2006 Chevrolet SSR

Description

If you're a fan of Chevy's SSR roadster pickup, you already know that the one to own is the end-of-the-line model with the 6.0-liter V8 and a 6-speed manual transmission. You're in luck, because this Pacific Blue 2006 model delivers in a big way on the promises made by its racy bodywork.

One could argue that the world didn't need a muscle car with a bed and a folding hardtop, but few cars can draw a crowd like this SSR. A lot of folks don't know what it is and even those who do inevitably do a double-take on the 6-speed gearbox, which absolutely transforms the truck. Of course, the deeply flared fenders (which required all-new technology to create), the subtly retro nose, and the dance of the hardtop, which folds neatly behind the cab, all contribute to its eyeball-attracting good looks. Most of these are kept in protected storage except for sunny day driving, and this one is no exception, showing few signs of use. You don't see many Pacific Blue SSRs running around, and it's flashy in its own way thanks to lots of metallic in the finish that turns electric blue in the sunlight. Pop the tonneau cover and you'll find a custom bed liner with black carpets and wood rub strips that look almost too nice to ever use for cargo.

The SSR delivers a full-luxury interior that's a far cry from the basic pickups that inspired it. Twin black leather buckets, a color-matched center console, and every comfort and convenience feature GM could dream up went inside. There's also lots of chrome, ranging from the steering wheel spokes to the knobs on the dash to the shifter for the 6-speed manual transmission. A big center screen shows the display for various systems, including the Pioneer/Bose entertainment system, adding yet another layer of modern tech that nobody could have dreamed of decades ago. Other features include power windows and locks, A/C, cruise control, power seats, and a tilt steering column. And, of course, there's that remarkable folding hardtop that not only seals up like a closed car, but completely disappears behind the cab in a matter of seconds. If you want to attract a crowd, it takes nothing more than hitting the button in a parking lot.

The key to the SSR's impressive performance is a 6.0-liter V8 borrowed from the truck lineup. The original 5.3's performance was tepid at best, so the big horsepower injection was much welcome, finally giving the SSR the moves to match its looks. As an LS1-based powerplant, it's insanely easy to modify, but this one appears to be quite stock, so reliability and drivability is OEM. Turn the key and it starts, the idle is smooth, and it hammers around town like a Camaro with a bed. The 6-speed certainly makes a big difference in the way it feels, and with powerful 4-wheel disc brakes and a suspension built more for handling than hauling, you'll never get tired of driving this truck. Flashy chrome wheels were one of the SSR's few options, and wear giant 255/45/19 front and 295/40/20 rear Goodyear RS-A radials.

If there's a collectable late-model Chevy, this is it. It's fast, it's fun, and name another V8-powered 2-seater with this much trunk space. Call today!