The SS Returns: SS Greats Win, Lose, Or Drag
Not every Super Sport was a winner, but these were close to unbeatable
/ By Matt Stone
/ Photography by Motor Trend archives
/
Article provided by: Motor Trend Magazine
1962 Impala SS 409SS might as well have stood for Super Stock--as in NHRA drag racing--as that's where special versions of these full-size coupes cleaned house. Employing cool, dual-quad carbs, they were factory rated at 409 horsepower.
El Camino SS Since the El Camino was based on a car platform, it got nearly every option and powertrain offering, as did its conventionally bodied cousins. SS versions first showed up in 1964 (this one's a 1973) and continued until the El Cam's demise at the end of 1988.
1969 Camaro SSThe first-gen Camaro's final year was a pearl; SS models were offered, plus this ragtop Indy pace-car version. SS buyers could choose among four V-8s, ranging from 325 to 375 horsepower.
1970 Chevelle SS 454 LS61970 is considered the zenith of big-block musclecar development. The top banana among regular production (non-Central Office Production Order) Chevelle SS versions is the LS6, packing a solid-lifter, 450-horse 454. Today, they're prized, collectible musclecars.
2002 Camaro SSIn recognition of the Camaro's 35th birthday, Chevy offered an anniversary-edition SS. Some design cues harked back to that first 1967, but the 346-cube LS1 small-block cranked out 325 net horsepower--on unleaded gas.