Some manufacturers hide the performance credentials of their offerings behind a veil of subtlety, creating vehicles that are genuine sleepers. Chevrolet felt no such need for our feature Pickup because the “SS 454” decals gracing its flanks leave no questions surrounding the potential hiding below the skin. This vehicle is an original survivor, and while the seller admits it isn’t perfect, it is a turnkey classic needing a new home. Therefore, they have listed it here on eBay in Laredo, Texas. Bidding sits at $10,885 in a No Reserve auction.
The “any color as long as it’s Black” quote has often been erroneously attributed to Henry Ford, but it was a reality with the 1990 SS 454 Pickup. This was the first production year, and buyers were limited to Onyx Black paint. The situation would change in 1992, with Summit White and Victory Red added to the color palette. Some cosmetic upgrades that separated this vehicle from a regular C1500 were subtle, while others were more pronounced. The front spoiler and integrated foglights weren’t over the top, but the decals on the flanks helped these classics gather attention. The seller is candid about this vehicle’s overall condition. They acknowledge it isn’t perfect, with the paint sporting chips and scratches. However, it still presents acceptably as a survivor, with no significant bumps or bruises. The seller doesn’t mention existing or previous rust issues, and none are evident in the supplied photos. If this Pickup has spent its life in its current location, that is unsurprising. The bed is said to be spotless, and the owner has had it professionally “Rhino Lined” for added protection. The tinted glass adds to the sinister appearance, and the original 15″ alloy wheels look in good condition.
Buying a 1990 SS 454 Pickup left the new owner to choose between Garnet Red upholstery and trim…or Garnet Red upholstery and trim. The combination contrasts the predominantly Black exterior, managing to look classy, luxurious, and purposeful. It is also nicely equipped in a 1990 context. The new owner receives power assistance for the windows and locks, air conditioning, cruise control, a tilt wheel, and an AM/FM radio/cassette player. This classic’s interior is almost original, with the seller confirming it has a Bluetooth amp to which the buyer can sync their phone. The upholstered surfaces show wear consistent with a driver of this age, although no issues require immediate attention. A deep clean and some slipcovers on the seats will hide the worst of the visible wear and prevent further deterioration. Replacement covers in the correct color and material retail for approximately $500, and some owners might consider that path to lift the overall presentation.
Chevrolet raided its parts bin to transform a meek and mild C1500 Pickup into the SS 454. The engine’s capacity goes without saying, with buyers receiving 230hp and 385 ft/lbs of torque, a 3.73 locking rear end, and a THM-400 automatic transmission. Power assistance for the steering and front disc brakes means the driving experience is no more strenuous than for the average passenger car from the period. Traditional Pickups are relatively heavy vehicles, making the ability of the SS 454 to storm the ¼-mile in 15.9 seconds look pretty impressive. This classic throws us a curveball, with the seller stating that its “700r” transmission was recently rebuilt. That is something worth querying because a four-speed auto only appeared in 1991. Even then, it was the 4L80E, not the 700R4. The alternator is also rebuilt, helping this Pickup to be in excellent mechanical health. It runs and drives well, ready to provide a new owner with motoring pleasure.
This 1990 Chevrolet SS 454 Pickup isn’t perfect, but that could be its strongest attribute. Owners often hesitate before hitting the road in a pristine example, concerned that an errant stone might destroy perfection. The new owner of this vehicle will have no such qualms, enjoying it as its creators intended. Bidding hasn’t been as spirited as we’ve seen previously, but the lack of a reserve guarantees a new home is only days away. Many enthusiasts crave a classic Pickup, but does this one tick enough boxes for you to pursue it further?
Good write-up Adam. I just want to offer a small detail, the wheels are chrome plated steel, not alloy. I know because I had one. A wheel, not the truck lol.
Nice! Just about at it’s price though. Anything over 10 to 12k .. be a bit too much. Pretty anemic performance for it’s size. Up around 16 second quarter mile… Not exactly “muscle” time. But great buy if the price stays where it is now.
I will hand it to them, this is good looking truck. Sadly the 454 was starved for air above 3500- 4000 rpm. The 350 Sport was likely as fast and lighter on its feet.
During development the platform groups staged a friendly rivalry at the Mesa PG between an SS and a stock 2wd 4.3L S10. The S10 took it by several lengths in what became unofficially known as “The Great Race”.
Its all about the tourqe!
This has to have had a repaint. There is no way black 90s GM paint could survive the unrelenting sun of Laredo TX.
Must not have garages where you’re from.
GM paint from that era will peel and fade even when garaged.
https://www.washingtonpost.com/archive/business/1993/01/12/gm-offers-aid-for-peeling-paint-problems/43117fb5-7fd6-4a8f-a8ed-bc5928b5ee1a/
And if you are from or have been to Laredo, any driving around down their is brutal on paint. It is dusty and insanely sunny and hot.
I believe the electronically controlled 4l80e and 4l60e didn’t arrive until 1993 or possibly 1994. The 700r4 was the hydraulically controlled earlier variant of the 4l60e, if I understand correctly. I’m not sure what they would’ve put in this truck, but if it came with a 350, it would’ve been a 700r4.
I like these trucks (all of them, not necessarily just the SS454). I like the blocky dash, the body style, etc. Brings back memories, I suppose. I don’t like the center console in a regular cab truck, though.
I owned one,I bought it brand new in 1990. Came with TH400 tranny 3speed – 4 speed overdrive wasn’t untill 91
I had a 91 305 camaro…700r trannys were in everything then..with the electric overdrive.servo..
If you happen to live in a state w/o vehicle and emission inspections like i do,you could build a 454 for it with as much hp as your pocketbook will allow.There are alot of 350 powered s10 pickups around here and even a few 302 powered Ford Rangers.This truck is a great platform for real performance…
LOVE the idea of the 454 but my BLACK very shiny 2012 Silverado a ‘GHOST TRUCK nothing on it except the BOW TIE in the grill . the 4.8 has been bored stroked cammed headered 20 inch Cagers and e lowered etc., would blow away your lovely 454. BUT no heated steering OR back up camera. :-) Not bad for a 91 year old navy udt guy, who can still “put his foot into it”
WOW a really nice truck. Money wise I think it meant it’s peak. A very nice truck.
I have a 93, original 350 block bored out, mild cam, 89 Corvette tpi intake, aluminum heads, long tube headers. It pushes 300hp 400 lbs trq. Very fun to drive
I worked with a guy that had one of these and he always bragged how it whooped everything that got next to it. Finally I’d had enough of him not shutting up about nobody at the Terminal had anything that would even stay close to it and in front of 50 co-workers kicked it’s ass so bad with my BONE STOCK 1970 Cadillac Coupe DeVille that in a 3 city block run I was 4 GREYHOUND BUS lengths ahead and was almost completely stopped before he caught up to me! He was so embarrassed over it he ended up selling it a month later after a 30 roll rematch lol.
Love these trucks although I remember an article from either Motor Trend or Car and Driver comparing this to a Ford Lightning and the Ford gave it a pretty good spanking…being a Chevy guy I hated to see that. Still, I would like to have this truck.
Some of the SS454s had 502 put in from factory