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Jack Cota’s ’66 Chevy II

A Deuce Done Right

Photography by Tony Nausieda
  • 1966 Chevrolet II Driver Front Side View
    The little Deuce has come a long way since 1987, when Jack rescued it from a grocery-getting existence.
    1966 Chevrolet II Driver Front Side View
    The little Deuce has come a long way since 1987, when Jack rescued it from a grocery-getti
  • 1966 Chevrolet II Driver Front Interior View
    Jack retained the stock-type black vinyl interior, which looks especially classy against the flawless black paint. Departures from stock include an early ’70s cushion-grip wheel and a set of aftermarket gauges, which tastefully complement the stock appointments. Who would trust the factory idiot-light “instrument” cluster to keep the brutish 383 in check anyway?
    1966 Chevrolet II Driver Front Interior View
    Jack retained the stock-type black vinyl interior, which looks especially classy against t
  • 1966 Chevrolet II Engine Bay View
    The cleanliness of engine detail is only fitting on such a well restored ride. We won’t ask how easy the gloss black fenderwells are to keep clean, but the “wet” look makes the upkeep worthwhile. Wheeler Racing gets the credit for pushing this 383 to 437 hp and 447 lb-ft of torque. Those are actual dyno numbers, folks. Edelbrock’s Performer RPM Air-Gap intake and aluminum heads ensure that there’s plenty of well-atomized fuel to feed the thirsty stroker, and Headers by Ed expel what’s left over. The GM Performance Parts rocker covers are accented with a black background that lends a competitive look to the engine bay.
    1966 Chevrolet II Engine Bay View
    The cleanliness of engine detail is only fitting on such a well restored ride. We won’
  • 1966 Chevrolet II Passenger Rear Side View
    The shoddy green paint was stripped; a 2-inch cowl hood was fitted, and Bob Gauge sprayed the glass-straight sheetmetal in flawless black acrylic enamel. Weld Pro Star wheels and a slight rake give the Nova a street-smart stance.
    1966 Chevrolet II Passenger Rear Side View
    The shoddy green paint was stripped; a 2-inch cowl hood was fitted, and Bob Gauge sprayed

The results of our car crafting endeavors reflect our personality and taste, naturally. Each enthusiast has a unique perspective of the ultimate street machine, which incorporates a particular paint scheme, interior design, and custom features. That said, no one street machine will appeal to everyone, but Jack Cota’s ’66 Chevy II comes awfully close. His black-on-black ’66 is a subtle street machine as is, but it could pass as a flawless restoration by swapping a set of Rally wheels and repop redlines, or it could be a show-worthy dragstrip bully riding on ET Streets and skinnies. Jack did the Deuce right by retaining a meticulous stock appearance and strapping an extra 300 horses under the hood where the six-popper once lived. The 447 lb-ft of torque is churned through the Coan 10-inch converter; the ’Glide and 12-bolt rear finish multiplying it, and the Goodyear Eagles try to put it to the ground without burning down to the cords. We can’t call the Nova “triple black” since it doesn’t have a vinyl top, but black-on-black-on-bad seems more fitting anyway.

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