How many Chevy SS were made in manual?
The number of Chevy SS cars produced with a manual transmission is very small—roughly on the order of 1,000 to 1,200 units—across the model’s 2014–2017 US run. Manual-equipped cars are considered rare by enthusiasts and collectors.
Overview of the Chevy SS and its transmission options
The Chevrolet SS was a high-performance, rear-wheel-drive sedan sold in the United States from 2014 through 2017. It was built on the Holden Commodore VF platform and powered by a 6.2-liter V8 engine. The car offered two transmission choices: a 6-speed manual and a 6-speed automatic, though the availability of the manual varied by model year and market. The SS was marketed to enthusiasts seeking a traditional, practical four-door V8 with performance credentials.
Manual transmission availability
Manual-transmission availability in the Chevy SS is well documented by enthusiasts as a rare option. Chevrolet did not publish an official year-by-year tally of manual-equipped cars, so industry observers rely on production data from dealers, registries, and owner-recorded VINs to estimate the figure.
- Estimated share of manual-equipped SS units: about 7–12% of total production.
- Estimated total manual-equipped units across 2014–2017: roughly 1,000 to 1,200 vehicles.
- Production and identification notes: numbers vary by source, with manual cars often identified by dealer inventories, VIN patterns, and restoration/ownership records.
Because Chevrolet did not publish a public breakdown of manual versus automatic sales, precise figures remain unofficial. Researchers and enthusiasts typically cite these approximate ranges based on available production data and registry information.
Why manual Chevys are notable for collectors and drivers
Manual Chevy SS cars are prized for the direct, involving driving experience they offer, especially in a modern, high-performance sedan package. Their rarity can make them more desirable on the used market, with value influenced by condition, provenance, and documentation.
Summary
The Chevy SS with a manual transmission is a rare configuration from a relatively brief production window (2014–2017). While Chevrolet offered a 6-speed manual, official counts were not published, and current estimates place manual-equipped units at roughly 1,000–1,200 vehicles. For collectors and enthusiasts, the manual SS represents a sought-after blend of American V8 performance and traditional shift action.
How many purple Chevy SS were made?
I had a 2015 Alchemy purple only 61 made total in that color.
What is the best year of the Chevy SS?
The best years for the modern Chevy SS are 2015–2017, with the final model year often considered the most desirable due to performance upgrades and features. Key differences include the addition of magnetic ride control for the 2015 model year, which offers adjustable suspension modes, and a bimodal active exhaust system for 2016–2017 models.
You can watch this video to learn more about the Chevy SS: 53sAutomotive Anonymous YouTube · Jul 2, 2025
2014
- No manual transmission option.
- No Magnetic Ride Control.
- Different front fascia, grill, and fog lights compared to later years.
- Less potent standard exhaust.
2015
- Addition of Magnetic Ride Control, offering Tour, Sport, and Performance suspension modes.
- Available with either an automatic or a 6-speed manual transmission.
- Lighter and stronger forged wheels.
- Different front bumper styling.
2016–2017
- These years feature the bimodal active exhaust, which opens up in Sport and Performance modes to be louder.
- These are the final model years for the SS sedan, which can make them more sought after by collectors.
Important considerations
- Manual Transmission: If you want a manual, you'll need to look for a 2015, 2016, or 2017 model year.
- Performance and Comfort: If you prioritize a more comfortable ride and don't mind a less aggressive look, a 2014 model might be a good choice, as they lack the "AFM" system found in later years.
- Collector Value: The final model year, 2017, often carries the highest value due to its limited production run and the inclusion of all the performance upgrades.
Did the Chevy SS come in manual?
Yes, the Chevy SS was available with a manual transmission, starting as an option in the 2015 model year. It was produced with a six-speed manual gearbox through its final model year in 2017.
You can watch this video to see a review of the 2017 Chevy SS Sedan with a 6-speed manual transmission: 1mRP ProductionsYouTube · May 1, 2019
- The six-speed manual was offered as a no-cost option for the 2015 model year onwards.
- The manual transmission was available in both the 2016 and 2017 models.
- A limited number of SS models were built with the manual transmission, making them a rare find today.
What is the rarest Chevy SS?
These include the 2015-only Alchemy Purple Metallic (61 or 0.5%) and the 2015-16 Jungle Green Metallic (78 cars or 0.6%). By these standards, the rarest Chevy SS would be a 2016 manual-transmission, non-sunroof car in Jungle Green Metallic with the 19-inch wheels.
