2002 Chevrolet Camaro Z/28 SS 35th Anniversary Convertible

Description

In terms of future collectability, it's hard to go wrong with a factory special-edition car like this 2002 Chevrolet Camaro SS 35th Anniversary Edition Convertible by SLP and Chevrolet Motor Division. Not only is it a limited-production model, but it's also in fantastic condition, features an all-original presentation and a top that goes down, and shows just 21,530 actual miles. If there's ever been a bonafide epitome of a 'modern classic' to keep for posterity, this just might be it.

All the 35th Anniversary cars were dressed very much alike, with this one still wearing familiar, original Bright Rally Red paint. Unlike the vast majority of these limited-edition Camaros, this one doesn't include the usual silver stripes and checkered-flag motif, allowing that bright red finish and exterior accents do all the talking instead. The 4th generation Camaro had just received a facelift a few years prior to this final-year car, and even though the end of an era was in sight (until the reintroduction of the model in 2010), the result was a very sophisticated-looking car that didn't need a lot of excess aggression to make a statement. The gaping hood scoop is functional, compliments of the SLP ram air package, and there's only a relatively modest, SS-spec spoiler out back that's neatly integrated into the trunk lid. With so few miles, it's in outstanding condition and all the owners it's had seem to have understood what it meant to be the caretaker of a car like this. The paint shines brilliantly, the black trim hasn't been cooked by the sun, and the decals are still firmly affixed to the bodywork. One or two fine scratches show that it has, indeed, been driven as it should, but the overall presentation is still incredibly impressive, especially when you consider this car is now 20 years old! One can only imagine how challenging it must be to have a sweet ride like this in the garage and not drive it frequently; lesser men succumb to the siren song of American muscle and go out and whip this beauty into the corners every night. Thankfully, the prior owners of this beauty employed great restraint, and the result is one of the nicest 35th Anniversary cars on the market today.

The SLP Anniversary cars also received plenty of upgrades inside, starting with those two-tone Ebony and Gray leather bucket seats with custom anniversary embroidery on the headrests. It's completely original and unmodified, and like the exterior, the previous owners have taken extremely good care of the hardware. Even the driver's seat shows little more than some minor stretching that's all but inevitable, while the folding rear seat's probably never been used. No scuffs, no worn spots, and the foam underneath is still quite firm in all the seats. Anniversary cars came only one way: loaded. That means you get cold A/C, power windows, locks, mirrors, and seats, a tilt column, cruise control, and a decent-sounding Monsoon 500-Watt AM/FM/CD stereo with big, easy-to-use buttons. The leather wheel matches the leather shift knob for the 4-speed automatic transmission below and the factory gauges are all easy to read. Camaros are also nice cars to own because they have impressive storage space for a convertible sportscar, where there's plenty of room for luggage when you're driving alfresco.

The only engine available for this Camaro was the venerable 5.7 liter LS1 V8, and this one is absolutely humming. GM always plays games with the numbers to stay ahead of the DOT and insurance companies, but it's safe to assume that this one is making every bit of 325-350 horsepower. Despite two decades of upgrades being available through the aftermarket, this one remains completely stock and even features an SLP air cleaner in the ram air box up front, which probably makes a difference when the air is being force-fed into the engine. It's supremely torquey and smooth and impressive acceleration is available at almost any speed and in any gear. Of course, the 4-speed automatic transmission shifts so nicely you'll probably do your best to make the most of it, and with a towering overdrive gear, even the sporty gears out back allow it to cruise serenely at highway speeds. The upgraded SLP suspension is supremely competent but not harsh and thanks to so few miles, and the undercarriage is essentially like new from front to rear. Slick, factory 35th Anniversary wheels are nicely designed and carry 275/40/17 Firestone performance radials.

Great curb appeal, low mileage, and a lifetime of easy living. This is a fantastic example of a car that's sure to become a hot property in the years to come. Call today!