2004 Chevrolet SSR

Description

The Chevrolet SSR was a fascinating experiment the likes of which we may never see again. It handles like a Camaro, capable of hauling real stuff like a pickup, and has a folding hardtop like a European roadster - all of this wrapped in a V8 drivetrain. Throw in the low production numbers, and you have the recipe for a future classic you can enjoy today and watch its status build over the years.

This 2004 Chevrolet SSR is one of those nicely preserved, low-mileage examples that has obviously led a very good life in the hands of a serious collector. With just 23,465 original miles, it's bone stock and ripe for stashing away for posterity. Of course having its wild factory Ultra Violet Blue Metallic paint in pristine condition is the first key to collectability. Now that a decade has passed since production, we can really begin to appreciate how the SSR blended the iconic Advance Design pickups of the 40s and 50s with modern fender flairs and aggressive stance. It's this mix of retro pickup and factory hot rod that keeps these grabbing attention even when you're just on a milk run.

The black leather interior is anything but pickup truck basic, offering sculpted bucket seats, a color-matched center console, and every feature GM could dream up. More Corvette than pickup truck, the super stylish seats work with the glitzy door panels and retro-looking steering wheel to deliver a unique driver's environment. And, of course, it's all just as nice as the exterior, with virtually zero wear to the seating surfaces, excellent carpets, and not so much as a depression on the door panel where the driver's elbow might rest. There's even a bunch of chrome to dress things up in a retro style. Features include automatic climate control, power windows, power locks, power seats, power mirrors, cruise control, and a thundering AM/FM/CD stereo system that fills the little cockpit with sound at any speed. Touch a button and the trick folding hardtop disappears behind the seats, making this the coolest open-air truck since the Model A roadster pickup of the '30s. But while this might look retro, the safety features are modern with everything from front and side airbags to anti-lock brakes. While the covered and locking bed is large enough to carry really big stuff, it's beautifully finished with carpets and wood. In fact, it's really just an extremely spacious trunk, and this one has always been treated that way.

The key to the SSR's performance is a 5.3-liter V8. This motor is related the GM's truck line, but it also has some lightweight performance characteristics, which seems like the perfect blend for this pickup/roadster. There are plenty of performance upgrades available for those who want to take it too the extreme, but with 300 hp already on tap, it would be a bit of a shame altering a car that's been so carefully maintained all its life. Turn the key and it starts instantly; the idle is smooth; and the dual exhaust hums around town like a Camaro with a bed. The four-speed automatic transmission makes it very user-friendly, and with powerful four-wheel disc brakes and a suspension built more for handling than hauling, you'll never get tired of driving this truck. Flashy wheels were part of the factory package, with oversized alloys required to fill those big flared fenders (19-inch front, 20-inch rear) that wear grippy performance tires.

This is the most collectable late-model Chevy around. It's fast, fun, and unique. Now is your time to get this future classic while it's irresistibly affordable.