Vehicle Description
At the turn of the century, Chevrolet, knowing its hardcore fans
weren't going to be happy with the inevitable phase out of the F4
Camaro, decided to announce their production-intent Super Sport
Roadster. Unfortunately, even though the SSR combined a traditional
V8 drivetrain with heritage-inspired goodwill, it met little
enthusiasm; even in a market that was experiencing a monumental
surge in truck popularity. The problem was that GM billed the truck
as a cool replacement for the muscled up Camaro, but it ended up
driving like an old school boulevard cruiser. Ultimately, even with
the addition of a hotter LS2 V8 and 6-speed manual transmission,
the SSR had limited appeal, and only lasted three model years. That
said, in the realm of collector cars, those are all good things
because they cemented the legacy of one of the coolest and most
exclusive modern classics on the market. And when Callaway Cars
gets their hands on one, you can rest assured that all the truck's
performance shortcomings have been thoroughly addressed! Looking to
pick up a fresh, hassle-free hot rod that's got all the right stuff
to stand out from the crowd? Here's your future classic!
IT LOOKS THE PART
One of only 3 2005 SSRs modified by Callaway, this razor-sharp
Chevy is a low-mileage cruise missile that, in defiance of the
famous SSR 'ice cream drop' poster, could probably blow the kid's
ice cream right out of its cone! Slingshot Yellow 2-stage remains a
glossy and vivid testament to the truck's crisp style and bold
character. Those knock-out aesthetics are founded on a solid steel
body that's been tastefully modified with factory running boards
and one discrete "CALLAWAY" badge. And when that level of cool is
combined with Callaway's world class performance, it creates one
seriously capable cruiser that'll show with the finest classics and
absolutely blister the road!
390 + CALLAWAY = 540
Lift the hood and you'll find a world-class LS2 that utilizes a
cast aluminum block, 243 heads and an aggressive cam to turn 10.9
to 1 compression into an impressive 390 horsepower and 405 lb./ft.
of torque. That award-winning mill is a thrilling companion for any
car guy who has a pulse, and Callaway's numerous tweaks are a
constant reminder that it doesn't take much to coax scary power out
of Chevrolet's tried and true overhead valve technology. Naturally,
a polished supercharger is the engine's biggest visual and auditory
attention getter. But there are also other choice upgrades,
including a K&N intake and flashy Callaway fuel rail covers
that help advertise the truck's substantial 540 horsepower. As you
would expect, this SSR's engine is tidy and clean, all the way from
its pliable plastic components to its fade-free factory decals. And
the best thing is: the spry small block has the mild
characteristics and great fuel economy of a stock LS2, so long as
you don't engage the supercharger's boost.
CLEAN & CLASSY
For the most part the SSR was always considered a great cruiser,
but that doesn't mean this slick roadster isn't any fun on a curvy
country road. The truck's wide steel fenders cover a hydroformed
steel frame that's been borrowed from Chevrolet's own Trailblazer
EXT, thoroughly re-braced and fitted with a short-long-arm front
and 5-link rear suspension. At the center of those bones, a tough
Tremec T56 6-speed spins a limited-slip differential around stout,
3.73 gears. Turns are achieved through power rack-and-pinion
steering. Stops are provided by requisite 4-wheel power disc
brakes, which benefit from standard traction control and requisite
anti-lock software. And on the outside of those binders, optional
chrome wheels spin 295/40R20 Goodyear Eagle RS-As behind 255/45R19
Goodyear Eagle RS-As.
TOP-DOWN FUN
Inside this awesome drop-top you'll find a factory fresh cockpit
that displays virtually no wear at all. Heated, power-adjustable
seats are supple and supportive. A silver-trimmed dash hangs
factory climate control beneath a 6-disc CD changer that powers big
Bose speakers. Below that dash, a body-matched console balances a
short shifter between factory power windows, factory power door
locks and a trio of accessory gauges. In front of the driver, a
leather-wrapped steering wheel laps a tilting column. And behind
the passengers, an optional windscreen leads an optional carpeted
and wood-trimmed cargo hold.
Research this SSR's original MSRP, price out its professionally
installed Callaway mods, and then take a look at our asking price.
There's absolutely no doubt this Chevy's next happy owner is
getting stunning style and amazing performance for an excellent
value. And when you factor in exclusivity and mileage, you have a
top notch modern classic that's prime for future collectability! If
you're looking for a great platform with excellent performance to
match its stellar looks, it's time you become the proud owner of
this sweet Super Sport Roadster!
SUMMARY
5,382-mile Callaway SSR survivor
1 of only 3 2005 Callaway SSRs produced
6.0 liter GM LS2 V8 / Polished supercharger / 540 horsepower
Tremec T56 6-speed manual transmission
Limited-slip differential / 3.73 gears
Power rack-and-pinion steering
4-wheel power disc brakes
Factory climate control
Leather interior
Optional chrome wheels
