![]() ![]() Chevrolet generally called it “SS396,” but sometimes called it a “Chevelle SS396”. There were no Malibu nameplates on the car, only “Chevelle,” “SS396,” or “Super Sport” emblems. While an SS396 had appointments at a similar level to a Malibu, the SS396 was not a Malibu. However, bucket seats, console and the gauge package were no longer standard equipment. Also included was unique trim and badging as well as a new domed hood. The SS396 suspension did have somewhat stiffer springs compared to a base Chevelle but this was mostly to compensate for the heavier 396. It had a smaller front stabilizer bar and no rear bar. This meant no heavy duty convertible frame and no more large brakes. While the 1965 Malibu SS Z16 included a number of chassis and brake upgrades, the 1966 SS396 was de-contented to reduce its price (the Z16 approached Corvette territory). The SS396 had three engine choices available it came with a base 325hp 元5 or the optional 360hp 元4 or the 375hp L78. If you wanted to order a 396 engine in a Chevelle for 1966, the SS396 was the only way to get it. Unlike the Malibu SS, the SS396 featured mostly performance upgrades over a Malibu. The SS396 was available as a 2-door hardtop or a 2-door convertible. In place of the Malibu SS, Chevrolet released a new model, simply called SS396. However, the Malibu SS did live a while longer in Canada, which I will write a post about in the near future. Chevrolet decided to drop the Malibu SS for 1966. The market didn’t want a trim and appearance package, they wanted a real performance car. With the popularity of the GTO, Chevrolet had to rethink its Super Sport for its intermediate line. Despite these cars commonly being called the Chevelle Z16, the Z16 cars were badged as a “Malibu SS”, and Chevrolet called them the Malibu SS in their literature. The Z16 was created to help produce buzz for the upcoming regular production 1966 SS396. In the end only 201 were built, mostly going to VIPs. ![]() Its performance upgrades included the 375-hp 元7 396, a stiffer boxed convertible chassis, larger brakes, and a performance suspension with front and rear stabilizer bars. The Z16 option was a performance oriented package. It did however require a number of mandatory options including power steering and brakes, tachometer, 4-speed transmission with 2.56 low gear, AM/FM stereo, deluxe front belts, rear seat belts and instrument panel pad. This option package was limited to the V8 Malibu SS hardtop or convertible. In March of 1965, a new option package was released on a very limited basis for the Malibu SS, known as RPO Z16. The Malibu SS stayed the same for 1965, available in the same four model variations (although model numbers were changed). These cars all had Malibu SS or Malibu Super Sport nameplates on the car and were called the same in GM literature. These included bucket seats, Malibu SS specific trim and emblems, a center console (with Powerglide or 4-speed), clock and a gauge package (excluding a tach). The Malibu SS only offered trim and appearance upgrades over a Malibu. The Malibu SS was not a performance package like the GTO, and it included no performance upgrades. Therefore, the 1964 Malibu SS lineup consisted of four distinct models and two body styles. It is important to remember Chevrolet had separate model designations for six and V8 cars. In its first year the Malibu SS was a separate series, available as a 2-door hardtop and convertible, either six or V8. ![]() When Chevrolet released the Chevelle for the 1964 model year, the model lineup consisted of the three distinct series the Chevelle 300, the Malibu and the Malibu Super Sport. So, let’s do an overview of Chevrolet’s intermediate Super Sport models. Even though much has been written about the Chevrolet Chevelle Super Sports, the history is still unclear to some. There seemed to be some debate on whether the car was called the Chevelle SS, the Malibu SS, whether it was a distinct model or an option package? Well to answer in short, all of the above. I was reading the recently reposted CC on the 1976 Laguna and I noticed some discussion about the Chevelle SS in the comments. ![]()
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