Had it not been for the strikes at GM plants, the third-generation Chevrolet Chevelle would have debuted in 1972, but that doesn’t mean that it would have done any better than what you see here. The party was over, most everybody but maybe Pontiac knew it, and steps were already being taken towards the epoch we refer to as the Malaise Era, that time period where massive railroad bumpers, choked engines, and “eh, that’ll work” quality control took over. The fun and carefree attitudes that cars sported especially from the 1968-1972 was all but shot, but for a couple more years you could still get a good performer out of the OEMs. You just had to work the options sheet a bit to get it. The Chevelle had moved on to the “colonnade” body style, the big-body…the convertible and hardtop were gone due to fears of rollover regulations, the bumpers had started to grow due to federal regulations, but the 1973 managed to get in before the worst of it all set in. The LS-4 454 big-block’s numbers sounded neutered…275 horsepower and 468 ft/lbs of torque sounds pretty skimpy next to the 1970 LS-6’s 450/500+ figures, but the switch from gross to net horsepower ratings made it more of a marketing move than a severe reduction of power. 
The real winning formula with the 73-77 A-bodies, however, was handling. John Z. DeLorean’s gift to the Chevelle was an improved suspension design that let the car dance better than any car this big ever should be able to do. Remember, that the 1973 Chevelle is physically the same overall size as a 1977-96 Chevrolet Caprice and the chassis designs are very close…not exact, but close enough. And the interior is a mixed bag…there were improvements over the 1968-72 cars, especially where passenger room was concerned, but there were the plastics that would disintegrate with enough sunshine and no more quarter-windows to aid in cooling down the interior. 
The 1973 Chevelle 454 SS is a strange beast…view it best as a mature musclecar. Less flash, better dash, and in before the hammer really fell, cars got really ugly and a whole lot slower. A better suspension, big-block power and a four-speed make for great driving…says the man who drove a rotted, ragged example of this car and still has excellent memories of what it was capable of. It also doesn’t hurt that I’ve seen this exact car in person before. Would I throw the cash down on it? If I had it, hell yes I would, without blinking. The only thing I’d do is get a matching set of wheels on modern rubber so that I wouldn’t be nervous driving it around. That’s all.
eBay Link: 1973 Chevrolet Chevelle Super Sport 454
While an interesting car you don’t see everyday, there are reasons why a 1972 Chevelle SS454 are worth 50%more than a 1973 version.
I’d throw cash down on it too, just not $69K.
I happen to own one, and if you have ever driven both years you would jump on a 73 every time. It handles and drives 100 times better than any 72, or any years before that. Its a Big car yes, but it does not feel like it driving it. Of course any car can be made to handle better with aftermarket parts. But the 73-77 rides like a caddy and handles like a vette straight out the box. Look wise you can improve on it alot with tucked bumpers and a little clever improvements. Best of all is that you still have something not Many have.
I have no love for colonade cars – zero. They’re not even good parts cars.
Whiy is $40K such a magic number?
I regret not buying a triple-blue 1973 SS w/454 and TH400 back in about 1990. Bitchin’ car!
You can’t have much more fun than rowing the gears in a big block!
73 was the first year gm used reclaimed steel. AND it was never prepped right. had a neighbor with a 74 camino. quarters rusted away in 6 months. the plastics were/are a joke. my 73 gs stage1 4 sp has only 16k on it. looks like shit. but it was faster than the other 73’s.
One of my favourite Chevelles, and three pedal with big block!
Will it sell at that price? Who knows. If the odometer is correct and the condition is as good as it looks in pics, maybe.
I remember the strikes in those days. Some of the GM plants in Oshawa ran three shifts and the union had some bargaining power. Not so much these days
It’s just ugly. Sorry, but it is. I have owned ten (10) 1965 to 1972 GM A bodies over the years. Buicks, Oldsmobiles and Chevrolets. I appreciate how well preserved it is, but it’s still ugly.
That car design is about as exciting as a colonoscopy.
Not my favourite year Chevelle but these “ugly” ducklings have grown on me.
I had a 73 Chevelle SS back in 1981 when I was in high school. Light green with white interior and swing out buckets. 454, M40 with the 3.42 posi. I had 15×8 Auto Drags on it, satin finish with 245/60-15 BFG’s all around. Wish I would have kept it now. 1 of 2500 with the big block. I can attest to the good handling of these cars. Good shocks and rubber made a big improvement. It was a fun car.
That’s an interesting piece. Despite the “smogger” 454’s relatively soft numbers vis-a-vis a 70-71, minimal mods would wake it right up. Headers, a set of 1.6 roller rockers, and a different air filter housing (I’m thinking a factory cowl-induction unit from a 70-72, minus the hood seal), and you’re in business. Maybe an old Edelbrock c-454 intake, too.
A bumper tuck would do wonders, and not unreasonably affect the value. I suspect the asking price is a stretch, but I’m no expert. Admittedly, a 454/stick of that vintage is a rare beast.