When Chevrolet introduced the Chevelle 454 SS, it sent shockwaves through the muscle car community. While Buick, Pontiac and Oldsmobile each offered their own 455 CI engines, those brands commanded a healthy premium for the privilege of optioning their muscle cars with a big block. Now, it wasn’t like Chevrolet was giving away its 454—they too commanded healthy premiums—but they were considerably less expensive than what the competing divisions were asking; and Chevrolet’s top dog, the LS6 454, officially delivered 450 HP and 500 lb- ft of torque. Most agreed, however, that the LS6 delivered more in the neighborhood of 500 HP, maybe even 550, and 600 lb-ft of torque. It was a stunning piece of machinery for the money. And, for those who didn’t need to pull houses off foundations, Chevrolet offered the LS5 454/360 HP V-8 with 460 lb-ft of torque, which was a much more easy-going engine to live with on a multitude of levels. Both were introduced for 1970, but the LS6 was retired at the end of 1971, becoming available only in the Corvette through 1972. Meanwhile, the LS5 would sustain production through 1974. With a matching-numbers LS5 454 CI V-8 engine, a Turbo 400 automatic transmission and a 12-bolt Positraction rear end, this 1972 Chevrolet Chevelle SS shows 46,453 miles on the odometer. Optioned with the Cowl-Induction hood, factory air conditioning, power steering and power disc brakes, the original AM/FM stereo has been enhanced with an internal amp and Bluetooth. Retaining the original sheet metal, black bench seat interior and engine bay, the car is set with a black vinyl top and was repainted in the original color of Mojave Gold with black stripes. Rolling on Goodyear Polyglas white lettering tires with SS wheels, the car is accompanied by the warranty booklet, Protect-O-Plate, build sheet, the original invoice, inspection receipts and the previous title. While the documents support the low-mile claim, they also demonstrate just four owners from new.
