04/09/2026
This ‘62 Chevrolet Chevy II Nova sat just across from our stand and we couldn’t keep our eyes off it.
When you think of classic American cars, big, bulky muscle cars probably spring to mind. The first-year Nova is a very different proposition. Compact, lightweight and considerably more understated than its younger brothers that would follow, it has a clean set of proportions that work brilliantly with Steve’s approach.
At first glance, you could be forgiven for thinking this is simply a beautifully restored Nova with a few subtle upgrades. Look a little closer, though, and there’s a lot more going on.
Under the bonnet sits an LS1 V8, paired with a 6-speed manual transmission; a serious departure from the car’s original powertrain and one that completely changes what this little Chevy is capable of. That modern drivetrain is complemented by air suspension and a carefully considered wheel and tyre setup, giving the Nova a stance that wouldn’t look out of place on a much more modern chassis.
An Audi A5 interior might be about as far from the obvious choice for a ‘62 Nova as you could get. On paper, mixing a 1960s American compact with a modern German coupe sounds like it should be a recipe for disaster. Somehow, Steve has made this work brilliantly.
And that’s really what we love about this car.
The LS1, 6-speed, air suspension, wheel setup and A5 interior aren’t there simply to tick boxes. Steve has taken components and ideas from completely different corners of the automotive world and made them work together as one cohesive build.
It’s a classic Chevy, but without being restricted by what a classic Chevy is ‘supposed’ to be.
Steve becomes the third and final winner we selected at Gravity Show™ to drive away with one of our Brentacre custom skateboards.
Congratulations Steve Smith ! 🤘
