1972 Chevrolet Chevelle SS 454

Chevrolet Chevelle’s are probably among the top 3 most popular GM products of all time.  There were 3 generations of model years from 1964 through 1977.  Super Sport versions ran through 1973, and Lagunas from ’72 to ’76.  Chevelle’s also provided the platform for the Monte Carlo’s debut in 1970.

The 1972 Chevelle SS came at a time of change for Muscle Cars.  Following Detriot’s drift towards muscle pretenders was the “Heavy Chevy” of 1971 and ’72.  These were budget Super Sports with a gimmicky name, own exterior graphics, and 14 inch tires. “Heavy Chevy” V8 engine choices ranged from the 307 V8 to the Turbo-Fire 400 cubic inch small block V8.

It’s a rough estimate that about 60,000 402 and 350 cu. In. V8 Chevelle SS’s were produced, and researchers say that 940 SS 454 Chevelles were built in 1971.

When 1972 rolled around, net horsepower ratings came into effect, and power robbing accessories were attached to engines, (booo!!) and the LS-5 454 V8 was net rated at 270 hp.  The Turbo Jet 400 came in at 240 net hp.  A scant few of these Big blocks were ordered, as folks opted for the more docile V8’s, like the 350 and 307 V8’s.  It’s like getting “mild” salsa sauce…

But, the Super Sport package changed very little, and made the Chevelle seem brawny no matter which engine.  All LS-5’s were coupled up with a Rockcrusher 4 speed manual transmission, while the other V8’s got either 3 or 4 speed manuals, depending on horsepower.  And since the power had been diminished to an area that wouldn’t damage the Powerglide 2 speed automatic transmission, it now joined the ranks of the Hydra-matic in the options list department.  (A 3.31:1 gear was now the strongest performance ratio you could get.)

A 1972 Chevelle SS 454 had a 0 to 60 time of 6.0 seconds, a top speed of 120mph, and ran down the ¼ mile in 14.20, at a speed of 100 mph.  Not bad for a “Heavy Chevy.”

Chevelle SS production dropped to 24,946, of which the LS-5 got only 5,333 buyers, including a sparse handful that ordered SS 454 Ragtops, which was the LAST of the Super Sport Chevelle Ragtops.  Can you smell how rare these cars are today, and how much cash it takes to acquire one?  I can!

Overall, Chevrolet built a staggering 296,000 SS 396 and SS 454 Chevelles from 1968 to 1972. No other muscle car from any other manufacturer ever had a higher volume run.

I personally had a 1973 Chevelle Malibu with a 307 V8 and a Powerglide (or “Powerslide”, as we referred to them), shortly after getting out of college (actually, kicked out…but that’s for another time.)  Another friend of mine had an SS 454 Super Sport…as a goof, we traded cars for an hour.  He was ready to immediately hand my car back to me at the end of the hour…but, he had a hard time locating me with his…and the approximately 25k miles worth of rubber from his rear tires.  I was quick to point out (once he calmed down, of course), that all the rubber was right there, stuck to the lower rear quarters of the fenders.  He was not amused.  Hey, he trusted me…he messed up! Haha….