Written by independent automotive journalist Roger C. Johnson

Lot #1366 – Rusty Wallace’s 1966 Chevrolet Nova SS Custom Coupe will be selling with No Reserve at our 2022 Scottsdale Auction.

Who hasn’t wanted to build their own Resto-Mod? It’s a common dream for all of us. But here’s a chance to make it a reality. Except this one is already built and ready to drive with no assembly required, and will be offered with No Reserve at Barrett-Jackson’s Scottsdale Auction January 22-30.

When Rusty Wallace, one of the brightest stars in the NASCAR racing universe, decided he liked the looks of the 1966 Chevrolet Nova SS enough to have Ambition Road in Troutman, North Carolina, build this fantastic car, he cut no corners in performance, handling and visual appeal.

The Chevy II/Nova line was crisply restyled for 1966 and was just the right size, good-looking and considered a giant killer thanks to its potent L79 327cubic-inch engine option touting 350 horsepower. This car sports a beautifully penned body style featuring its slick rear roofline that makes it even more of a standout. Wallace’s interpretation of this Nova comes with a gorgeous Champagne exterior paint custom-mixed by Chip Foose that’s both elegant and subtle all at the same time.

A fuel-injected Chevrolet 6.2-liter LS3 aluminum V8 producing 538 galloping horsepower represents the heart and soul of this Nova. It looks like an immaculate horsepower factory under the hood, beautifully displaying everything that’s needed and nothing that isn’t. A custom stainless-steel exhaust system combines the meanings of efficiency and beauty that can heard and felt just not easily seen.

A TREMEC 6-speed manual transmission orchestrates the fun. The shifter stick is mounted in a custom leather console and ready for your right hand. Consider it the maestro’s baton.

Wallace’s wish list continued with the desire for out-of-this-world braking capability, so a custom Wilwood arrangement was incorporated utilizing 6-piston calipers up front and 4-piston units out back.

Smooth and soft to the touch, Amber leather is utilized throughout the interior, including the trunk. Hot Rod Interiors by Chuck in Sherrill’s Ford, North Carolina, is responsible for the talent show. A Pioneer stereo system along with a Vintage Air climate control package and Dakota Digital gauges join the action at your command.

Guarding the tail of this shooting star is a 9-inch Ford rear end with a Currie Wavetrac differential spinning 35-spline axles. A Detroit Speed-sourced front and rear suspension package, including composite rear springs, helps elevate this Nova’s status to the outer limits of performance. Goodyear Eagle tires rotate with the 18-inch Boze wheels that include color-coded center sections. This Nova has the menacing stance of a cheetah crouched and ready to lunge. CAD/CAM designed front and rear spoilers add further function to this reimagined icon by cheating Mother Nature just a little bit more.

If you’re ready to live the dream of owning what is perhaps the ultimate 1966 Nova streetcar straight from the imagination of one of the most talented race car drivers on our planet, the stars are perfectly aligned in your favor.

For up-to-date information on this vehicle, visit here.

To register to bid at the 2022 Scottsdale Auction – a celebration of 50 years of The World’s Greatest Collector Car Auctions – click HERE.