Vehicle Description
When the Chevy SSR pickup hit the streets, there was just no doubt
that it would be a hot future collectable. Built in limited
numbers, the retro-styled, retractable hardtop convertible pickups
were only manufactured from '03-'06. To some, that's rare enough,
but for those who truly want exclusivity, along with a BIG dose of
style and power, this 2003 Chevrolet SSR Supercharged 'Yenko
Wildfire' edition is the ultimate prize. While not an official
'special edition' anointed by GM (GM didn't acquire the rights to
the Yenko name until 2008, and has done little with it sense),
twelve of these SSR's were commissioned to be built by Bill Rea as
an homage to the great Don Yenko muscle-car creations from many
years ago. Bill Rea was a close friend of Don Yenko, and he built
several vehicles under the Yenko-Wildfire Commemorative Series in
the 2000s, ranging from modern Corvettes to Camaros to Monte Carlos
(and more), and his shop set out to build these beefed-up machines
just like Don Yenko would've built them if he were still alive.
That muscle car spirit lives on in this special SSR, with a
powerful 5.3L Supercharged V8 under the hood, a custom two-tone
paint job complete with bespoke Yenko-Widlfire graphics, and good
preservation with only 11,456 actual miles on the clock.
Originally wearing Code 8555 black paint, the story goes that this
commemorative SSR (along with however many of the other twelve were
actually finished) was shipped to legendary painter Bobby Wiles,
where it was then transformed into the two-tone beauty we see
today. The colors are Black Onyx over Diamond White Pearl,
separated with a red pinstripe and punctuated by airbrushed flames
on the front fenders and doors. Strongly influenced by the Advance
Design pickups of the late-40s, the retro look is one of the SSR's
best features, and this custom paint job and lowered stance really
take it into streetrod territory. The horizontal grille, the
rounded fenders, and the deep-draw rear fenders that suggest a
stepside box are all design cues that take us back in time, but
when that top goes down we forget all about the 3100. At the same
time, the advanced materials that form the body of this truck are
what made it practical to build, and with just 11,456 original
miles, it remains in very good overall condition. The finish is
extremely nice, with only minor imperfections acquired over the
last 20 years, most of which could easily be remedied with a
professional buff-and-wax. It's never been hit according to the
clean carfax so everything fits together the way they set it at the
factory, and if you're looking for a 2-seat roadster, there are
none as practical as this one, which includes a pickup bed. This
one also features a set of stylish Budnik 'Gasser' wheels and teak
planks in the cargo area that tie it directly to its inspirational
heritage.
The interior is pure 21st century cool, and despite the
commemorative edition, nothing was altered from stock. Forget bench
seats and rubber floor mats, this one sports black leather buckets
that would look at home in a Corvette plus every luxury and
convenience feature you can imagine. Ice cold A/C, a powerful
stereo, and power everything (including the folding hardtop) are at
your fingertips. A set of AutoMeter boost and fuel pressure gauges
were added atop the center of the dash to mind the supercharger,
whereas the factory dials ahead of the original steering wheel are
all still in place and working great. A 4L60E 4-speed automatic
transmission was all that was offered in the early SSR's, and it's
managed via a retro shifter inside the center console that also
houses switches for the power windows/locks. The leather seating
surfaces show only the most minor signs of having been used, and
the black carpets have not seen rain or dirt thanks to a set of
rubber floor mats. And all you have to do is hit the button and the
top disappears behind the cab, a trick that always amazes
bystanders.
The other big news is the fuel-injected 5.3L Vortec V8 enhanced by
a Magnussen twin-screw supercharger under the hood. Early SSRs made
due with a smaller V8 engine (later models received the 6.0L LS2)
that was hard-pressed to deliver the thrills that the swoopy
bodywork suggested, but this truck's polished blower completely
cures that malady. Sitting on top of the engine, it looks almost
OEM and thanks to a custom tune, it drives like a stocker with no
bad habits. It also offers great V8 sounds thanks to an added
Bassani muffler, it produces a reported 450HP, more than enough for
this rather lightweight pickup. Powerful 4-wheel disc brakes, quick
power steering and a grippy but compliant suspension enhanced with
Ground Force lowering springs in the front and rear that give it
that wicked stance and help bridge the gap between muscle car and
pickup truck. Staggered Budnik 'Gasser' wheels are the perfect
choice and wear 255/45/19 front and 295/40/20 rear Pirelli tires
with plenty of grip left.
Still as stunning today as it was twenty years ago when it hit the
market, this commemorative SSR is quite the find for anyone's
collection, and with a supercharger, it's a beast of an entirely
different color. Call today!
