autoevolution
 

Slingshot Yellow, 2,600-Mile Chevrolet SSR Is No Lemon

Back in the 2000s, Chevrolet used two of its iconic 1940s vehicles to create a pair of retro-styled models. One was the HHR wagon, inspired by the third-generation Suburban. The other one was the SSR, a two-door pickup based on the Advance Design truck.
2004 Chevrolet SSR 14 photos
Photo: Marymancini/Bring a Trailer
2004 Chevrolet SSR2004 Chevrolet SSR2004 Chevrolet SSR2004 Chevrolet SSR2004 Chevrolet SSR2004 Chevrolet SSR2004 Chevrolet SSR2004 Chevrolet SSR2004 Chevrolet SSR2004 Chevrolet SSR2004 Chevrolet SSR2004 Chevrolet SSR2004 Chevrolet SSR
While the HHR was somewhat popular, with more than 500,000 units sold from 2005 to 2012, the SSR was viewed as an oddity and remained in production for only three years (2003-2006). Due to its polarizing design, the pickup moved only 24,112 examples.

Come 2022, and the SSR is by no means a classic, but it enjoys a cult following among fans of odd-looking automobiles. If you're part of that group, here's a pristine, low-mileage SSR that will help you stand out at the local cars and coffee.

Despite showing only 2,600 miles (4,184 km) on the odo, this pickup spent its first 18 years of life with four different owners. It was purchased by the seller in 2011, and it comes with manufacturer's literature, a clean Carfax report, and a clean Ohio title. And needless to say, it looks just as good as it did when it left the dealership.

It's finished in a Slingshot Yellow paint that screams for attention, while the black leather interior includes body-colored inserts in the door panels and center console. The yellow dial instrument cluster and the matching leather on the steering wheel round off the two-tone look. Amenities include a Bose audio system, branded floor mats, air conditioning, and power-adjustable and heated seats.

The bed looks just as clean as the interior, which is nice to see on a pickup. It's complete with cargo anchors, an adjustable load bar, and an SSR-branded plastic liner. And it's obviously topped with a body-color hardshell tonneau cover for all-weather storage.

This SSR draws juice from the 5.3-liter Vortec V8 that Chevrolet offered in 2003 and 2004. Rated at 300 horsepower (304 PS), it should enable the pickup to hit 60 mph (97 kph) in 7.7 seconds. In 2005, GM replaced this mill with a 6.0-liter LS2 V8 (shared with the C6 Corvette) good for 390 horses (395 PS). The Vortec spins the rear wheels through a four-speed automatic (but Chevrolet also offered a six-speed manual).

All told, it's not only a unique car that combines the practicality of a pickup with the fun-packed convenience of a drop-top, but it's also a potent rig that should put a big smile on your face when the pedal hits the metal. The fact that it has seen very little action on the road is only the cherry on top.

The pickup is being auctioned off on Bring a Trailer as we speak. Bidding has reached $21,500 with almost a day to go. For reference, the Chevrolet SSR was originally priced at $42,000.
If you liked the article, please follow us:  Google News icon Google News Youtube Instagram X (Twitter)
About the author: Ciprian Florea
Ciprian Florea profile photo

Ask Ciprian about cars and he'll reveal an obsession with classics and an annoyance with modern design cues. Read his articles and you'll understand why his ideal SUV is the 1969 Chevrolet K5 Blazer.
Full profile

 

Would you like AUTOEVOLUTION to send you notifications?

You will only receive our top stories