What is a Chevelle SS?
The Chevrolet Chevelle SS, or Super Sport, is a high-performance variant of the Chevelle mid-size car that was produced by General Motors from 1964 to 1972. The Chevelle SS was one of the most iconic and sought-after muscle cars of the era, known for its powerful engines, aggressive styling, and impressive performance on the road and the racetrack.
Origins and Evolution of the Chevelle SS
The Chevelle was first introduced in 1964 as a mid-size car to compete with the Ford Fairlane and Plymouth Belvedere. In 1965, Chevrolet introduced the Chevelle SS as a high-performance version of the Chevelle, featuring a more powerful engine, upgraded suspension, and distinctive styling cues.
Over the years, the Chevelle SS underwent several design and performance upgrades, with larger engines, more advanced transmissions, and improved handling characteristics. The most powerful and iconic version of the Chevelle SS was the 1970 model, which was powered by a 454 cubic inch (7.4-liter) V8 engine that produced up to 450 horsepower.p>
Key Features of the Chevelle SS
- Powerful Engines: The Chevelle SS was available with a range of high-performance V8 engines, including the 396 cubic inch (6.5-liter) and 454 cubic inch (7.4-liter) V8s, which delivered impressive power and acceleration.
- Distinctive Styling: The Chevelle SS featured a more aggressive and muscular design compared to the standard Chevelle, with features like a distinctive grille, hood scoops, and unique badging.
- Upgraded Suspension and Brakes: The Chevelle SS was equipped with a more advanced suspension system and larger brakes to handle the increased power and performance.
- Performance-Oriented Interior: The Chevelle SS had a more performance-focused interior, with features like bucket seats, a sporty steering wheel, and performance-oriented gauges.
The Chevelle SS was not only a popular choice for street performance, but it also had a successful racing pedigree, with the car competing in various motorsport events, including the NASCAR Grand National series and the NHRA drag racing circuit.
Legacy and Collectibility
The Chevelle SS has become a highly sought-after and collectible car, with well-preserved examples commanding high prices on the classic car market. The car's combination of power, style, and performance has made it a beloved icon of the American muscle car era, and it continues to be celebrated by car enthusiasts and collectors around the world.p>
What makes a Chevelle an SS?
The SS 396 Chevelle included a 350 bhp (261 kW) Turbo-Jet 396 V8, special suspension, "power dome" hood, black-accented grille, resilient rear-bumper insert, and wide-oval tires on sport wheels.
Why are Chevy SS so rare?
Chevy SS sedans are rare because they were only produced for a short four-year run (2014–2017) with low production numbers, partly due to a lack of marketing and poor sales figures that were only about 3,000 per year. The car was imported from Australia as a Holden Commodore and its production was ultimately limited by the closure of the Holden plant, according to Quora.
You can watch this video to learn more about the Chevy SS's design and why it was considered a sleeper sedan: 31sAutomotive Anonymous YouTube · Jul 2, 2025
- Limited production: The car was only produced for four model years, ending after 2017, which inherently limits the total number of vehicles available.
- Low sales and poor marketing: Despite being a high-performance sedan with a V8 engine, sales were lackluster, partly because Chevrolet did not heavily market the car.
- Imported from Australia: The Chevy SS was an imported Holden Commodore, and its production run was tied to the Australian Holden plant, which GM later shuttered.
- Short lifespan: The vehicle was essentially a stop-gap model to honor a prior deal to import sedans from Holden after the Pontiac G8 was canceled, and there was no plan for a long-term replacement.
Did Chevelle SS come with a 350?
With the base 350 cid V8 engine and optional 396 cid big block having been offered in earlier models, the 1970 Chevelle SS benefitted from a change in GM corporate policy that would now allow the Divisions to install engines larger than 400 cid in their mid-sized cars.
What does SS stand for on classic cars?
SS, or Super Sport is synonymous with performance. However, SS didn't always mean that. Let's take a look back at the history of the Super Sport name and see how it all came about and turned into the performance cars we know today.
