Automotive history is full of examples of manufacturers having what appeared on paper to be a great idea, only to suffer a market failure. Edsel springs instantly to mind, as does the Plymouth Prowler. Chevrolet’s SSR was another example, lasting a mere four years before the company drew the curtain on its bold experiment. This 2006 SSR is one of the last produced and is an extraordinary survivor with only 800 miles on its odometer. It has generated considerable interest, and I must say a big thank you to Barn Finder PRA4SNW for spotting the SSR listed here at Hemmings in Holly Hill, Florida. Bidding sits below the reserve at $27,911 as the auction heads into its final days.
Some retro models have tasted significant sales success, while others have been less warmly received. The New Mini and Fiat 500 have established their place in the market, and the Chevrolet SSR deserved success for the bold approach the company adopted. It based the styling on the iconic post-war “Advance Design” Pickups that became a market staple during that period. However, unlike the Advance Design, the SSR featured a retractable metal top to provide a wind-in-the-hair motoring experience. It seemed to offer the best of both worlds: the convenience of a practical Pickup, and the relaxed motoring of a traditional Convertible. Sadly, the buying public didn’t agree, and sales were far below the company’s expectations. This final-year example is a stunning survivor. Chevrolet offered buyers a choice of four paint shades, with this vehicle’s first owner selecting Smokin’ Asphalt. Its presentation is all you would rightly expect from a classic with a three-digit odometer reading, with no cosmetic imperfections. The top works as it should, and it is worth noting that the first owner wasn’t afraid to spend their money on factory accessories. This SSR scores running boards, the rear windbreak, the rear hitch mount, and the optional cover. There is no rust, and the chromed factory alloy wheels look perfect.
The 2006 SSR was the most powerful available during the four-year production run. Chevrolet bolted its 6.0-liter LS2 V8 under the hood, developing 400hp and 400 ft/lbs of torque with the standard six-speed manual transmission. However, with this vehicle’s first owner selecting the optional four-speed automatic, this LS2 will deliver 395hp and 405 ft/lbs. The power feeds to the road via a Torsen limited-slip rear end, while power steering and anti-lock four-wheel disc brakes were standard fare. Chevrolet wasn’t shy about the performance potential of the SSR, quoting a ¼-mile ET of 13.9 seconds in automatic form, and a top speed of 131mph. The listing is vague about the vehicle’s mechanical condition but suggests it is a turnkey proposition. I see nothing in the images suggesting otherwise.
Chevrolet’s Advance Design range represented motoring at its most basic, with the company focused primarily on practicality. It threw that playbook out the window with the SSR, loading the interior with almost every creature comfort available in 2006. This gem features climate-control air conditioning, power windows, and power locks. Both seats are power-adjustable, with six-way on the driver’s side and two-way on the passenger’s. There is matching Ebony Nuance trim on the seats and the tilt wheel, power mirrors, cruise control, a Driver’s Information Center, and unique SSR floor mats. The first owner ticked a few additional boxes, upgrading the stereo to include the range-topping Bose speakers and a six-disc CD changer, and specifying the Chrome Package and additional gauges. As you would rightly expect, this interior appears to be perfect. There is no wear or signs of abuse, and no evidence of UV deterioration. If you couldn’t afford a new SSR in 2006, this classic is as close as you will get today.
It is said that fortune favors the bold, but that wasn’t the case for Chevrolet and its SSR. The sales tally never met the company’s expectations, forcing the cancellation of a vehicle that had cost a significant sum to develop and produce. Approximately 24,100 of these classics rolled off the line during the four-year production run, making this a rare vehicle in a “big picture” perspective. This SSR cost its first owner an eye-watering $47,080 in 1996, but recent sales results suggest that bidding probably won’t reach that figure. However, with strong Listing View and Watch List figures, anything is possible. Are you tempted to join the bidding party? I wish you luck if you do.
I always thought these were underappreciated vehicles. Interesting concept that I feel was poorly executed. I appreciate what they were trying to bring back, but it just never looked right to me. They tried too hard to make it aerodynamic, but with 400 horsepower it would not of mattered if they filled out the front fenders and flattened the headlights a bit more to make it look like the original. it’s always a shame to me when a throwback vehicle resembles an older car from a different era, but doesn’t come close enough resembling the car it was supposed to be. The SN95 Mustang comes to mind.. the new beetle hit the mark because it didn’t try to be something different, it was just a new more modern version of the car it always was. That’s why it’s sold well.
My grandpa just loves these. All his friends at the facility do, too. I just can’t understand why sales were “…far below expectations.” Who wouldn’t be excited about a color called, “Smokin’ Asphalt”? Sounds so badass.
Drop top flop, pop. Don’t shop, or even stop.
These are cool, only one bid so far.
These are one of those cars, much like the Plymouth Prowler, built for the exclusive purpose of being a collectible. They are to the automotive world what Beanie Babies are to the world of toys… never meant to be used, but just to hold onto long enough to sell to the next person at a profit.
Did anyone ever buy one of these as their daily driver or to use as a pickup truck? I highly, highly doubt it.
I agree on both comments about the new Beetle and the Prowler. I also felt the PT Cruiser did a decent job of portraying a car from the late 30s/early 40s. It’s just too bad it wasn’t a little bit bigger, had better build quality, and maybe a better/bigger engine.
Gotta agree with JDC – Like the Reatta, the X bodies, the Dustbuster APVs, and the unconscionable Aztek, it’s the answer to a question nobody asked.
How can a company that came up with some of the best real pickup trucks ever made come up with this?