THE HISTORY OF SS
A look at the cars that created the legend
In the 1960s, Chevrolet sold more than 1 million SS models. Synonymous with performance, power and prestige, the SS moniker is an
enduring part of the Chevy legacy. It all started with the Corvette SS concept car in 1957, which, as an experimental race car, debuted
to the public at the 12 Hours of Sebring. Custom-built under the direction of Zora Arkus-Duntov, the SS had 283 cubic-inch fuel-injected
V8 with 300-plus horsepower, a four-speed manual transmission, independent front and four-link rear suspension, a lightweight
magnesium alloy body and tubular space frame. With lines similar to a Grand Prix racer, the Corvette SS had a single windshield
with a torpedo shaped headrest, and it was unlike any Corvette to date.
enduring part of the Chevy legacy. It all started with the Corvette SS concept car in 1957, which, as an experimental race car, debuted to the public at the 12 Hours of Sebring. Custom-built under the direction of Zora Arkus-Duntov, the SS had 283 cubic-inch fuel-injectedV8 with 300-plus horsepower, a four-speed manual transmission, independent front and four-link rear suspension, a lightweight magnesium alloy body and tubular space frame. With lines similar to a Grand Prix racer, the Corvette SS had a single windshield with a torpedo shaped headrest, and it was unlike any Corvette to date.
While the concept SS models continue to turn heads, the production SS models have created a legend. Here's a look at Chevy's lineup
of some of the past SS production vehicles:
Impala SS
1961-1969
One of the longest-running, best-known names in the automotive world, the Impala SS symbolizes one of Chevy's richest chapters.
First used for a 1956 GM Show Car, the production Impala debuted Oct. 31, 1957 as the top-of-the-line model in the Bel Air series.
Impala earned its own nameplate in '59, beginning a 26-year run. The SS version - the first SS ever -
appeared in 1961 as a dealer-installed kit, and ushered in a new era of Chevy performance. The 360-hp 409
was one of five engine choices, and the car featured extra enhancements like power brakes and steering,
sintered metallic brake linings, heavy duty shocks and springs, a 7000-rpm tachometer and special SS trim
and badging. Chevy sold 450 SS versions that model year.
By '64 the Impala SS became its own series, with a wide range of engine and transmission selections and a lengthy option
list. In '65 Impala underwent a dramatic, clandestine redesign. The original shape, approved by the legendary designer Bill
Mitchell and Bunkie Knudsen, was later scrapped when Irv Rybicki, Chevy's chief designer, secretly penned another version.
This longer, lower Impala, with curved glass, a rounded body style, split grille with argent colored lower valence panels,
and thin wheel opening trim, proved to be one of Chevy's greatest styling achievements. That year, nearly 250,000 SS models
sold. Midyear, two new 396 cid engines offered 325 and 425-hp. Redesigned again in '67, as the largest of cars became less
popular, the new Impala had a lean, fastback design with two SS versions, basic and SS427. By 1969 only the SS427
remained, and then changing times reduced it to an option package instead of a series.
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