1972 Chevelle SS454 - When It Rains, It Pours

My boss lets the transmission shop next to our office park their overflow of customer cars in our parking lot. Not like we need the space; in the six-years I've been at my current job, we've gone from a skeleton crew to a crew of skeletons with a significant number of bones missing. On occasion, they'll leave something interesting there like this 1972 Chevelle SS454. 

The VIN number on these cars is not on the dashboard at the base of the driver's side windshield so I couldn't begin to confirm if this was a "real" SS454 or a clone. A clone is a car that's actually a lesser model dressed up to look like it's more than what it is. I'm not a fan of clones; in fact, I've never met a car guy or gal who is. 

Could I possibly be so lucky to have one of my favorite cars of all time fall into my midst like this? I have my doubts this is "real"; I mean, c'mon. What are the chances? 

"Chevelle's" were Chevrolet's intermediate models made between 1964 and 1977 in three-generations; 1964 to 1967, 1968 to 1972 and 1973 to 1977. 

"Chevelle" was technically a sub-brand as these cars were "Chevelle by Chevrolet" and not "Chevrolets" per se. Digging deeper into the Chevelle lineup is where things get a little murky. 

Chevrolet, err, "Chevelle" changed what was what so often that model year to model year it's hard to keep tabs on what was actually what. Rather than split pin stripes reviewing the nuisances of each model year's lineup, for simplicity's sake, through 1973, any Chevelle two-door that was an "SS" was the top-of-the-line model. Although, SS models could vary greatly. Such was the 1970's and customer ala carter ordering. 

Under the hood, buyers who checked the "SS" box on the order form could choose from Chevrolet's 307-, 350-, 402- and 454-cubic inch V-8 engines. For 1972, if this in fact has a 454, from the factory, the big engine had lost a couple of ponies from its 1970 nadir but would have been rated at 270 net horsepower and 390 net foot pounds of torque. That beefy torque number is what gave these cars their oomph. The horsepower rating isn't too shabby for the time too. 

Snaps to me for taking these photos of it in the rain. You can't tell but it was pouring. Even if this is a clone, has to be killing the owner it's getting rained on not to mention that it has transmission problems. When it rains, it literally pours. Next time I see Nick, the shop owner, I'll get the scoop on what's going with it. And, most importantly, if this is the real deal or a poser.