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 Convertible by SLP and Chevrolet Motor
Division. Not only is it a limited-production model, but it's also
in fantastic condition, features an all-original presentation and a
top that goes down, and shows just 21,530 actual miles. If there's
ever been a bonafide epitome of a 'modern classic' to keep for
posterity, this just might be it.
All the 35th Anniversary cars were dressed very much alike, with
this one still wearing familiar, original Bright Rally Red paint.
Unlike the vast majority of these limited-edition Camaros, this one
doesn't include the usual silver stripes and checkered-flag motif,
allowing that bright red finish and exterior accents do all the
talking instead. 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, SS-spec spoiler out
back that's neatly integrated into the trunk lid. With so few
miles, it's in outstanding condition and all the owners it's 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 fine scratches show that it has, indeed, been
driven as it should, but the overall presentation is still
incredibly impressive, especially when you consider this car is now
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 today.
The SLP Anniversary cars also received plenty of upgrades inside,
starting with those two-tone Ebony and Gray leather bucket seats
with custom anniversary embroidery on the headrests. It's
completely original and unmodified, 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 folding 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
decent-sounding Monsoon 500-Watt AM/FM/CD stereo 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 impressive storage space for a convertible
sportscar, where there's plenty of room for luggage 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. 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 every
bit of 325-350 horsepower. Despite two decades of upgrades being
available through the aftermarket, this one remains completely
stock and even features an SLP 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 4-speed automatic transmission 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 but not harsh and thanks to so
few miles, and the undercarriage is essentially like new from front
to rear. Slick, factory 35th Anniversary wheels are nicely designed
and carry 275/40/17 Firestone performance radials.
Great curb appeal, low mileage, and a lifetime of easy living. This
is a fantastic example of a car that's sure to become a hot
property in the years to come. Call today!