The Unforgettable 1964 Chevrolet Chevelle SS

Summary

• The Chevelle SS played a significant role in Chevrolet’s success in the muscle car classic car era and is considered a trailblazer for the brand.
• The 1964 Chevrolet Chevelle SS is a highly valued and sought-after classic American muscle car, with prices ranging from $43,400 to $87,200 depending on condition.
• Despite its relatively modest performance specs compared to modern or golden age muscle cars, the Chevelle SS was one of the best-performing cars of its time and has retained its value due to its historical significance.

Nothing screams America like the roar of a V-8 engine. Unfortunately, the classic age of muscle cars has come and gone, and finding a modern car that tugs on your heartstrings the way that classics used to is becoming harder and harder. Hence, car collectors have been buying and preserving America’s automotive history for generations to enjoy.

If you fancy yourself a collector and a connoisseur of classic American muscle, then it’s likely that high up on your list of dream cars is the 1964 Chevrolet Chevelle SS. This legend comes straight from the most iconic era in the history of American cars, the dawn of the muscle car, and would easily be the crown jewel in many collections. We take a trip down memory lane and look at what makes the 1964 Chevrolet Chevelle so special and what kind of value they hold today versus when they first came out.

In order to give you the most up-to-date and accurate information possible, the data used to compile this article was sourced from various manufacturer websites and other authoritative sources, including Hagerty, Chevelle Stuff, and FastestLaps.

A Well Kept 1964 Chevelle Malibu SS Can Cost Well Over $80,000

The 1964 Chevrolet Chevelle SS represents the dawn of an era. The history of this legend is one that very few others can compete with. Because of this, prices of the 1964 Chevelle SS have continuously skyrocketed over the last couple of decades. Whether you’re someone hoping to add to your collection or you’ve got an old Chevelle SS that you’ve been carefully caring for, we dissect the estimated value of this epic muscle car and dive into what different aspects might affect how much they’re worth.

Pricing And Value

(Information sourced from Hagerty valuation tool)

The 1964 Chevrolet Chevelle SS came in several different forms with several different options. The above graph represents the most valuable of the trims of all Chevelle SS’ by today’s standards. For the same price as the most expensive 1964 Chevrolet Chevelle SS, you could also buy a brand new Corvette and still have around $15,000 left over.

It is wild to think that something so valuable on the current market used to cost just over $2,500. Even adjusting for inflation, that would be nearly the same price as a new Honda Civic and cheaper than a Subaru Outback. The Chevelle SS has accrued an insane amount of value over its lifetime and with the boom of classic car collection, it’s unlikely that this will slow down.

The Difference Between Concours And Fair Condition

As you can see from the graph, the 1964 Chevelle SS can lose half of its value depending on the condition that it’s in. We’re also not talking about Chevelles that have been driven into the ground. So, what is the actual difference between the different value rankings and where would your Chevelle SS sit?

Concours essentially refers to cars that are in beyond perfect condition. They have to be completely free from any kind of rust or dirt on any surface and the paint has to be immaculate. Beyond just taking care of the car’s appearance, you also have to have a perfect example of the car to even be considered for this category. Your 1964 Chevelle panels would have to be fitted perfectly; there can be absolutely no deviance in the materials used.

Where the most common Chevelle SS would find itself is in the ‘excellent’ or ‘good’ categories. These categories are for cars that have been run but are not daily driven and are free from obvious visual flaws. Some parts may have been swapped or repaired. Cars in these categories are in good nick but have obviously aged. While the absolute peak value of a 1964 Chevrolet Chevelle SS is close to the $100,000 line, most people looking to sell their classic muscle icon will find themselves in the categories pulling $50,000 to $60,000.

The Chevelle SS Was Chevrolet’s Entry Into The Muscle Car War

What really and truly makes the 1964 Chevelle SS such an important car is its history. The Chevelle is one of the cars that represents one of the most incredible eras in the history of America’s car scene. The horsepower wars that the Chevelle and cars like it preceded spawned some of the best cars ever made. Not only did its inception bring in a new era for Chevy, but it continued to push the limits of engineering over its lifespan. It is because of this history that the value of the Chevelle SS is where it is today.

Where It All Started

The 1960s were a brilliant era for car enthusiasts. The big three (Ford, General Motors, and Chrysler) were scrambling to respond to the success that Rambler was having in the smaller car segment. AMC was steadily gaining on Chevrolet’s number two position in overall sales in the U.S. and Chevrolet needed to respond desperately. Thus, the Chevelle was born.

• In 1964 the Chevelle was the only truly new domestic car to hit the market.
• Its success was incredible and Chevrolet sold 338,286 units in 1963 alone.
• The SS was Chevrolet taking it a step further.
• Chevy didn’t want to stop competing for the best small car, they wanted in on the rapidly booming muscle car wars.

What The Chevelle SS Achieved For Chevrolet

Today when we think of muscle cars three brands quickly come to mind, Ford, Dodge, and Chevrolet. While many of the historic makers of muscle cars have fallen off the map, these three have prospered. Chevrolet’s success in the segment today can very easily be tracked back to the car that started it all, the Chevelle SS.

The Chevelle SS blazed a trail, one that the Camaro has successfully followed. Chevrolet’s esteem as a maker of muscle cars all began with the Chevelle. This is why it is such an important model. This is why any collector with an interest in American automotive history would happily pay the hefty price tag associated with this icon.

Performance In This Legendary Chevy Is Nothing To Scoff At

While driving your classic car incredibly quickly is not something you’re likely to do, it’s important to understand just how quick this car was. Its legendary status was built upon it being one of the best-performing cars of the era. Thus, its value today is directly linked to its performance.

Performance and Specifications

(Specifications sourced from FastestLaps)

Taking a look at the performance above may seem underwhelming if you try and compare it to cars of today, or even cars from the golden age of muscle cars. However, for 1964 the Chevelle SS was practically as good as it got, especially for its price point. There were very few cars that could keep up with the pace of this absolute legend.

The table represents the initial 4.6-liter V-8 model and it delivered excellent power and torque. However, you can imagine just how much quicker the Chevelle could go when equipped with the 300-horsepower optional mill. Many of these statistics have been lost to time, so the only way to truly get a feel for why the Chevelle SS was such a revelation in the world of American performance cars is to get behind the wheel.

Equipment For The Enthusiast

Much like other American muscle cars, the Chevelle SS was built to be the performance variant of an everyday car. This meant that it was cheaper than cars over in Europe which were being built specifically as performance machines. However, its more affordable price didn’t mean that Chevrolet skimped out on performance-oriented gear.

The Super Sport (SS) package added a number of things to the Chevelle to make it a real sports car. SS emblems covered the car from head to toe. On the interior, drivers were greeted with bucket seats and a four-gauge cluster. Everything was made to feel more premium and more theatrical.

The 300 Horsepower V-8 Convertible Is The Most Valuable

While any 1964 Chevelle SS represents a piece of American automotive history, they were not all built equal. Like any classic car on the market, different trims and options become more sought after depending on a number of different factors. We dissect the best available options that come together to create the most valuable 1964 Chevelle SS.

The 300 Horsepower V-8

A huge trend in American cars, particularly during the golden age of muscle cars, is that you can choose from a number of different powertrain options. Looking back on the 1964 Chevelle, this was certainly true. Also typical of American muscle cars is that the V-8 is the most popular choice among buyers.

In the 1964 Chevelle SS, you are spoiled for choice, with three separate V-8 engines. Initially, the Chevelle SS launched with a 4.6-liter V-8 that made a grand total of 220 horsepower. Later on, though, Chevrolet introduced a 5.4-liter V-8 that could be ordered with either 250 horsepower or 300 horsepower. In the world of American muscle cars, the biggest engine always wins. That’s why the 300-horsepower version of the V-8 is the most valuable today. Not only did it rocket you around, but it was also easy to work on.

The Convertible Is The Way To Go

The Chevelle was built in a huge array of different body types, from station wagon to utility coupe. The Chevelle SS, however, only came in two different styles. You could either get the legendary muscle car as a two-door sports coupe or a two-door convertible.

As with many sports cars, the ability to lower the top increases your coolness factor exponentially. This is especially true if you own a classic car. Thus, the convertible has held its value well. The convertible is so sought after that some with the smaller 220 horsepower engines still manage to outvalue coupe examples with the 300 horsepower V-8.