Super Sport (Chevrolet)

Super Sport, or SS, is the signature performance option package offered by Chevrolet on a limited number of its vehicles. All SS models come with distinctive "SS" markings on their exterior. The SS package was first made available for the 1961 Impala.[1] Some of the other models bearing the SS badge include the Camaro, Chevelle, El Camino, Impala, Monte Carlo, Nova and Chevrolet Pickup Truck. Current SS models are produced by the GM Performance Division.

1969 Chevrolet Camaro SS with distinctive "SS" badge on the grille in place of the "bowtie"

General Motors Company's Australian subsidiary Holden offers SS models in its range of Holden Commodore sedans and sportwagons,[2] and also in the Holden Ute range of two-door coupé utilities.[3]

History

In December 1956, Chevrolet unveiled a show car based on the first generation (C1) Corvette called the Corvette Super Sport. In early 1957, the Chevrolet Corvette SS debuted — a custom built racing sports car that was the first Chevrolet to wear the SS badge.

In 1961, the SS "kit" (known as a sport and appearance package) was offered on any Impala for just $53.80. The package included Super Sport trim for both the interior and exterior, chassis reinforcements, stronger springs and shocks, power brakes, spinner wheel covers, and narrow-band whitewall tires. The car's dashboard received a Corvette style passenger hand bar and a steering column mounted 7000-rpm tachometer. Chevrolet built 491,000 Impalas that year and 453 had the SS package, of which 311 received the 348 cid and 142 received the 409 cid.[4] Since 1994, the SS package has been used on a variety of GM vehicles, including pickup trucks, four-door sedans, and front wheel drive cars.

Both historically and today, the Super Sport package has typically included high-performance tires, heavy-duty suspension, and increased power, along with a variety of other performance and appearance upgrades.

  • Chevelle logo
  • Chevelle SS 396
  • SS 396 logo

SS models

Current SS models

Cars
1969 Chevrolet Chevelle SS396

Trucks
  • Chevrolet 454 SS 1990–1993
  • Chevrolet S10 SS 1994–1998
  • Chevrolet SSR: 6.0 L (370 cu in) LS2 V8
  • Chevrolet Silverado SS
  • Chevrolet Silverado Intimidator SS
  • Chevrolet TrailBlazer SS: 6.0 L (370 cu in) LS2 V8 2006–2009

South African market

For a short period of time in the early 1970s, a Holden Monaro–based "Chevrolet SS" model, similar in design, size and drivetrain to a Nova SS, was available in South Africa. Unlike the contemporary Nova, it was built as a hardtop, without fixed #2 or B-pillars or frames around the door glass.

Brazilian market

Classics:

New Era:

Concept car
Main article: Chevrolet SS (concept car)
Chevrolet SS concept (front) at the 2004 Los Angeles Auto Show

In 2003, Chevrolet released a concept car they named the SS. A rear wheel drive sports car with a modern 430 hp small-block V8 engine and race-tuned suspension, it was billed as "a modern interpretation of Chevrolet's Super Sport heritage". Though never intended for production, the vehicle was used as a show car and to hint at what was ahead for Chevrolet sports car design.

Collectors market

It is usually easy to visually differentiate an SS from a "plain-Jane" model. However, it is more difficult to tell the difference between a genuine SS and a "clone", a non-SS vehicle that has been altered to look like an SS. Because of the number of SS clones in the marketplace, potential buyers are advised to do their research and contact their local car clubs for help to ensure that the vehicle is a true SS by running the VIN codes and casting numbers on the engine (this also includes the vehicle's build sheet especially if the SS package was a factory option). Other non-SS vehicles altered to appear like them only use trim panels rather than aftermarket mechanical parts.

References
  1. "Archived copy". Archived from the original on 2013-10-23. Retrieved 2014-05-08.CS1 maint: archived copy as title (link)
  2. Commodore, www.holden.com.au Retrieved 10 January 2017
  3. Ute, www.holden.com.au Retrieved 10 January 2017
  4. http://musclecars.howstuffworks.com/classic-muscle-cars/1961-chevrolet-impala-ss-409.htm
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