2002 Chevrolet Camaro SS 35TH Anniversary SLP Edition

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 by SLP. Not only is it a limited-production model, but it's also in fantastic condition, features tinted glass T-tops, and shows just 13,045 original miles. If there's a sporty 'modern classic' to keep for posterity, this is definitely it.

All the 35th Anniversary cars were dressed very much alike, with this one wearing familiar Bright Rallye Red paint topped by silver stripes with a checkered-flag motif. 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 spoiler out back that's neatly integrated into the trunk lid. With so few miles, it's in outstanding condition which just goes to show how much it's owners 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 may show that it has, indeed, been driven these limited miles, but the overall presentation is still incredibly impressive, especially when you consider this car is almost 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.

The SLP Anniversary cars also received plenty of upgrades inside, starting with those two-tone Ebony and Gray leather bucket seats with custom SS and anniversary embroidery on the headrests. It's completely original and unmodified inside, 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 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 great-sounding Monsoon AM/FM/CD stereo and 12-disc charger 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 great storage space for a sports car, and there's plenty of room for the T-tops 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 after a couple choice upgrades. 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 quite a bit more than the factory rating of 350 horsepower thanks to performance-built upgrades like a Comp Camshaft, A/R headers with a Magnaflow exhaust, and a Dyno tune that's got her running great. Despite two decades of upgrades being available through the aftermarket, this one still looks fairly stock under the hood as well, with the big SLP air cleaner in the ram air box up front that makes a difference when the air is being force-fed into the engine. Of course, you do a get an upgraded K&N filter inside, along with a strut-tower brace that stiffens the body, and a host of decals that give away some of the performance goodies lying in wait. 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 with a trans cooler 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 - further improved with Bilstein shocks at the corners, and a BRM torque arm and a floor brace that stiffen the body - but not harsh out on regular drives, and thanks to so few miles, the undercarriage is essentially like new from front to rear. Slick factory 35th Anniversary wheels are nicely designed and carry 275/40/17 BFGoodrich performance radials with plenty of grip.

Conscientious ownership, low mileage, and a lifetime of easy living. Offered with its original window sticker, dealer invoice, and owner's manuals, this is a fantastic example of a car that's sure to become a hot property in the years to come. Call today!