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 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!
