While the new C3 Corvette stole the limelight in 1968, the Chevy II was radically redesigned and would retain its basic long hood semi-fastback appearance for the next nine years. The longer and wider body style rode on a 111-inch wheelbase, with flared sail panels. Bodies were streamlined into just two styles – a two-door coupe and four-door sedan. They were available with the 90 bhp four-cylinder, a 140 bhp 230 cid six, or a 200 bhp 307 cid V-8.

The new Nova (the Chevy II name would soon be dropped) looked like a smaller Chevelle and sales almost doubled to 200,970 units, despite the fact that only two styles were offered. There were three series, designated 111,113, and 114.

Optional motors included the 155 bhp six for the 113 Series, while other V-8s for the 114 Series included the 275 bhp 327 and the L79 325 bhp version of the 327. From January 1968, though, buyers had big-block options. These included two 396 cid Chevelle V-8s – the L34 with 350 bhp and the L76 with 375 bhp.

The Nova SS was a $211 trim and power option with a base price of $2,995. The option included a 295 bhp 350 V-8, simulated hood intakes, bucket seats, console, special steering wheel, and black accented SS grille and rear deck. Some buyers wanted more power and 234 ordered the 350 bhp 396 V-8, while 667 others chose the 375 bhp engine. The 375 bhp V8 provided 0-60 mph in six seconds and a 14-second quarter-mile.

The muscle car wars were about to reach fever pitch and high performance dealers like Don Yenko and Nickey Chevrolet quickly figured they could cram the 427 cid V-8 into the new body with electrifying results. Build numbers are uncertain, but performance was staggering, with 410 and 450 bhp available. A 427 Nova was capable of a 13 second quarter-mile at over 100 mph.

Popular Nova options included air conditioning, center console with floor shift, tinted glass, power brakes, power steering, vinyl roof, pushbutton radio, tachometer, Positraction rear axle, Mag-style wheel covers, wire wheel covers, and two-tone paint.

Chevrolet offered 15 exterior colors for the 1968 Nova, including Tuxedo Black, Ermine White, Grotto Blue, Fathom Blue, Island Teal, Ash Gold, Grecian Green, Tripoli Turquoise, Teal Blue, Cordovan Maroon, Seafrost Green, Matador Red, Palomino Ivory, Sequiua Green, and Butternut Yellow.

Interior colors were Black, White, Blue, Green, Red, Fawn, Aqua, and Gold. Color-keyed interiors were a mix of cloth and vinyl, or vinyl in the case of Super Sports and Nova hardtops. Vinyl roofs were typically White or Black, though other colors can be found.