THE COOLEST CHEVROLET SS MODELS EVER MADE

Short for Super Sport, models with the SS suffix have always been distinguished as performance-focused offshoots of mainstream Chevrolet models. They can be traced back to the mid-1950s and have been a mainstay in the American automaker's lineup ever since.

Not only has the SS badge become a popular offering in the United States, but the Super Sport derivatives have also become popular offerings in other countries, like the Australian market. Spanning more than half a century, these are the coolest models ever to wear the SS badge.

1956 Chevrolet Corvette SS

Production years: 1956

This C1 Corvette was the first Chevrolet model to wear the SS badge and started the entire SS lineup. Not only was it the first, but it was the only one of its kind, with a single example produced. It was also the automaker's first purpose-built race car, founded on a tubular steel spaceframe that drew inspiration from the Mercedes-Benz 300 SL. Its fiberglass body was unusual at the time.

It relied on a 4.6-liter small-block V8 engine that was equipped with a Rochester Ramjet fuel-injection system and had a 9.0:1 compression ratio, an aluminum cylinder head, a new camshaft profile, a larger exhaust system with tuned-length headers, and a four-speed Borg Warner manual transmission. Decades after this model was built, Chevrolet planned to revive the SS nameplate in the C6 generation Corvette, which would ultimately be the C6 ZR1.

1961 Chevrolet Impala SS

Production years: 1961-1964

Although not considered a bonafide muscle car, the 1961 Impala SS was one of the earliest examples of a performance-focused model offered on an affordable platform that was the spawn of the new model year lineup that debuted in 1961. At the core of the Chevrolet Impala SS was the 409 (6.7L) engine, which differed from the 348 cubic-inch (5.7L) V8 used in other models.

Some of the distinguishing aspects of this engine include forged aluminum pistons, a more aggressive camshaft, a four-barrel Carter carburetor, and a high compression ratio, which helped it achieve a higher power output. The Impala SS was credited for starting a new trend of affordable American vehicles powered by potent engines and capable of tussling with some of Europe's finest performance saloons.

First-Generation Chevrolet Chevelle Malibu SS

Production years: 1964-1967

The Chevrolet Malibu began life as a subspecies of the Chevrolet Chevelle, and 1964 was its first model year. The SS badge was only available for the two-door coupe derivative, offered in hardtop or soft top configurations. A six-cylinder engine was offered for this model, but the more powerful option was the V8 engine, which could muster 300 hp.

Distinguishing aspects of this model included bucket seats, an optional four-speed manual transmission, more gauges, and bespoke wheel covers. Chevrolet would eventually replace the Chevelle nameplate with the Malibu name in 1978. A year after introducing the first Chevrolet Malibu SS, Chevrolet revised the 1965 model year, which gained a revised front grille, new exhaust pipes, and a redesigned rear.

1969 Chevrolet El Camino SS 396

Production years: 1968-1972

For the 1968 model year, the platform was revised and shared with the Chevelle station wagon. Now featuring a longer wheelbase than previous iterations, which increased sales, the Chevrolet El Camino was a unicorn product in the market, blending some pickup truck capability with traditional road-car manners.

The 1969 model year received design changes. The El Camino's 392 cubic-inch (6.4L) V8 engine was shrouded in a double-dome hood, while options like power windows, a blacked-out grille, a bold SS badge, and connected quad headlights paired with a slotted bumper were staples of the design. The 1970 model year gained a revision to its physique, resulting in a more aggressive stance, and a new interior was added, too.

1970 Chevrolet Chevelle SS 454

Production years: 1970-1975

The Chevrolet Chevelle SS 454 is one of the most sought-after muscle cars ever, and for good reason. The derivative we're discussing is the second-generation model that received updates to its body and frame. Still, the most notable change to Chevrolet's lineup and the Chevelle range was the introduction of the SS 454, which was primed as a direct response to Mopars available at the time.

Chevrolet's new model featured the largest engine the automaker had ever used in a production car, the 7.4L LS6. The engine used for the SS454 featured the same cast-iron engine block as the standard 454-ci engine used elsewhere in the Chevrolet's ranks. It also used stronger four-bolt main caps, a forged steel crankshaft, alloy connecting rods, and forged aluminum pistons. It was the most powerful Chevrolet offered by the American automaker and even trumped the mighty Corvette, adding to that looks that could kill and are still lusted after today.

1970 Chevy Nova SS

Production years: 1963-1967

The Nova SS had significantly more conservative styling than the Chevrolet Chevelle SS, and the earliest models could be classified as true sleeper cars. However, some aspects of this model previewed its performance potential. For the 1970 model year, Chevrolet introduced a handful of changes to the Nova models.

As far as design was concerned, this meant elements like its pronounced SS badging housed in a black grille, an aggressive hood design, and its dual exit exhaust. Before emissions crippled the Nova SS, its 396 cubic inches big-block naturally aspirated V8 engine afforded its rear wheels 375 hp, which would allow it to compete with the Ford Mustang Cobra Jet. Out of the 274,344 Nova models that were produced in 1970, only 19,000 of those were SS models.

1971 Chevrolet Camaro SS

Production years:1970-1981

Easily one of the most recognizable models in Chevrolet's history, the 1971 Chevrolet Camaro SS is a bonafide icon of the early muscle car era whose looks still hold up to this day. The 1971 Camaro had multiple engine options; however, the SS models were only offered with two. The smallest and least powerful offering was the Turbo-Fire 350 V8 engine, while the Turbo-Jet V8 was used for the most potent form of the SS models. Other noteworthy elements of this engine included a sports suspension system with a special front stabilizer, a rear stabilizer bar, and special shock absorbers. The SS derivatives were also distinguished by their hood insulation, sports mirrors, and black grille.

2003 Chevrolet Silverado SS

Production years: 2003-2006

While the SS is most commonly associated with old-school Chevys like the Impala, Camaro, and Chevelles, at some point in Chevrolet's history, the SS badge adorned the side of its hulking Chevrolet Silverado 1500 pickup truck. Compared to the standard Silverado, the SS derivative was more of a hot-rod truck, sourcing energy from a naturally aspirated 6.0-liter V8 engine.

Not only did it have the one-up on the standard model in terms of power and performance, but it also featured a more aggressive design, which resulted from its lowered stance, sports suspension, two-stage leaf springs, and monotube shocks at all four corners. This lower stance and improved suspension resulted in less squat under heavy acceleration, aiding its sprint time.

2006 Chevrolet Silverado Intimidator SS

Production years:2005-2006

This was essentially an offshoot of the Silverado SS, but one that served as a tribute to Dale Earnhardt. While powertrain upgrades weren't included in this model, it was distinguished by several visual enhancements. These features included a rear spoiler, embroidered headrests, and custom badging. Again, these were visual revisions to the Silverado SS, but it was one of the SS badge's most exclusive and limited examples.

2008 Chevrolet Cobalt SS

Production years: 2005-2010

The Chevrolet Cobalt SS was the American automaker's first attempt at breaking into the tuner segment. Like the Chevy Nova SS, the Cobalt SS didn't wear its performance capabilities on its sleeve. Instead, it relied on three powertrains that were offered for the SS model. These configurations included four-cylinder engines that differed in displacement and induction systems.

The largest engine offered to the Cobalt SS was a 2.4-liter naturally aspirated inline four-cylinder. In contrast, the most powerful engine was a turbocharged 2.0-liter engine capable of lapping the Nürburgring as quickly as the E46 M3. While it would be a blip on Chevrolet's radar, it would become a retrospective tuning wonderchild of the late 2000s.

Sources: Chevrolet.

2024-12-08T06:13:01Z