bbl

120 hp

Powerglide

-

OT

194 cid 1x1bbl

120 hp

Powerglide

Taxi Equipment

230

PA

230 cid 1x1bbl

140 hp L26

n/a

-

PC

230 cid 1x1bbl

140 hp L26

n/a

-

PI

230 cid 1x1bbl

140 hp L26

n/a

-

PV

230 cid 1x1bbl

140 hp L26

3-Speed Manual

-

PX

230 cid 1x1bbl

140 hp L26

Powerglide

-

8 Cylinder Engines
Code

Size / Carb

HP / RPO

Transmission

Notes

283

PB

283 cid 1x4bbl

220 hp L77

Powerglide

Air Conditioning

PD

283 cid 1x2bbl

195 hp L32

3-Speed Manual

-

PE

283 cid 1x4bbl

220 hp L77

3-Speed Manual

-

PF

283 cid 1x2bbl

195 hp L32

3-Speed Manual

Air Conditioning

PG

283 cid 1x4bbl

220 hp L77

3-Speed Manual

Air Conditioning

PK

283 cid 1x4bbl

220 hp L77

Powerglide

-

PL

283 cid 1x2bbl

195 hp L32

4-Speed Manual

-

PM

283 cid 1x2bbl

195 hp L32

4-Speed Manual

Air Conditioning

PN

283 cid 1x2bbl

195 hp L32

Powerglide

-

PO

283 cid 1x4bbl

220 hp L77

Powerglide

-

PP

283 cid 1x2bbl

195 hp L32

Powerglide

Air Conditioning

PQ

283 cid 1x2bbl

195 hp L32

Powerglide

Air Conditioning

327

ZA

327 cid 1x4bbl

250 hp L30

Manual

-

ZB

327 cid 1x4bbl

300 hp L74

Manual

-

ZE

327 cid 1x4bbl

250 hp L30

Manual

Air Conditioning

ZF

327 cid 1x4bbl

300 hp L74

Manual

Air Conditioning

ZK

327 cid 1x4bbl

250 hp L30

Powerglide

-

ZL

327 cid 1x4bbl

300 hp L74

Powerglide

-

ZM

327 cid 1x4bbl

250 hp L30

Powerglide

Air Conditioning

ZN

327 cid 1x4bbl

300 hp L74

Powerglide

Air Conditioning

1965 Nova Rear Axle Codes

Code

Axle Ratio

Notes

BA

3.08:1

Open

BC

3.36:1

Open

BE

3.08:1

Positraction

BF

3.36:1

Positraction

BG

3.55:1

Positraction

BJ

3.08:1

Open (Metallic Brakes)

BK

3.08:1

Positraction (Metallic Brakes)

BL

3.36:1

Open (Metallic Brakes)

BM

3.36:1

Positraction (Metallic Brakes)

BN

3.55:1

Open (Metallic Brakes)

BX

2.73:1

Open (327 w/ Powerglide)

BY

2.75:1

Positraction

BZ

2.73:1

Open (Metallic Brakes)

FD

2.73:1

Positraction (Metallic Brakes)

1965 Nova Factory Options

Regular Production Option (RPO)

RPODescriptionUnits
A01Tinted Glass - all windows7,787
A02Tinted Glass - windshield only36,904
A33Power tailgate window3,760
A47Rear seat belts - custom deluxe106
A49Seat belts - custom with retractors24,660
A62Seat belts - deluxe11,722
A64Rear seat belts - custom223
A66Divided second seat14
B02Taxi equipment148
B70Instrument panel pad28,748
C48Heater delete4,832
C50Rear window defroster164
C60Air Conditioning - deluxe5,534
D10Arm rest equipment535
F40Special heavy duty front & rear suspension4,690
G66Air booster rear shocks393
G76Rear axle - 3.36 ratio683
G80Rear axle - Positraction3,514
G96Rear axle - 3.55 ratio120
J50Vacuum power brake equipment2,762
J65Metallic brake equipment188
K02Thermostatic fan drive25
K24Closed engine positive ventilation13,985
K77A/C generator - 55 amp128
K79A/C generator - 42 amp599
K81A/C generator - 62 amp55
L26L6 engine - 23023,953
L30V8 engine - 327324
L74V8 engine - 327 Hi-performance319
M01Heavy duty clutch501
M13Heavy duty 3-speed manual transmission2
M204-speed manual transmission2,014
M35Powerglide transmission82,045
M55Transmission oil cooler140
N10Dual exhaust equipment38
N40Power steering17,678
P01Wheel trim cover31,176
P02Simulated wire wheel cover1,186
P19Spare wheel lock61
P506.00-13-4 whitewall tires47
P536.50-14-4 whitewall tires29,194
P547.00-13-4 whitewall tires5,164
P676.95-14-4 whitewall tires21,566
T60Heavy duty battery3,108
U03Low note horn887
U16Tachometer296
U60Radio - AM19,248
U63Radio - AM push button40,430
U69Radio - AM/FM push button260
U73Manual rear antenna15,093
U80Auxiliary speaker2,909
V01Heavy duty radiator6,702
V20Front grille guard equipment2,773
V32Rear bumper guard equipment2,296
V55Luggage carrier equipment2,691
Z01Comfort and convenience equipment56,177
Z03Super sport9,100
Z13Comfort and convenience equipment -B1,273
758trim - vinyl coated1,563
950Color combination - two-tone5,923

1965 Nova Factory Colors

Exterior Colors

Color Sample

Paint CodePaint Name

ATuxedo Black

C Ermine White

D Mist Blue

E Danube Blue

HWillow Green

J Cypress Green

K Artesian Turquoise

LTahitian Turquoise

N Madeira Maroon

PEvening Orchid

RRegal Red

SSierra Tan

VCameo Beige

WGlacier Grey



YCrocus Yellow

1965 Nova Cowl Tag Information

1965 Nova Example Cowl Tag & Breakdown
1965 Nova

The Cowl Trim Tag, located on the cowl area identifies significant information about your car. 

Click here for further cowl tag decoding information

Line 1: Build Month & Week / Interior Sheetmetal Color

Month

Week

Sheetmetal Color

01 = January

A = First Week

A = Aqua

02 = February

B = Second Week

B = Blue

03 = March

C = Third Week

C = Saddle

04 = April

D = Fourth Week

D = Red

05 = May

E = Fifth Week

E = Black

06 = June

F = Fawn

07 = July

08 = August

09 = September

10 = October

11 = November

12 = December

Line 2: Year, Model, Body, Assembly Plant, Sequence Number

Year

GM Division

Model Series

Body Code

Assembly Plant

Sequence Number

65 = 1965

1 = Chevrolet

11 = Chevy II 100, L4

11 = 2-Door Sedan

NOR = Norwood, OH

Starts at 100001

13 = Chevy II 100, L6

35 = 4-Door Wagon

OSH = Oshawa, ON, Canada

14 = Chevy II 100, V8

37 = 2-Door Coupe

WRN = Willow Run, MI

15 = Chevy II 400, Nova, L6

69 = 4-Door Sedan

16 = Chevy II 400, Nova, V8

17 = Chevy II Nova SS, L6

18 = Chevy II Nova SS, V8

Line 3: Trim and Paint

Interior Trim

Exterior Paint

701 - Saddle Standard

A = Tuxedo Black

702 = Saddle Buckets (Vinyl)

C = Ermine White

703 = Saddle Deluxe

D = Mist Blue

710 = Saddle Standard

E = Danube Blue

712 = Black Buckets (Vinyl)

H = Willow Green

718 = Fawn Buckets (Vinyl)

J = Cypress Green

732 = Blue Buckets (Vinyl)

K = Artesian Turquoise

734 = Blue Standard (Cloth)

L = Tahitian Turquoise

736 = Blue Deluxe (Vinyl)

N = Madeira Maroon

744 = Aqua Buckets (Vinyl)

P = Evening Orchid

745 = Aqua Standard (Cloth)

R = Regal Red

747 = Aqua Deluxe (Vinyl)

S = Sierra Tan

752 = Aqua Standard (Cloth)

V = Cameo Beige

754 = Aqua Deluxe (Vinyl)

W = Glacier Grey

758 = Fawn Deluxe (Vinyl)

Y = Crocus Yellow

760 = Fawn Standard (Cloth)

1 = Parchment Vinyl Roof

761 = Fawn Deluxe (Vinyl)

2 = Black Vinyl Roof

768 = Fawn Standard

769 = Fawn Deluxe (Vinyl)

773 = Red Buckets

776 = Red Standard (Cloth)

777 = Red Deluxe (Vinyl)

787 = Red Buckets (Vinyl)

791 = Red Standard (Cloth)

793 = Red Deluxe (Vinyl)

Line 4: Selected Options

1st Group

2nd Group

3rd Group

4th Group

E = A01 Tinted Glass (all)

H = C48 Heater Delete

B = C50 Rear Window Defogger

F = Z01/Z13 Comfort and Convenience Package

G = A33 Power Tailgate (wagon)

K = C60 Air Conditioning

C = B70 Padded Dash

W = A02 Tinted Windshield

L = M20 4-Speed Trans

D = Special Lighting Group

M = M35 Powerglide Trans

Z = J65 Metallic Brakes

P = U63 Push Button Radio

R = U80 Rear Seat Speaker

S = U73 Rear Antenna

Additional 1965 Nova Links:

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