Vehicle Description
With the stamp of approval from GM design boss Ed Welburn, a
computer-rendered design was handed over to concept car creator Jon
Moss and the creation of Chevy's Super Sport Roadster was begun. It
was built for the 2000 Detroit Auto Show, and unlike most show
cars, approved for production within months. The visual cues were
drawn straight from the Advance Design Chevrolet pickups of the
late 1940s and early 1950s, fat fenders and all. The SSR looks more
like a radical custom based on those trucks than it does a fresh
model for the new millennium. That said, nothing of the hardware
for the SSR was in any way dated when it went into production in
2003. The technology for the folding and disappearing hardtop was
sourced from Karmann In Germany and built by ASC. The Trailblazer
donated its hydroformed frame, and GM's LS engine family provided
the power. Unfortunately, GM saddled the early SSRs (2003,2004)
with an underpowered 5.3 liter V8 and an automatic transmission as
the only powertrain. This 2005 example is equipped to correct that
error. With a 390 horsepower LS2, and Tremec 6-speed manual, it has
the required power and fun factor to live up to the promise of its
radical custom looks. This is the SSR done right, and it is the
spec to collect.
PRESENCE
Finished in Asphalt Black over the curves of the deep-draw stamped
front fenders this low-mileage example checks all the right
emotional boxes. Silver accents from the distinctive grille bar
through the headlights, the Chevrolet callout trim at the leading
edge of the deeply domed hood, the rollover hoops behind the bucket
seats, and trim along the running boards contrast naturally with
the classic black paintwork. Staggered wheels lend an aggressive
stance to the look especially when running with the top down. As
you step inside, the silver trim continues against ebony leather
seats and an ebony dash in Chevy's traditional dual-cockpit style.
The look is cohesive and finely trimmed, and on this car, it is
capped off by the optional wood and carpet trim in the cargo
bed.
POWER
An SSR is a car apart no matter what trim it carries, and what year
it was made. The car occupies a category of one. This one however,
is packing a punch that its lesser brethren lack: a 390 horsepower
LS2 V8 mated to a Tremec 6-speed manual transmission with power
sent aft to a limited-slip rear differential with 3.73 gears. Less
than 10% of SSRs are equipped this way, and that makes this one the
one to own. In its third year of production, GM finally got the SSR
right and here it is in all its well-optioned glory. This 2005 has
the requisite hardware to live up to the promises the SSR's radical
styling, and polished exhaust tips make. It is top down AND go
fast.
FOUNDATIONS
Topless vehicles require strong underpinnings, and the SSR boasts a
hydroformed frame beneath its showcar exterior for just that
reason. Front suspension is of the short-long arm arrangement with
rack and pinion steering. Out back a live axle 5-link setup
augmented by factory traction control and anti-lock braking to keep
things stable. The brakes themselves are 4 wheel disc. The front
wheels are wrapped in 255/45/ZR19 Goodyear Eagle RS-A tires, while
the rear wear the same tires in 295/40/ZR20 spec.
RATIONALE
Why this SSR and not another? Because this one not only has all of
the proper hard bits in its rare powertrain combination, but it
also boasts low survivor mileage and an option list totaling more
than $6,000 on the window sticker. Get comfortable in the heated
leather power seats, enjoy the premium Bose audio, drop the top and
place the optional windscreen behind you to eliminate unwanted
buffeting as you row through the gears to the music of the
dual-exit exhaust note of your very own LS2 V8, and grin. Less than
10%, that's how many other SSR owners can have that experience. And
the last factor? Timing. A sub-four thousand mile LS2 Manual SSR
isn't likely to remain available at less than original MSRP much
longer. Now would be the time to secure your own.
HIGHLIGHTS
Well-optioned, LS2-powered SSR survivor that's logged only 3,857
miles
1 of only 2,213 6-speed manual SSRs built
6.0 liter GM LS2 V8 / 390 horsepower
Tremec T56 6-speed manual transmission
Limited-slip differential / 3.73 gears
Factory air conditioning
Power rack-and-pinion steering
4-wheel power disc brakes
Leather interior / Heated seats / Bose audio
Optional wood and carpet-trimmed cargo area
Original Window Sticker
All RK Motors vehicles receive a comprehensive, multi-point
inspection
We can arrange shipment of your purchase anywhere in the world
