While today’s performance trucks are on the flashier side, it’s nice to reminisce on pickups like Chevrolet’s C1500 454 SS. From 1990 to 1994, Chevrolet outfitted a regular cab, short bed, 2WD 1500 pickup truck with a 7.4-liter V8 engine, and all of the trucks featured an Onyx Black exterior with a Garnet Red interior. This 1990 Chevrolet C1500 454 SS is available here on eBay, and it’s a low-mileage survivor example of a truck that is quickly becoming a classic.
This 454 SS is available in Dublin, Georgia with a clean title. Unfortunately, the ad lacks details, but the seller provides a phone number for serious inquiries. Additionally, they mention that the truck was always garage kept, and it even rides on the original tires.
There are only 10,919 miles on the odometer, and the truck’s appearance surely reflects the fact it was sparingly driven and painstakingly cared for. The seller discloses the fact that the windshield has some delamination, but the rest of the truck looks flawless.
Though it is safe to say that most people weren’t using their 454 SS to haul items around, it looks like the bed of this example never saw any use.
Inside the cabin, you’ll find a simple interior that’s in similarly impressive shape as the exterior. Everything is completely original, and there are no visible issues.
As stated earlier, each of the 454 SS trucks received a 7.4-liter, 454 cu.-in. V8 engine, which pairs to a 3-speed automatic transmission. From the factory, the engine made 230 horsepower and 385 lb.-ft. of torque. While these numbers may not be mindblowing by today’s standards, the truck runs, drives and performs as it should.
At the time of publication, bidding for this example is at $18,969 with the reserve not met. Considering that these trucks featured an MSRP of $18,845 with the destination fee included, would you buy this nearly new 454 SS for close to its original price?
I’ve seen one like this one around here for a couple of years. Impressive truck but not what I would call a ‘parts hauler’. I’m guessing it’s a thirsty beast at a minimum, so long as you can keep it fueled up you’re good to go.
My buddy has a black 454 SS Blazer. So thirsty he swapped in a 350.
Oh those gauges….
There is nothing like opening the hood of a Chevrolet and seeing those big fat valve covers! Well, except maybe 409 valve covers.
I always loved those gauges on the early models of this generation. If I’m not mistaken, they changed the “needles” to something more conventional looking soon after.
I really like these, and clean ones are tough to find. But I never cease to be amazed at how hard the GM engineers worked to make a 454 that anemic.
Nice find… Only positive comments from me. Is this truck worth more than it cost new? It will be hard to “park” it and keep it in this condition. I would want to drive it.
There were some red ones offered for ‘91 and up, and also the later models came with a 4 speed instead of 3, which helped keep the engines from blowing up as often.
It’s a nice collector vehicle, but not good for much else. A ’93-’95 Ford F150 Lightning will eat its lunch both in a straight line and on curvy roads with the 351 Windsor SVT engine and handling package. Those are hard to find in great condition too.
Redneck Grand National
Sucked fuel like an old SS454 Chevelle but that’s about it. I like these and the following year a 4 speed automatic was a welcome change. Although this one is just too clean to fiddle around with there are ways to get it moving quicker.
I don’t see very many of these or the early Ford Lightning F150’s anymore, or even the 5.9 Dakota’s for that matter.
Definitely a cowboy Cadillac here!! It doesn’t even look like a hay bale was ever put in the bed!!