Impala SS

Chevrolet introduced the Impala SS (Super Sport) option to the market in December 1960, establishing it as a symbol of performance. In 1961, the Impala’s factory SS package included not only appearance upgrades but also mandatory suspension and engine enhancements. Engine options for the SS package ranged from the 348 cu in V8 with 305 to 350 hp to the powerful new 409 cu in V8 with 360 hp. The 1961 Super Sport package was available on any Impala model, including sedans and station wagons. Only 142 Impala Super Sports were factory-equipped with the 409 engine.

Starting from the 1962 model year, the Impala SS became an appearance package limited to hardtop coupe and convertible coupe models. It was available with all engines in the Impala series, and from 1967 to 1969, a special model called the SS427 was offered. The Super Sport was designated as Regular Production Option Z03 and later had its own separate model status with unique VIN prefixes. In the late 1960s, Chevrolet also introduced a performance version known as Regular Production Option Z24, marketed as the SS 427. This package included a 427 cu in V8, sport suspension, redline tires, and unique badges. Approximately 2,000 Z24 cars were produced each year from 1967 to 1969.

The Impala Super Sport series was discontinued after 1969, although the 1970 model still offered big block V8 engines, bucket seats, and a center console with a floor shifter. The focus on “big block muscle” had shifted towards intermediate and compact cars by this time.