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THE HISTORY OF SS


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THE HISTORY OF SS

A LOOK AT THE CARS THAT CREATED THE LEGEND

 

In the 1960s, Chevrolet sold more than 1 million SS models. Synonymous with performance, power and prestige, the SS moniker is an enduring part of the Chevy legacy. It all started with the Corvette SS concept car in 1957, which, as an experimental race car, debuted to the public at the 12 Hours of Sebring. Custom-built under the direction of Zora Arkus-Duntov, the SS had 283 cubic-inch fuel-injected V8 with 300-plus horsepower, a four-speed manual transmission, independent front and four-link rear suspension, a lightweight magnesium alloy body and tubular space frame. With lines similar to a Grand Prix racer, the Corvette SS had a single windshield with a torpedo shaped headrest, and it was unlike any Corvette to date.

 

Much later, Chevy created the Corvette of trucks - the 2000 Silverado SS concept truck. This four-passenger, four-door pickup was powered by a 6.6-liter, overhead valve aluminum Corvette LS1 V8 engine that produced 480-hp at 6000 rpm and 475 lb-ft of torque at 4800 rpm. Power transferred to the rear wheels via a short-throw, six-speed, rear-mounted manual transmission - the same transmission found in Corvette models. It featured four-wheel independent short- and long-arm suspension and adjustable front and rear air springs. This redder-than-red SS was no ordinary Silverado; up front, it had a molded front fascia with integrated brake-cooling ducts, a new front grille with integrated Chevy Bow Tie and projector beam headlamp assemblies. The domed hood was made of a carbon fiber material and the cowl was raised to create a flowing appearance.

 

While the concept SS models continue to turn heads, the production SS models have created a legend. Here's a look at Chevy's lineup of past and present SS production vehicles:

 

Impala SS

1961-1969

1994-1996

One of the longest-running, best-known names in the automotive world, the Impala SS symbolizes one of Chevy's richest chapters. First used for a 1956 GM Show Car, the production Impala debuted Oct. 31, 1957 as the top-of-the-line model in the Bel Air series.

 

Impala earned its own nameplate in '59, beginning a 26-year run. The SS version - the first SS ever - appeared in 1961 as a dealer-installed kit, and ushered in a new era of Chevy performance. The 360-hp 409 was one of five engine choices, and the car featured extra enhancements like power brakes and steering, sintered metallic brake linings, heavy duty shocks and springs, a 7000-rpm tachometer and special SS trim and badging. Chevy sold 450 SS versions that model year.

 

By '64 the Impala SS became its own series, with a wide range of engine and transmission selections and a lengthy option list. In '65 Impala underwent a dramatic, clandestine redesign. The original shape, approved by the legendary designer Bill Mitchell and Bunkie Knudsen, was later scrapped when Irv Rybicki, Chevy's chief designer, secretly penned another version. This longer, lower Impala, with curved glass, a rounded body style, split grille with argent colored lower valence panels, and thin wheel opening trim, proved to be one of Chevy's greatest styling achievements. That year, nearly 250,000 SS models sold. Midyear, two new 396 cid engines offered 325 and 425-hp.

 

Redesigned again in '67, as the largest of cars became less popular, the new Impala had a lean, fastback design with two SS versions, basic and SS427. By 1969 only the SS427 remained, and then changing times reduced it to an option package instead of a series.

 

In 1985, the Impala name went into hibernation until 1993, when Chevy displayed an Impala SS concept car at the 1993 Chicago Auto Show. In 1994, Chevrolet resurrected the Impala SS, a sultry, low-slung, black on black machine loosely based on the Caprice police cruiser. It returned in '95 with two more colors, Dark Cherry and Dark Green-Gray. The car sat low, rode on a stiffer suspension and had larger antiroll bars and quick-ratio steering. It ran 0-60 in 7.1 seconds and became an instant collector car.

 

Nova SS

1963-1975

In many ways, the Nova represented the essence of Chevrolet. It was intended to be a no-nonsense, reasonably priced, easy to maintain family vehicle with four and six cylinder engine options. It was bigger than the Corvair, but smaller than the full-size Impala. It started as a no-frills vehicle with numerous bodystyles and few options, but gradually added numerous engine, trim and convenience choices.

 

At first, the Nova name appeared only on the top-of-the line Chevy II model - it wasn't until 1969 when Nova eclipsed the Chevy II designation. Despite its popularity, the Nova suffered from sibling rivalry during its 16-year run, especially from the flashier, hugely successful Chevelle and the inexpensive Camaro pony car, which could be highly customized. Still, when the SS option became available in 1963, it sold more than 87,000 units.

 

In 1964, Chevy offered a V8 engine option, much to the delight of general manager (and future GM president) Ed Cole, who wanted "a car that was too fast for me to drive." In 1965, the Chevy II received a freshening, along with six engine options, and in '66 it was completely restyled, with a leaner, sleeker, more formal look. Chevy carried over just a few design cues, including its signature egg crate grille and front-to-rear character line. A new, thicker C pillar, vertical taillights and minimal chrome distinguished the shape. SS was a separate model offered only in two-door sport coupe, with an optional 350-hp 327cid engine.

 

The car was completely redesigned for 1968, with strong inspiration from the legendary 1955 Chevy. For so long, the Nova was a bit of a sleeper, often considered a Chevy for the older generation, but the '68 changed all that. The high-performance SS version even trumped a similarly equipped Chevelle, and soon became a favorite among drag racers on a budget. Only then did the car become a true sales success, outpacing the '67 by a margin of two to one. In 1975, Chevy once again redesigned the Nova, added a catalytic converter, and dropped the SS model, another victim of the fuel crunch.

 

Chevelle SS

1964-1973

Perhaps the best-known and most revered SS vehicle, the Chevelle SS still inspires colorful stories and waves of nostalgia among the enthusiast set. Introduced in 1964, the midsize Chevelle fit between the Chevy II (Nova) and Impala, and was often compared to the legendary 1955 Chevy.

 

The 1964 Chevelle SS had a minimalist design, with just a thin strip of chrome running the length of the car, and was immediately recognizable as a Chevrolet. It had bucket seats, SS trim, Impala SS wheel covers and a variety of powertrain combinations, yet it didn't compare to Pontiac's GTO in terms of power or speed. In '65, Chevy released a Chevelle SS with softer, rounder lines, giving it a longer, lower look. The same year, the 375-hp Z-16 Chevelle debuted with a special high-performance version of the new 396 engine, and GTO had met its match. Chevy proved it could satisfy the performance customer, and sold 81,000 Z-16 Chevelle SS models in '65.

 

The '66 Chevelle underwent a redesign, with an appearance similar to the full-size Chevy, and the Super Sport model became the SS396. The minimalist approach continued with an undecorated, understated shape, and the interior echoed the exterior. However, the SS had a long list of options, so buyers could customize as they saw fit. The '66 was enormously successful, snatching sales from Nova, Impala, and the rest of the Motor City.

 

In '67, the Chevelle was mostly unchanged, and in '68, Chevy redesigned it again, adding a fastback, long hood and short deck. In addition, new federal requirements mandated safety and exhaust emissions improvements. The SS became a separate version in '68 and came in convertible and two-door hardtop bodystyles, both with blacked-out trim. In 1970, an all-new, even more powerful model debuted. Two SS options, the Z-25 for the SS396, and the Z15 for the SS454, were available, with available horsepower up to 450.

 

After 1970, pressure from the federal government and the insurance industry led to declining horsepower. In mid-71, Chevy introduced a new Chevelle SS option - the Heavy Chevy - to compete with Plymouth's Road Runner. This stripped-down model lasted about a year. In '73, Chevelle underwent another redesign, the first OPEC oil shortage hit, and the last Chevelle SS rolled off the line, ending a glorious run for a muscle car icon.

 

El Camino SS

1964-1987

The El Camino, one of Chevy's earliest crossover vehicles, debuted in 1959. For much of its on again/off again run, it was marketed as a vehicle with the styling of a full-size Chevy, the utility of a small pickup and, later, the brawn of a musclecar. The first generation car/truck hybrid, built on the Impala platform, ran for just two years.

 

After a three-year hiatus, Chevy re-introduced the El Camino on the Chevelle/Malibu platform in 1964, adopting the Chevelle's look and power while retaining the truck bed. The El Camino became an instant hit with the public. Chevy produced a Super Sport (SS) version of the El Camino each year, starting in 1968, which offered the power of a Chevelle SS396. In 1970, Chevy offered a second SS version, the SS454. The Chevelle ended its run in 1983, but the El Camino SS stayed in production until 1987.

 

Camaro SS

1967-1972

1996-2002

Bill Mitchell's vision of the sporty Camaro, intended as Chevy's answer to Ford's Mustang, was a four-passenger Corvette with rounded, shapely curves. Inspired by a show car called Chevy Nova at the 1964 New York Auto Show, the Camaro had a simple, fluid shape with minimal detail.

 

In 1967, the SS buyer could choose from two high performance versions with horsepower ranging from 210 to 375. Like many SS vehicles, buyers could select from a long list of options, particularly powertrain combinations. SS models included a unique hood with twin chrome simulated vents, redline tires, a special transverse front paint stripe, chrome accents, and SS emblems on the grille, fenders, in the center of the steering wheel and on the gas cap. Naturally, they also featured a heavy-duty suspension and dual exhaust.

 

The '68 model was essentially unchanged, but the L34, 350-hp 396 Chevelle engine became available on the SS. In '69, a redesign made Camaro brawnier and bulkier, with flared fenders, a larger grille opening, an optional cowl induction hood and slightly revised SS trim. An orange and white striped '69 SS, combined with RS option, paced the Indianapolis 500.

 

By 1970, Camaro received its own platform, the F-body, shared only with its sibling, the Pontiac Firebird. This gave Mitchell and his design team much more freedom and flexibility in crafting the new Camaro, with a rectangular shaped egg-crate mesh grille, high-mounted headlights, hidden window wipers, a long character line, flared wheel openings, frameless side glass windows, flush handles, a short rear deck and flared rear end. The new fastback SS pony car had a blacked-out grille, power front disc brakes, heavy-duty suspension, chrome exhaust tips, dual sport mirrors and SS emblems. Unlike past years, the '70 model had no orange stripes available.

 

At this point, Camaro led the pony car market, eclipsing even Mustang, but the end of the musclecar era was imminent as federal regulations began to take effect. Again, by 1971 powertrain combinations began shrinking and high horsepower, high-speed engines began fading away. In 1972, the Camaro SS ended its first incarnation.

Some 14 years later, Chevy released the second-generation SS as an option on the fourth-generation Camaro. This rear-wheel drive, four seat sporty car was distinctive both in its styling and its bodystyle. The SS package created a performance car that equaled the big block Camaros of the '60s. This was the first SS car that wasn't a Super Sport - just an SS. The package included a 305-hp 5.7L engine, a revised rear deck spoiler, a composite hood with functional air induction scoop, special tires and wheels, as well as options only available on the SS, including a Hurst shifter, low-restriction exhaust system, Bilstein shocks, and limited slip differential.

 

In 1997, Chevy offered a limited edition SS with the 330-hp Corvette LT4 engine, and the following year, the Camaro SS used the Corvette 5.7L LS1 engine. The Camaro SS ended its run with the production Camaro in the 2002 model year.

 

Monte Carlo SS

1970-1971

1983-1988

2000-present

Created to compete with Ford's Thunderbird, the Monte Carlo filled a gap for Chevrolet: a reasonably priced, formal, front-engine personal luxury car. Its long hood, short deck, two large headlights, vertical taillights, minimal chrome, and wide C-pillar with wedge gave Monte Carlo its edge in the market.

 

The two-door coupe had a SS454 package its first year out, with 360-hp. The package included a hydraulic camshaft, a cast-iron manifold with Rochester Quadrajet carburetor, oval-port cylinder heads with 10.25:1 compression and a HydraMatic Turbo transmission. It also had a heavy-duty chassis with heavy-duty shocks, springs and rear stabilizer bar, dual exhaust with chrome tips and Automatic Level Control.

 

A quieter, more discreet SS, the only exterior identification on the SS454 appeared on the front fender lower body molding. The SS was brash enough to cruise any metropolitan main street, yet sophisticated enough for a night at the opera. But sales fell in 1971, and by '72 Chevy dropped the SS454. In the years to come, NASCAR became popular, and Monte Carlos began winning on the ovals. Suddenly, an SS model made sense again.

 

The second-generation SS had a 305-ci small block engine, Corvette cam, Turbo Hydra Matic transmission, heavy-duty suspension and Rochester four-barrel carburetor. The 1983 models all had metallic blue or white exteriors with stripes, and found great success. This continued until 1988, when Chevy replaced the Monte Carlo name with Lumina. In 2000, Chevy reintroduced the Monte Carlo in racing and production form, its shape echoing the original version. It gave new life to the SS, as well, installing a 200-hp 3800 Series II V6 under the hood and loading it with numerous contemporary options and features.

 

S-10 SS

1994-1996

Eventually, even compact trucks received the SS treatment. In 1994, Chevy introduced the S-10 SS two-wheel drive pickup, producing about 2700 models. Equipped with a 4.3L V6 engine that made 180-hp at 4400 rpm and 245 lb-ft of torque at 2800 rpm, it was the fastest in its class. Its only competitor was the Ford Ranger Splash.

 

During the 1994 and '95 model years, the S-10 SS had 15-inch cast aluminum wheels with chrome center caps and red bowties, along with SS badging and standard fog lamps. It came in three colors: Onyx Black, Summit White, and Apple Red. In 1996 the SS took on a fresh new monochromatic look. Its ZQ8 suspension was lowered by two inches for a more aggressive look, and it had Bilstein shocks, larger stabilizer bars and 16-inch wheels.

 

Chevrolet 454SS

1990-1994

The 454SS might have looked like a regular Chevy Truck, but this short bed, two-wheel drive Chevrolet C-1500 pickup had a powerful 454 cid, 7.4L big block engine hiding under the hood. The 225-hp engine developed 405 lb-ft of torque at 2400 rpm.

 

It had a modified suspension and drivetrain, an automatic overdrive 4-speed transmission and special 454SS wheels and tires. It also featured a heavy-duty radiator, engine oil and transmission oil coolers and locking rear differential.

 

The standard 454SS performance handling package included 32mm Bilstein gas-filled shock absorbers, a 32mm front stabilizer bar, a .7:1 fast-ratio steering gear assembly and heavy-duty jounce bumpers. The appearance package had a front air dam with lights, SS graphics and black paint with black grille, bumpers and mirrors.

 

The interior came equipped with a speical plush Garnet Red cloth interior and high-back reclining sport bucket seats. Originally, the 454SS only came in black, but soon, Chevy expanded the palette to include Summit White and Victory Red. These high performance, limited production trucks had a four-year run totaling 16,953 units.

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