2002 Chevrolet Camaro SS 35TH Anniversary SLP Edition in Lithia Springs, GA

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 equipped with the desirable 6-speed manual transmission, T-tops, and shows just 8418 original miles. If there's one to keep for posterity, this might be it.

All the 35th Anniversary cars were dressed very much alike, with this one wearing familiar bright red paint topped by silver stripes with a checkered-flag motif. The Camaro had just gotten a facelift even though the end was in sight, and the result is a very sophisticated-looking car that doesn'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 modest spoiler out back that's neatly integrated into the trunk lid. With so few miles, it's in outstanding condition and the only two owners it has ever 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 little nicks show that it has, indeed, been driven as it should, but the overall presentation is still quite impressive. One can only imagine how challenging it must be to have a car like this in the garage and not drive it.

The Anniversary cars also received plenty of upgrades inside, starting with those two-tone gray and black leather bucket seats with custom SS embroidery on the headrests. It's completely original and unmodified, and like the exterior, someone has taken extremely good care of the hardware. Even the driver's seat shows little more than some minor stretching that's all but inevitable. No scuffs, no worn spots, and the foam underneath is still quite firm. Anniversary cars came only one way: loaded. That means you get A/C, power windows, locks, mirrors, and seats, cruise control, and a decent-sounding Delco AM/FM/CD stereo with big, easy-to-use buttons. The leather wheel matches the leather shift knob for the 6-speed manual gearbox and the gauges are easy to read. Camaros are also nice cars to own because they have big trunks, and there's plenty of room for the T-tops when you're driving alfresco.

The only engine available was the venerable 5.7 liter LS1 V8. GM always plays games with the numbers, but it's safe to assume that this one is making every bit of 350 horsepower. Despite two decades of upgrades being available through the aftermarket, this one remains completely stock save for a K&N 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 T56 6-speed manual gearbox shifts so nicely you'll probably do your best to make the most of it, and with two towering overdrive gears, even the 3.42 gears out back allow it to cruise serenely at highway speeds. The upgraded suspension is competent but not harsh and with so few miles, the undercarriage is like new from front to rear. Talk about a blueprint for future restorers! Factory alloys are nicely designed and carry 275/40/17 Goodyear performance radials.

Two owners, low mileage, and a lifetime lived in a warm climate. This is a fantastic example of a car that's sure to become a hot property in the years to come. Call today!