Classic DREAMCARS Mount Dora, Fla. (352) 385-1945 www.classicdreamcars.com

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2005 CHEVROLET SSR SUPER SPORT ROADSTER

The biggest improvements for the SSR came in 2005 via the installation of the LS2 Corvette Motor. The same motor they used in the C6 Corvette and 'new' GTO. Plus the Tremac M-10 Six-Speed Transmission which was offered for the First Time ( coupled to the Eaton Limited Slip Differential). The Second Improvement was the use of a new Catalytic Converter which allowed faster burn-off and a less- restrictive exhaust. The Third Improvement was in the Steering Platform, which allowed for precise 'on-center-feel' and reduced low-speed effort. Other small improvements that year included : a Windblocker for the open cockpit, Auxiliary Gauge Package, Gas Hood Struts (over prop rod), a New "Dead Pedal", BOSE Stereo System w/ MP-3 capabilities, new colored Engine Cover and a new Traction Control Button Cover Logo ( sure to send the Auto World on it's Ear -har-har). A little known fact is that, starting in 2005 the SSR was not only improved in construction quality but, reduced in height and built 2mm longer ! Cargo area is a whopping 23.7 cu.ft. All these changes were implemented starting in the 2005 Model. With many of the stat's published by the SSR's own Fanatic's Club- the majority of all SSR's owners today boast only 16,000 miles on the clock with a very small percentage denying themselves the pleasure of driving this Great Sporty Little Truck by keeping the mileage ultra-low. We say..take 'em and drive 'em like you stole it!

Like any modern car the SSR's come loaded with everything. Our example is finished in "Smokin' Asphalt Black" with Black Leather, 6.0 Liter 390+ HP LS-2 (w/ Performance Chip), low-build Six Speed Gearbox, Limited Slip Differential, Gauge Package, Wood Strip Rear Trunk Area, Cargo Bar & Net, Tow package (2500 lbs. max), Upgraded B.F. Goodrich Tires, Air Dam (removed), MP-3 Bose Stereo, Running Boards, Special Badging, Front Lic. Plate Bracket (removed) and more. Just 16,000 miles. Priced to sell at $30,950.00

THE STORY:

When does a Concept Vehicle become a Truck, a Muscle Car, a Sportscar, and then a Pace Car?? Only Once in History ! The Chevrolet SSR ( Super Sports Roadster) was developed in 2000 as a Concept Car for the Detroit Auto Show. General Motors designed it to capture the 'Spirit of the El Camino'. Though it carries no similarities to it's Sister in Styling or Performance, Chevy built the SSR using the same platform as the Trailblazer EXT. When it finally debuted in 2003 it was called "fabulously bizarre" by AdWeek and every kid (at heart) that read a Auto Magazine or attended the Auto Show had to own ( at least ) the Purple Scale Model. It caused quite a stir in the Automotive Community. What really made the SSR unique was, not only it's Cross-Over 1949-1953 Retro Look but, the Stackable, Retractable Hardtop. The hardtop retracts with the touch of a button, folding away in 29 sec. Today, Mercedes-Benz (SL / SLR), Cadillac XLR and the Lexus 430 have duplicated the design. Chevrolet took this original '49-'53 Chevy Pickup model and married it with a fire-breathing, off-the-wall Concept Car ...that took the final visual presentation 'over-the-top'. This beauty debuted on December 31, 2003 in a 60sec ad campaign written by Campbell-Ewald Advertising called "An American Evolution Car Carrier". The music was a re-mix of an 'Steppenwolf' tune called "Magic Carpet Ride" and it featured six, yet to be introduced, models by Chevrolet. The SSR was seen boarding the car carrier, at speed, in reverse, while the carrier was traveling down a desert highway. It was a unique ad that not only caught a lot of attention but, won several creative awards.

Part of it's Unique History is that the SSR was actually used, with a special paint scheme, as a Pace Car at the Indy 500 Race in 2003. Only 24,112 SSR Chevy's were ever built from 2003-2006 for sale to the public ( last one built 3/17/06), as G.M.'s financial woes started taking their toll as early as March of 2006, when they decided to close the Lansing Craft Center / Lansing Metal Center in Michigan. The SSR saw several Production Changes in it's short 3 year lifespan, to include major engine upgrades from the 5.3 / 300 horse V8 to the LS-2 390 h.p. in 2005 and tweaked again, in 2006 to 400 h.p. (only on the manual gearbox version) with 410 lbs. of torque. Due to the weight (4760 lbs.) only the Final Series achieves performance of 0-60 in 5.3 sec. It carries 4-wheel, Anti-Lock Disc Brakes at all Four Corners. Therefore, like any collector car, the Last Version starting in 2005, is seen as The Most Collectable.

Perhaps, it was because most High Volume Chevrolet Dealers only got 1-2 SSR's during introduction that many of them snubbed prospective buyers.....some even denying test-drives. But, based on an original asking price of a loaded version at close to $48,000- these great little trucks NOW make a great buy as a "daily driver" for far le$$. Then again, most folks know : the best time to buy a Late Model Collectable is AFTER it crests the wave ! You may not be the First Kid On The Block to be seen driving one, but now you can "Catch The Ride and Surf The Barrel" all the way to the Beach (with wet cash in your pocket). Never been a better time as Manheim Auctions already show the SSR resale prices are on the RISE ! For us...because it marries the past with the present, it makes.. The P.e.r.f.e.c.t i"Classic Car" .