Sitting Sleeper: 1990 Chevrolet C1500 SS454 – SOLD!

April 18, 2023 Update – We didn’t think a solid clean low mileage survivor example needing some paint repair offered for $12,000 would not last long, and we were right as it sold in less than one week.

Chevrolet’s GMT400 truck platform, produced from 1988 to 1998, has become less popular among classic car enthusiasts than Chevy’s prior C/K variants. However, there are always exceptions to the rule, and one standout among the GMT400 truck variants is the Chevrolet Silverado SS454 produced from 1990 to 1993. Originally available only in black with a red interior, this truck’s claim to fame was the return of the 454 cubic inch big block stuffed into the entry-level C1500 1/2 ton platform.  The result was a modern-day muscle truck that inspired competition from both Ford and Chrysler.

Most SS454 pickups we come across are low mileage, like new examples commanding asking prices that currently flirt around the $40,000 mark.  However, this 75K-Mile 1990 Chevrolet C1500 SS454 Pickup For Sale on Craigslist near Knoxville, Tennesee, in April 2023 is an exception. The seller reports their SS454 had been sitting few years. We’re willing to bet the sitting time was mostly outdoors, as the clearcoat failed on the hood and roof.  Barring those cosmetic faults, this truck appears to be a solid example with the original engine and like-new, unmolested interior intact.

Currently offered for $12,000, Classic.com, the analytics and search engine for the collector car market, confirms the ask is well below the one-year rolling average of this guide’s summary for 1990 Chevrolet Silverado SS454 pickups.  By clicking on the green dots in the graph below, you can navigate to each comparable car sold as a way to help you evaluate the price of the truck featured here:

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As a second data point, our soft copy of the 2023 Old Cars Price Guide confirms the seller’s ask falls between this guide’s #4 “Fair” (Daily Driver) estimate of $9,000 and its #3 “Good” appraisal of $20,500.

GM produced the fourth generation of the Chevy/GMC C/K Truck (known within GM as the GMT400) from model years 1988-1999.  In 1990, Chevrolet introduced a high-performance variant of the GMT400 called the 454SS. It was available only as a two-wheel-drive half-ton regular cab short box in Onyx Black with a garnet red interior. Powering the 454SS was a 454 cubic inch (7.4 L) V8 that produced 230 horsepower and 385 pound-feet of torque. A three-speed Turbo Hydra-Matic 400 and 3.73 rear axle ratio put all that power to the ground. The axle is unique, a 14-bolt semi-floating unit that uses standard Chevrolet five-on-five inch wheels—the only factory-produced 14-bolt axle with such a wheel bolt pattern. The suspension was upgraded with 1.3-inch Bilstein gas-filled shock absorbers, a 1.3-inch front stabilizer bar, and a 12.7:1 fast-ratio steering gear assembly.

Unique exterior features included a front air dam with fog lights, special rims, decals displaying “454SS” on the bedsides, red trim emblems, a black painted grille, bumpers, and mirrors. The interior was also unique, with a special plush Garnet Red cloth, black trim, high-back reclining sport bucket seats, and a center console.

The MotorWeek Retro Review YouTube Channel features this vintage test of the then-new 1990 Silverado SS454:

With only 75,000 original miles, a like-new interior, and no rust, this 1990 Chevrolet C1500 SS454 for sale is a relative bargain compared to the usual examples we come across. Whether you decide to repaint or continue driving as is, there’s a high probability at this price, you’ll at least get your money back if you decide to sell down the road.

If you are serious about buying this SS454, you can start the conversation by contacting the seller using the information provided in their Craigslist ad.  When you connect, please remember to mention you saw their big block pickup featured here on GuysWithRides.com. Good luck with the purchase!

Here’s the seller’s description:

Paint or Patina: What would you do with this 1990 Chevrolet C1500 SS454  Pickup for sale? Please comment below and let us know!