The Iconic 1967 Chevrolet Chevelle SS Muscle Car
The 1967 Chevrolet Chevelle SS is one of the most iconic American muscle cars ever made. This powerful and stylish car has earned a strong following among auto enthusiasts and collectors. In this article, we’ll take a deep dive into the history, features, performance specs and legacy of the legendary 1967 Chevelle Super Sport.
Origins of the Chevelle SS
Chevrolet introduced the Chevelle model in 1964 as a mid-sized alternative to the full-sized Impala. The “SS” designation stood for Super Sport, representing the highest performance version of the Chevelle.
For 1967, Chevrolet wanted to assert the Chevelle SS as a serious muscle car contender against the Ford Mustang and Plymouth Barracuda. Engineers gave the 1967 Chevelle SS a major boost in power from the previous year.
Bold New Styling
The 1967 Chevelle SS sported bold, aggressive new styling consistent with the muscle car era. The front end featured four headlights and a massive grill with plenty of chrome.
At the rear, wide taillights spanned the entire width of the car. The styling delivered an intimidating presence on the street or drag strip. Buyers could choose a notchback coupe or convertible body style.
Big Block V8 Power
Under the hood, the 1967 Chevelle SS packed serious punch with V8 engine options ranging from 300 to 375 horsepower. The top motor was a 396 cubic-inch “big block” V8 producing 375 hp and 415 lb-ft of torque.
This potent powerplant could propel the Chevelle SS from 0-60 mph in just 6.5 seconds and blast through the quarter mile in 14.5 seconds. Few muscle cars could match this level of performance.
High Performance Handling
Not just a straight line machine, the ’67 Chevelle SS also featured sophisticated suspension and handing for confident control in curves. The front had double wishbone coil springs while the rear came with leaf springs and shock absorbers.
Standard front disc brakes provided excellent stopping power. A wide range of high performance upgrades was available including power brakes and steering.
Driver-Focused Cockpit
The interior focused on the driver with gauges neatly arranged in front of the steering wheel. Bucket seats with vinyl upholstery came standard along with a floor-mounted shifter for the 4-speed manual transmission.
Some luxurious upgrades were available including a tachometer, AM/FM radio, air conditioning and a custom woodgrain steering wheel.
Racing Heritage
The Chevelle Super Sport proved itself a potent force on the drag strip and NASCAR circuit. Dick Harrell’s team modified the 1967 Chevelle SS with 427cid V8s tuned up to 580 horsepower.
Harrell’s Chevelles were among the fastest Super Stocks running quarter miles in the low 11 second range. The 1967 Chevelle SS race cars enjoyed great success in the 1967 NASCAR season.
Collectible Today
Thanks to its performance, styling and racing pedigree, the 1967 Chevelle SS has become a highly valued collectible. Nicely restored models can fetch over $100,000 at auction. Even project cars requiring full restoration can sell for $20,000 and up.
Low production numbers make the 1967 models particularly rare. Only 34,114 Super Sport convertibles and 81,889 Super Sport coupes were produced. Finding an original ’67 Chevelle SS with the SS-396 equipment group is the Holy Grail for collectors.
Custom Culture Icon
Beyond collectors, the ’67 Chevelle has an enthusiastic following in the modern custom car culture. Owners love personalizing these cars with custom paint jobs, powerful modern crate engines, upgraded suspension and flashy wheels.
The 1967 Chevelle SS delivers the vintage style and attitude that never goes out of fashion. It’s the perfect platform for showcasing creativity through customization.
Legacy as an Automotive Icon
Over 50 years since it rolled off the assembly line, the 1967 Chevelle SS remains deeply embedded in American automotive culture. It represents the pinnacle of GM’s success during the peak muscle car era of the mid 1960s.
The bold styling, big V8 power and racing pedigree come together in the 1967 Chevelle SS to make it an enduring legend. This iconic Chevy stands alongside the 1969 Camaro and other classics as one of the most famous American muscle cars of all time.
