Tom Bailey Acquires Drag-and-Drive Proven ’62 Nova Gasser – Will ‘Run The Route’ for Upcoming Edelbrock Sick 66 from Arizona to Michigan on Route 66
With a brand like “Sick the Magazine” you never know what ideas, cars, or even planes could show up next!
And while Tom Bailey and crew have bought some interesting rides over the past year, the most recent acquisition was a ‘right place at the right time’ find.
Recently, the 1962 Chevrolet Nova gasser known as ‘Plan II’ came up for sale on Bring a Trailer on ‘No Reserve.’ Powered by a 435 cubic inch big block Chevrolet engine sporting a GMC 6-71 blower on top, the classic mill is backed with a Turbo 400 transmission and a Ford 9-inch rear end.
The Nova has seen plenty of exercise on drag-and-drive events, making its debut at the 2014 edition of Hot Rod Drag Week, finishing fourth in the A/Gasser class with a 10.45 average.
James Forbes then won the class back-to-back in 2015 and 2016, and followed with four more appearances, netting a top five finish each year, with a best average of 10.14 average in 2017.
Being from Sierra Vista, Arizona, Forbes decided to participate on what would be his final drag-and-drive with the Chevy Nova by participating on Sick the Magazine’s Death Week.
The gasser completed the 2000-mile trip, visiting three different drag strips and finishing tenth with an eighth-mile average of 6.86, with a best pass of 6.43 at 108 mph on the final day.
In March of 2024, the Chevy Nova went up for sale, and Bailey ended up with the winning bid. “I can’t think of a better way to do a trial run of the route for this fall’s Edelbrock Sick 66 event,” said Bailey, who made the trip west with Sick the Magazine’s editor Luke Nieuwhof. “We will definitely be having an adventure driving back to Missouri.”
Stay tuned to Sick the Magazine’s social media, as updates from Luke and Tom will be posted throughout the drive!
For more information on Edelbrock Sick 66, CLICK HERE!
Written by Derek Putnam. Photos courtesy of Sick the Magazine, 1320 Video and James Forbes.
If you have thoughts / feedback / ideas, please e-mail us at derek@sickthemagazine.com