Concept vehicles have been a staple of the auto industry for decades. But concepts usually feature innovations that never make it to production. However, the 2005 SSR for sale on eBay is the rare concept model that’s ready to own and drive.
Super Style And Substance
The SSR (Super Sport Roadster) was an immediate hit when General Motors unveiled the model at the 2000 Detroit Auto Show. Chevrolet said the Camaro would be discontinued with the 2002 model, so performance enthusiasts were looking for a replacement. But could a truck with a retractable roof be a worthy successor?
We love seeing the 126,000 miles on the odometer. That means this car was driven and enjoyed rather than left idle in a collection. Early SSR models made do with a 300hp 5.3-liter V-8. However, in 2005 the SSR upgraded to the Corvette’s six-liter LS2 V-8, producing an impressive 390hp. This SSR has an automatic 4-speed transmission, although Chevrolet also offered a Tremec manual six-speed.
All SSRs came with a long list of standard accessories—power windows and door locks, keyless entry, leather bucket seats, and cruise control. But other features stand out:
- A power-retractable hardtop and rigid body-colored rear tonneau
- 19-inch front and 20-inch rear custom chrome wheels
- Available silver-gray racing stripes and pin striping
The vehicle history report shows five owners with no major repairs or incidents over the truck’s lifetime.
A Roadster Based on an SUV?
Chevy’s Advance Design trucks—produced from 1947 to 1955—served as inspiration for the SSR’s retro styling. But it presented a problem at the factory. Modern production techniques evolved over the decades to use steel sheets with shallower curves. So reproducing the SSR’s big curves in each panel took extra planning.
GM developed a deep draw stamping method to manufacture the body panels for the SSR. The automaker also used higher quality steel to allow deep compound curves. In addition, the SSR used a modified version of the frame found under the popular GMT360 SUV platform—one that underpinned the Chevrolet Trailblazer and other models.
The enthusiastic acceptance at the Detroit Auto Show in 2000 convinced GM CEO Rick Wagoner to expedite the SSR’s production. As a result, the SSR made it to production in 2003 for the 2004 model year.
Enthusiast groups sang praises of the V-8 equipped, the rear-wheel-drive truck that looked like no other truck in America. GM decided to build a performance truck instead of a performance car partly because fuel economy standards are easier to meet for a truck. Plus, trucks are more profitable.
GM got the SSR ready for sale in less than eight months from approval to showroom. That’s much quicker than a typical new vehicle release. The truck was designated the official pace vehicle for the 2003 Indianapolis 500.
A Cruiser and a Collectors’ Item
Despite the fanfare, GM built only about 24,000 SSRs during its run from 2003 to 2006. Moreover, the early years were saddled with an underpowered engine and no available manual transmission. So when the company shut down Lansing Craft Center, where the SSR was built, GM discontinued the SSR.
These days, several companies are building modified trucks using Advance Design bodies. But prices can be hefty. That makes this used SSR a unique daily cruiser and collectors’ item available for less than $20,000.
