The Chevrolet Nova was produced over the span of five generations from 1962-1979 and 1985-1988. Designed with GM’s X-body platform, the Chevrolet Nova was designed by the American automaker to satisfy the public demand for a functional, fast, back-to-basics compact car. Originally released as the Chevy II, with Nova describing just the top trim line, in 1969, the Nova name took over for the entire marque. The Nova could be ordered, and is often modified, with a larger 350 or 396 ci engine to propel this lightweight muscle car to a brawny 350 hp or more.