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This article explores the history, design, performance, and legacy of the second-generation Chevrolet Chevelle, which played a pivotal role in shaping the muscle car era.
By 1968, the automotive industry was moving toward more aggressive, streamlined designs, and Chevrolet responded by completely redesigning the Chevelle for its second generation. The new Chevelle was sleeker, lower, and wider, with a more muscular stance that emphasized power and performance. Gone were the boxy lines of the first generation; the second-generation Chevelle featured curvier, more aerodynamic bodywork that gave it a sportier and more modern look.
Key design changes for the 1968 Chevelle included:
The second-generation Chevelle was offered in a variety of body styles, including two-door coupes, convertibles, four-door sedans, and station wagons. However, the high-performance SS models, especially the coupes, became the most popular among muscle car enthusiasts.
One of the defining characteristics of the second-generation Chevelle was the wide range of engine options available, from economical six-cylinder engines to monstrous big-block V8s. This made the Chevelle versatile, catering to both everyday drivers and performance enthusiasts looking for serious horsepower.
For the 1968 model year, the base Chevelle was equipped with a 230-cubic-inch inline-six engine or a 250-cubic-inch six-cylinder, offering modest power. However, the real excitement came with the V8 options, including:
The high-performance Chevelle SS 396 was introduced for 1968, continuing the legacy of the previous generation’s SS models. The SS 396 came with a 396-cubic-inch big-block V8 engine, available in three power outputs—325 horsepower, 350 horsepower, and 375 horsepower. This model became the centerpiece of Chevrolet's muscle car lineup and was renowned for its straight-line speed and impressive performance.
The SS 396 was more than just a powerful engine—it also featured heavy-duty suspension, improved brakes, and performance styling cues like SS badging, a special blacked-out grille, and custom wheels. It was a well-rounded muscle car that could dominate both the drag strip and the open road.
The 1970 Chevrolet Chevelle is often considered the pinnacle of the Chevelle's second generation, particularly because of the introduction of one of the most powerful and revered engines in muscle car history: the 454-cubic-inch V8.
The Chevelle SS 454 was introduced in 1970, and it was available with two versions of the big-block V8:
With the LS6 engine, the Chevelle SS 454 could go from 0 to 60 mph in just over 6 seconds and run the quarter-mile in the low 13-second range—exceptional performance for the time. The 1970 Chevelle SS 454 became a symbol of American automotive excess, combining raw power with striking design.
Beyond its performance, the 1970 Chevelle also received a fresh design update. The front end was restyled with a more squared-off grille and quad headlights, while the rear featured a cleaner, more streamlined look. The 1970 model year also saw the introduction of the Cowl Induction hood, which featured a functional air intake that boosted engine performance by funneling cool air into the carburetor.
The 1970 Chevelle SS 454 is widely regarded as one of the greatest muscle cars of all time, and its combination of power, style, and collectibility has made it a legend in the automotive world.
The early 1970s marked the beginning of the end for the muscle car era, and the Chevelle was not immune to the challenges that faced the industry. New federal emissions regulations, rising insurance costs for high-performance vehicles, and the oil crisis of the early 1970s all contributed to a decline in demand for muscle cars.
In 1971, the Chevelle's performance was impacted by the introduction of unleaded gasoline and stricter emissions standards, which led to lower compression ratios and reduced horsepower. The once-mighty SS 454 saw its power output drop, with the LS5 producing 365 horsepower and the LS6 being discontinued.
The 1972 Chevelle saw further reductions in performance as all engine ratings were based on net horsepower rather than gross horsepower, making the numbers appear even lower. The SS 454 was still available but was a shadow of its former self, as the emphasis shifted from raw power to fuel efficiency and emissions compliance.
Despite the decline in performance, the Chevelle remained a popular and stylish car. The 1972 Chevelle featured minor design changes, including a new front grille and updated taillights, but it largely retained the iconic look that had made it a favorite throughout the second generation.
The second-generation Chevrolet Chevelle is widely regarded as one of the most iconic muscle cars in American automotive history. Its bold design, powerful engine options, and versatility made it a favorite among car enthusiasts and a dominant force on the road and the drag strip.
The Chevelle SS 454 LS6, in particular, is considered one of the greatest muscle cars ever built. Its combination of raw power, aggressive styling, and limited production numbers has made it highly collectible, and it remains a prized possession among classic car collectors today.
The second-generation Chevelle’s influence on the muscle car era cannot be overstated. It represented the peak of American performance cars before the industry faced the challenges of the 1970s. Today, restored and modified second-generation Chevelles are popular at car shows and auctions, where they continue to command high prices and admiration.
The 1968–1972 Chevrolet Chevelle was a defining vehicle in the golden age of American muscle cars. With its aggressive styling, powerful V8 engines, and wide range of configurations, the second-generation Chevelle appealed to a broad spectrum of drivers, from families to performance enthusiasts.
The pinnacle of the second-generation Chevelle, the 1970 SS 454 LS6, remains a legendary muscle car, embodying the spirit of power and performance that characterized the muscle car era. While the muscle car movement eventually waned, the legacy of the second-generation Chevelle endures, making it one of the most iconic and celebrated cars in American automotive history. Many second generation Chevelle owners trust our custom side mirrors to update their car.