A Brief History of the Chevrolet Super Sport

When it comes to Chevrolet's storied history, two letters stand above all else: SS. Sure, names like Chevelle, Camaro, and Nova bring to mind tire-smoking power. Cubic-inch callouts like 396, 427, and 454 evoke images of big torque and raw muscle. But the SS (Super Sport) moniker is the all-encompassing term that symbolizes power, performance, and class.

Where It All Began

The Chevrolet SS story started in 1961 with the introduction of the SS option on the full-size Impala. This was also the year the legendary 409-cubic-inch V8 debuted. The SS409 was Chevy’s answer to Ford’s 390 Galaxie, and many consider this the year the horsepower wars truly began.

Throughout the 1960s and 1970s, the SS package became available on various Chevrolet models. It offered an upscale appearance and typically included high-performance engines and suspension upgrades. While we won’t dive into every engine and feature combination here (that would require an entire book!), this timeline highlights key SS years and models.

SS Timeline

• 1961: Impala (the first SS)

• 1962: Impala

• 1963: Impala, Chevy II Nova

• 1964: Impala, Chevy II Nova, Chevelle

• 1965: Impala, Chevy II Nova, Chevelle

• 1966: Impala, Chevy II Nova, Chevelle

• 1967: Impala, Chevy II Nova, Chevelle, Camaro

• 1968: Impala, Nova, Chevelle, El Camino, Camaro

• 1969: Impala, Nova, Chevelle, El Camino, Camaro

• 1970: Nova, Chevelle, El Camino, Camaro, Monte Carlo

• 1971: Nova, Chevelle, El Camino, Camaro, Monte Carlo

• 1972: Nova, Chevelle, El Camino, Camaro

• 1973: Nova, Chevelle, El Camino

Model-Specific Notes

• Impala SS:

  • Discontinued after 1969 but reappeared from 1994-1996 and again from 2004-2009.

• Chevelle SS:

  • After 1973, the Laguna S-3 Coupe replaced the SS as the sporty performance option.

• Camaro SS:

  • Discontinued after 1972 but reappeared in 1996.

• El Camino SS:

  • Introduced in 1968 and continued the longest, running until 1987.

• Monte Carlo SS:

  • Originally appeared in 1970-71, returned from 1983-1988, and reappeared from 2000-2007.

• Nova SS:

  • Continued production through 1976.

Legacy

Chevrolet has used other performance monikers like RS, Z28, IROC, LTZ, and L88, but none carry the iconic weight of SS. While more modern SS models like the Cobalt, Trailblazer, and SS 454 Trucks have added to the brand’s performance pedigree, the classic SS models will always be the most revered.

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