1990 CHEVROLET C1500 454 SS

This 1990 Chevrolet C1500 454 SS is a limited-edition American muscle truck, presented in smart condition, and benefiting from the addition of a supercharger to further enhance its performance. Under the bonnet is the 7.4-litre (454 cu in) big-block V8, driving the rear wheels via a three-speed automatic gearbox.

Based on the short-bed, two-wheel drive Chevrolet C-series pickup truck, the high-performance 454 SS also featured some special styling touches, a front air dam with fog lights, unique wheels and red badging. It is understood this example features the performance package, including Bilstein shock absorbers, an uprated front anti-roll bar and a heavy-duty radiator for improved cooling.

The chassis number confirms this is a 1991 model-year truck, though its date of manufacture is recorded as late 1990. It was first registered in the UK on 1 February 1991, and benefits from the inclusion of air-conditioning – which the vendor advises could do with re-gassing – and cruise control. There are five previous registered keepers on the log book. It was acquired by its current owner three months ago.

While the seller does not know whether the Onyx Black paintwork has been resprayed at any point, it is in very smart condition, showing only general swirl marks and blemishes commensurate with the vehicle’s age and mileage. These include a small scrape at the front of the bed, various stone chips on the grille and front bumper and scratches on the door mirror covers. However, the body is straight and even across the panels, with no obvious signs of dents or accident damage.

The decals, rubber seals and light lenses also present very well, with only minor hazing to the front turn signal units. This 454 SS rides on the correct 15-inch six-slot chromed wheels, which are in good order, albeit with some corrosion to the centres around the wheel nuts.

Looking to the interior, Garnet Red velour, vinyl, and plastics cover almost every surface, creating a handsome contrast with the black paintwork. The seats are in great shape, particularly for a truck of this vintage, with the bolsters and ribbed centre panels showing few signs of wear – although a small cigarette burn has marked but not gone through the base of the central jump seat.

The dashboard also presents well, and while it has faded due to sun exposure there are no signs of cracking. Factory-fitted equipment includes cruise control, air-conditioning, power windows and a radio and cassette player; however the seller has been unable to make the stereo system work. Otherwise, the buttons and electrical items work correctly, and there are no warning lights showing on the dashboard.

Offered in good mechanical order, this 454 SS was last serviced on 31 October 2019 at 115,616 miles by JWORX Automotive, Cheltenham. In addition to the engine oil, oil filter and brake fluid being replaced, a number of other items were attended to. The front brake pads were replaced, the discs were skimmed, and the rear brakes were rebuilt. The automatic gearbox’s sump pan was resealed, the power steering pump was re-aligned, and the front track rods were renovated, before a wheel alignment was carried out.

At an early stage in its life – believed to be 1995 – this already potent truck was enhanced with a professionally installed Opcon Autorotor twin-screw supercharger, which boosts the engine output.

Its last MOT test was conducted on 23 July 2020 at 115,821 miles, when it received a clean, advisory-free pass. The wheels are fitted with chunky General Grabber HP tyres in size 275/60 R15, which are all in good condition and have plenty of tread remaining.

The seller states that the truck comes with an owner’s manual, warranty guide and warranty information booklet. There is also a history file that contains numerous invoices going back over the years, and even its first UK MOT certificate from 1994.

Described by Car and Driver magazine as a truck whose “very existence is a brazen nose-thumb to any suggestion of social consciousness”, the 454 SS is large, loud and ludicrously entertaining.

An imposing brute of a muscle truck, this Chevrolet C1500 454 SS is arguably a left-field modern classic. Its comfortable ride, spacious interior and versatile truck bed give it genuine practicality in addition to its thumping 7.4-litre supercharged V8, and it will undoubtedly continue to turn heads wherever the next owner chooses to drive it.

All cars and motorbikes on Collecting Cars are run through an online HPI check. This vehicle shows no insurance database markers for damage or theft, and has no finance owing.