A first car is a wonderful milestone for any student beginning their automotive journey. That being said, it usually isn’t the most beautiful piece of hardware. From dented sedans to faded trucks and SUV’s, most people’s vehicular voyages begin with the most affordable, economic choice they can find. For Samuel Torres, however, his trip to school takes place in a blue 1965 Chevrolet Nova.
Cruising to school every morning in this legendary car, Torres employs a 140 horsepower 230 in3 inline six to push along his classic ride. With a 0 – 60 time of over ten seconds, it may not be the fastest car off the line, but Torres’s Nova makes for an outstanding drive everywhere he goes.
“I got my car from Mrs. Leslie, the neighbor. From that point on, I’ve installed a disk brake conversion kit, with many more modifications to come. I love the car, it’s one of the most enjoyable things to drive; the lack of modern amenities allows you to get a better feel of the car. You can feel every bump in the road, and feel the body roll with every turn.”
The car retains much of its charm from the sixties. It boasts over ninety percent of the original manufacturer parts, and still runs well enough to get Sam wherever he needs to go. It also represents a personal journey of Torres’s, as he pours his time, money, passion, and love into every aspect of the Nova.
“It represents a big step in my life; it’s my first car.” stated Sam. All the goals I have in mind are almost within reach. I look forward to driving my car now, and the rest of my life.”
Sam’s car inspires the car community, and anyone with aspiring automotive dreams. He turns heads and hearts with every trip down the legendary streets of Southern California in his classic 1965 Chevrolet Nova.
Sam’s closing remarks were beautifully and plainly stated:
“I love my car, it’s the most fun thing to drive despite its lack of speed. I enjoy every second of my slow ride to school, to work, and home. My one goal for this car is to enjoy it and take car of it as much as I can. Then LS swap it some day.”
