15 Popular Cars For Street Racing – SlashGear

The Chevrolet Nova SS is another vintage sports car that rose to fame because of its affordability and compactness. Compact cars became popular among Americans when Ford released the 1960 Falcon (via Hot Cars). Then, Chevrolet ushered the SS package into the 1963 Nova Convertibles and Sports Coupe lineup, bearing a V8 engine that can compete with the Ford Falcon and Dodge Dart. Throughout the 18 years of production, the Nova evolved from a small and affordable car into a legendary muscle car.

While Motor Trend notes that the Chevy Nova underperformed in its last years of production, the Nova SS was offered from 1971 to 1974 during the brand’s golden era. Originally the Chevy II, Chevrolet built the best Novas with big V8 engines, simple and durable cars in an era where compact sports cars were rare. Interestingly, the Nova was popularly used in Hollywood, including in “Bad Boys,” “Coming to America,” “The Godfather,” and “Terminator.”

Off-screen, the Nova SS is an impressive street machine producing up to 350 horsepower. Its lightweight 8-cylinder engines made the SS America’s favorite for street races and drag strips. One of Lady Gaga’s classics, the success of this muscle car in its 4th and 5th generation years makes it easily one of the most popular compact sports cars of the ’60s and ’70s.