5 Rare Chevelle SS Models You’ve Never Heard Of
(But Should Crave)

The Chevrolet Chevelle SS is a legend in American muscle car history, with names like the SS 396 and SS 454 dominating the spotlight. But beneath the well-known models lie rare and elusive variants—some built in limited numbers, others forgotten by time. These under-the-radar Chevelles are the dream cars of collectors, offering unique performance, factory quirks, and exclusivity that make them even more desirable than their mainstream counterparts.

From the COPO-ordered street beasts to one-off dealer specials, here are five rare Chevelle SS models you’ve probably never heard of—but should absolutely crave.

1. 1972 Chevelle SS 396 Laguna

The Laguna name is often associated with Chevrolet’s mid-’70s NASCAR-inspired coupes, but in 1972, it quietly made an early appearance as an ultra-rare Chevelle SS variant. Unlike the standard SS 396, the Laguna featured unique badging, a luxury-trimmed interior, and special styling cues that set it apart. Few were built, making this a forgotten gem among SS enthusiasts.

2. 1969 COPO 9562 Chevelle SS 427

While the COPO 9560 and 9561 Camaros get all the attention, Chevrolet also applied its Central Office Production Order (COPO) magic to the Chevelle. The 9562 Chevelle SS 427 packed a factory-installed L72 big-block V8, producing a brutal 425 horsepower. Built specifically for drag racing, only a handful of these Chevelles were ever made, and their rarity today makes them nearly mythical.

3. 1970 SS 454 LS6 Convertible

The 1970 Chevelle SS 454 LS6 is already a legend, but did you know Chevrolet built a few LS6 convertibles? With 450 horsepower from the factory, these open-top brutes are among the rarest and most valuable Chevelles ever produced. Exact production numbers are debated, but finding an original LS6 convertible today is like striking gold in the muscle car world.

4. 1966 SS 396 “Z16”

Before the Chevelle SS 396 became a production powerhouse, Chevrolet built just 200 Z16 models in 1966 as a high-performance testbed. Featuring a 375-horsepower 396 V8, heavy-duty suspension, and a Muncie four-speed, the Z16 was essentially a blueprint for what would become the ultimate muscle car formula. With so few ever made, spotting one today is a once-in-a-lifetime experience.

5. 1973 Chevelle SS 454 “Colonnade”

By 1973, the muscle car era was winding down, but Chevrolet still had a few tricks up its sleeve. The redesigned “Colonnade” Chevelle SS 454 may not have had the raw horsepower of its predecessors, but it still packed a formidable LS4 454 under the hood. With only a few thousand produced before the SS name disappeared for a decade, this forgotten Chevelle is a hidden treasure for collectors.

Final Thoughts

While the Chevelle SS is best known for its big-block bruisers, these rare models prove that there’s more to the story. Whether it’s a COPO monster, a luxury-styled Laguna, or an elusive Z16, each of these Chevelles holds a unique place in muscle car history. So next time you’re hunting for a rare classic, keep an eye out—you just might find one of these forgotten legends waiting to be revived.

Which of these rare Chevelle SS models is your favorite? Let us know!