During the 1960s and 1970s, there was a golden era for American muscle cars. The competition between various manufacturers to see who could put the biggest engine into a mid-sized car heated up. In the end, no one did it better than Chevy with its Chevelle SS, especially the 1970 LS6 454. Chevrolet produced a timeless classic that is still adored today by muscle car enthusiasts for its beautiful look and power.
10 The Chevy Chevelle Came With A Manual Transmission
The Chevelle SS came appropriately equipped with a four-speed manual transmission (a three-speed automatic was also an available option). This may seem tame compared to today's six-gear standard, but in 1970, four gears really made the Chevelle SS stand out. This manual transmission allowed the driver to push the big-block V-8 engine as far as it could go while feeling every inch of the road, what you truly want when pushing a high-performing car.
9 The Chevelle SS Featured A Cowl Induction Hood and Power Flap
The hood of the iconic 1970 Chevelle SS came with a couple of innovations that allowed for the car's superb engine performance. First, the cowl induction hood did not just give the Chevelle SS those beautiful curves on the hood, but it constantly forced a rush of cold air into the four-barrel holly carburetor. The cowl induction hood worked together with the power flap. This power flap was exclusive to the 1970 Chevelle SS and served the same purpose as the cowl induction hood, pumping cold air into the engine in order to boost engine performance. This innovation is not only ingenious, but it also looks awesome.
8 Big Block V-8s Provided The Muscle
The 1970 Chevelle is the king of all Chevelles, especially the ones fitted with the LS6 454 big-block V8 engine. This engine is largely what made this Chevelle SS dominate its competition, even causing it to be faster than its Corvette cousins, something that was not necessarily supposed to happen. This engine gave the Chevelle SS some real muscle, the 454 big-block officially pumped out mean doing 0 to 60 in just over six seconds with 450 horsepower and 500 pounds-feet of torque. It topped out at 142 miles per hour. It is rumored that these figures were understated by Chevy to keep insurance companies away. It is estimated that the 1970 Chevelle SS fitted with this engine could do 500 horsepower out of the factory! Lifting the 400 cubic-inch cap was one of the best decisions Chevy made.
7 The Chevelle Featured A Power Steering
Power steering may be a standard feature in cars nowadays, but in the '70s, it was only available if one purchased the right options package. One of the reasons why the Chevelle SS LS6 stood out and was so dominant on roadways was that it was kitted out with power steering. This feature was certainly helpful when pushing the car, as it facilitated keeping the power up in high-speed situations.
6 The 1970 Chevelle SS Was Unbeaten By Its Competitors
The Chevelle became a household name during the 1960s, but it did not win over muscle car enthusiasts until the 1970 Chevelle SS 454 LS6 came around. This model had some serious competition as during this decade manufacturers were in a fierce battle to see who could put the beefiest engine in a mid-size chassis while keeping up consumer friendliness with relatively low prices. Models like the Dodge Charger, Ford Mustang, Pontiac GTO, Plymouth Hemi Cuda, among others. Even with all this competition the 1970 Chevelle SS was called "The King of the Streets."
5 It Had A Beautiful Exterior Design
The Chevelle SS had a beautiful design throughout its production history, but once again, the 1970 Chevelle stands out among the rest. The round headlights at either side of the grille, combined with the curves provided by the cowl induction hood make the front end of the Chevelle SS a pleasure to look at. The sides of the body taper into the back, giving it that beautiful coke bottle shape, somewhat reminiscent of European sports cars. Overall, the car has a striking look, making it one of the most aesthetically pleasing muscle cars.
4 The Chevelle Is A Moviestar
The Chevy Chevelle SS has not just been popular with the driving public and muscle car fanatics, it has also been immortalized in many films. Tom Cruise drove it to the limit in Jack Reacher, a young Matthew McConaughay drove it in his first major role in the coming-of-age classic Dazed and Confused, Vin Diesel drove it in The Fast and The Furious, and in Talladega Nights Ricky Bobby (Will Ferrell) got his mojo and courage back pushing his absent father's 1970 Chevelle SS. There is no doubt that films have expanded the love for this car.
3 It Featured A Sturdy And Powerful Suspension
In order to handle that V-8 power, the Chevelle SS needed a suspension that was up to standard. The heavy-duty suspension set up came with IFS and a live rear axle with a four-link set-up. It also featured an A-frame platform which allowed the car to have a higher ground clearance while still sitting relatively low on the ground. The combination of the A-frame platform and the four-link setup allowed for the Chevelle SS to handle very nicely even under the immense pressure of the big-block V-8 engine.
2 Comfortable and Spacious Seating For A High-Performance Car
The cabin of the Chevelle SS was very comfortable. It sat five people comfortably, with two in the front and three across the back bench. This car also featured air conditioning, carpeted floors, a tilt steering wheel, bucket seats, and a center console. It even came with multiple options in terms of seating and upholstery colors and textures. The Chevelle SS also had 15 cubic feet of cargo capacity. The Chevelle SS was a well-rounded machine that embodied style and performance as well as consumer friendliness and economy, really representing the ethos of American muscle.
1 The Chevy Chevelle Can Be Easily Modified
It has been 40 years since the production of the Chevelle, but enthusiasts' love for it has not gone cold. This is not just because it is a historical and iconic vehicle, but because it can be easily modified. Muscle cars are all about performance and speed, and adding performance wherever it can be added is a big part of owning a muscle car. The Chevelle SS has long been one of the most popular cars to modify in the United States. The Chevelle SS can be turned into a drag racer, a cruiser, the exteriors can be crafted to specification, and new engines and nitrous can be added to give the car even more of a boost. Modified Chevelle SS are some of the sickest modified cars out there.