In 1990, GM threw down the gauntlet in the modern full-size muscle truck arena with the introduction of the Chevy 454 SS. It is the stuff of study hall daydreams: take the lightest full-size pickup, a regular cab, a short bed, two-wheel drive, and stuff it with 454 cubic inches of Mark IV Big Block glory. Crank up the power to 230 horsepower and a stump-pulling, tire roasting, 385 pound-feet of torque. Back all that with a three-speed Turbo Hydramatic 400 automatic transmission, a 14-bolt limited-slip rear end with 3.73 gears. Paint it a menacing black with graphics on the rear of the bed sides proclaiming what lurks beneath the hood.
To keep everything in check vis-a-vis handling, install a thicker front sway bar, Bilstein shocks, quicker steering ratio, and chrome wheels wrapped in beefy 275/65R15 tires (remember, this pre-dates the big wheels on trucks we have now). The result is a utilitarian menace capable of sprinting from a dead stop to 60 miles per hour in 7.7 seconds, with the quarter mile going by in 15.9 seconds. These are not huge numbers by today’s standards, but in 1990, this was pretty heady stuff. In fact, it was enough to get Ford to build their own full-size muscle truck beginning in 1993.
Our subject Chevy 454 SS is from the first year of production. It has been garage kept, under a cover, from new. A matching fiberglass bed cover has been fitted, as well as a bed liner. The exterior retains all of its original gloss and shine. The black paint looks elbow-deep. Original chrome wheels are free from any curb rash or damage, and are wrapped in new rubber. All glass is crystal clear, and weatherstripping presents as new.
The interior of this Chevy 454 SS appears as new. It is in a rich, lustrous shade of red cloth. The seats and carpet have been covered from new. There is no wear of any note to be found. The factory rubber floor mats look as if they are fresh out of the box. It is equipped with tilt wheel, cruise control, intermittent wipers, and the factory AM/FM/cassette radio with equalizer. A CD changer has been installed.
The engine bay of this Chevy 454 SS is spotless. All of the factory components remain in place. It appears there may be a K&N air cleaner fitted. The 454 is tidy and free from any leaks or drips. It is a time capsule, to be sure.
This Chevy 454 SS will be on offer at the Barrett-Jackson Auction in Scottsdale, AZ March 20th-27th.
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Comments
Obviously this beauty was never driven or enjoyed. Guess the owner just looked at it? Should at least get a good price for it. Can’t replace it with a new version, though.
Sometimes all you can do is look at it”
-Ed Bassmaster
Buddy of mine had this exact one when we were in the Marines. He was always putting new rubber on it every 9 months.
My dad is cool but at the time he had a Grand National (actually a Regal T, samething though) so no room for a 454SS.
I guess my son would call his Mom cool. This was what she drove everyday. She loved to roast nissan 300 z cars. It was stolen 3 different times but was always recovered. Out of gas each time, since it would pass everything except a gas station.
Fun Truck!
One of these trucks remains on my if I were ever to hit the lottery list.
Being a regular cab, 6.5′ bed Silverado owner for a good while, I’ve often wished I’d traded one of my vettes for a 454 SS truck. Didn’t see many around, but was always envious when I did. This copy appears to be magnificent and I’m curious as to the current mileage. Hope the owner gets what he/she feels is a fair price for the truck.
Guess the Dodge Warlock and Lil’ Red Express from the late 70’s were forgotten They were also considered to be “muscle trucks” with the same performance.I detect either lack of research or bias . The 1978 Express had 225 hp and was the fastest accelerating vehicle 0-100 mph made in the US in 78, Even faster than the Pontiac Trans Am 6.6 T/A sold that year.
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