The Real Don Jon Muscle, a 1972 Chevelle SS
The car driven by Joseph Gordon-Levitt in the movie Don Jon is a 1972 Chevrolet Chevelle SS. Gordon-Levitt’s character has a mantra that goes ”my body, my pad, my ride, my family, my church, my boys, my girls, my porn.” Since the ”my ride” part is the only aspect of importance to any car enthusiast, we will skip right to the ride.
The 1972 Chevrolet Chevelle SS
The Chevrolet Chevelle was introduced for the 1964 model year. In 1968 it was totally redesigned. The redesigned second generation ran through the 1972 model year. The sculpted body of the second-gen Chevelle features tapered front fenders and a rounded beltline. Chevy switched to a long-hood/short-deck and a high rear-quarter ”kick-up.” The 1972 coupes and convertibles ride a 112-inch wheelbase, 3 inches shorter than the first-gen models.
The engine options for the SS did not change from 1971 to 1972. The base engine was a two-barrel 350 rated at 245 gross hp. Owners could opt for a four-barrel carburetor that gave the engine a rating of 275 gross hp. A person could upgrade to a 402 big-block capable of 300 gross hp. Above the 402 was the LS5 454 V8 that produced 365 gross horsepower. You could gain even more power by adding cowl induction. 1972 was the last year that the cowl induction system was offered in the Chevelle.
There was one other fun trim option that could be purchased in 1972. Retired race car driver Don Yenko developed a signature line of Chevelles. Together with his line of Camaros and Novas, they were called the Yenko Super Cars. Yenko decided that the Chevelle SS could use a power boost so he dropped a Chevrolet 427 cid V8 with 425 hp into a few of them. You know, just to see how much fun that would be. They must have been fun because the very limited production run sold out quickly. Recently a Yenko Chevelle SS sold at auction for $2.2 million. Not a bad mark-up for a vehicle that sold for less than $4,000 brand new.
You can watch the movie to see how the life of a fun-loving porn addict plays out or you can watch for the car. Either way, you are bound to get more than a laugh or two out of the experience.
