Vehicle 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 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!
