Just because something seems like a good idea doesn’t necessarily mean it is. Take the Chevrolet SSR. The concept of a retro-style Convertible Pickup sounds fine in theory, but the sales tally showed that potential buyers didn’t embrace it warmly. This 2005 example presents exceptionally well, featuring the desirable manual transmission and only 25,000 miles on the clock. It needs nothing and is ready to find a new home. The seller has listed the SSR here on eBay on Staten Island, New York. Bidding sits below the reserve at $11,601 as the auction heads into its final days.
Released in 2003, the Chevrolet SSR could almost be considered an automotive “Swiss Army Knife.” It combined retro styling, a Pickup body, and a retractable hardtop in a single package. Perhaps that is why the company didn’t taste showroom success, because the niche it filled may have been too narrow, and the vehicle too specialized to enjoy wide appeal. This 2005 example is a survivor finished in Aqua Blur, a premium paint shade during that model year. Its presentation is close to faultless, with no significant cosmetic shortcomings. The first owner ticked the box on their Order Form for the Body Color Accent Package, which added running boards accentuating the retro look. The trim is excellent, and the wheels show no evidence of physical damage or deterioration.
The SSR is a surprise packet, because Chevrolet placed plenty of power at the driver’s disposal. The 2005 model featured the company’s 6.0-liter LS2 V8, producing 390hp and 405 ft/lbs of torque. This example features the desirable six-speed manual transmission, a limited-slip rear end, power steering, and four-wheel anti-lock disc brakes. Chevrolet was proud to emphasize the SSR’s performance potential, stating that it could cover the ¼-mile in 13.8 seconds on its way to 131mph. This classic has 25,000 miles on the clock, and appears to be a turnkey proposition. The engine bay is spotless, suggesting there are no mechanical issues facing the new owner.
The SSR was not a cheap vehicle when it graced showroom floors, and this one features extra options to complement the standard leather trim, air conditioning, power windows, power locks, cruise control, rear defogger, and trip computer. The first owner added the Driver Convenience Package, which brought power seats and power mirrors, and chose to upgrade the stereo to the premium unit with a six-disc stacker. The presentation is exactly what you would expect from a classic with such a low odometer reading. There is no wear or evidence of abuse, and no deterioration due to age or UV exposure. With no aftermarket additions, this interior is close to factory-fresh.
Some niche models are showroom successes, while others fail to meet their creators’ expectations. The Chevrolet SSR falls into the latter category, which is disappointing because it was a daring attempt to deliver buyers something unusual and interesting. This 2005 example is a beauty, and when we combine the odometer reading with the bulletproof mechanical components, it should provide years of trouble-free motoring. Recent successful sales suggest that the bidding would need to at least double before threatening the reserve. However, the listing statistics suggest the price could climb even higher. The SSR didn’t appeal to everyone, but would you consider giving this classic a new home?
Looks great in blue, seller has over 1,500 items listed.
Selling everything from clothes hangers to Corvettes. What was his name again?
I see the driver’s seat bolster is worn and the optional gauges on the console – all three – what is that – moisture inside the glass? Maybe it was humid the day pictures were taken – or?
Overwise, nice ride…
Reflection off the floor mat/ carpeting.
Previously bid to $26,300 RNM. The 6 spd manual is a definite plus, not sure if it ads much if any value. Unfortunately I get the feeling these don’t have enough of a following to drive prices.
Steve R
I can believe it. We were looking for an SSR and the 2005 and later with the bigger engine, manual , and the rarer colors (like this blue) were commanding big bucks.
If mileage is true, I can see the seller trying to get 26K, but realistically, this will probably see a little above 20K.
Good luck finding an SSR you want at a price you are willing to pay.
Steve R
We gave up and are perfectly happy with a 2005 Chrysler Crossfire Roadster. Very reasonably priced, and falls into your “there are still bargain fun cars out there” category that you frequently mention.
Biggest problem I’ve noticed with these low volume vehicles with not much of a following is that once they’re pushing 20 years old, sure, the mechanical bits can be found, but those obscure trim bits that aren’t shared with any other vehicle are impossible to buy new, and difficult to source otherwise.
The 05’s and 06’s are quite a bit more desirable with the higher HP. The 03’s and 04’s were kind of pooches. I think that did not help with sales long term as the first ones were lacking performance. I don’t own one or am especially knowledgeable on these but I think there is an aftermarket specialty company starting to fill some holes on discontinued parts.
That company is in AZ and is called “Special Engineering.” Owner Mike Morrow (sp?) engineers nothing but improvements for SSRs. I’ve added a few to my ’05. The re-engineered radiator fan is one. Imagine a 4800lb truck with an almost 400hp LS2 using a fan that GM sourced from VW! And held in place with zip-ties from the factory! True Story! The SE fan is fully shrouded, mounts properly, pulls 30% more air and anyone can install it with simple hand tools in under an hour. It even has the correct factory style plug for the wire harness connection. A no brainer upgrade.
If this truck is everything it seems to be, it is a good one.
the market has been flooded with these over the last 6 months with various miles and conditions. guess it must be time to unload them. not a big seller when new. never cared for them myself. worked on a few and they were no fun under the hood.
There IS a bit of a cult following now with the SSR but unless you own and drive one every day (as I do) most aren’t aware of it. The main “information point” for the followers is SSR Fanatics.com. Great group of owners and fans from literally all over the world. They built 24,150 of them over the 4 years in production. They may be more popular now than when introduced.
Originally conceived as a concept truck – to show off GM talent, while Chrysler Corp was having such success with the PT Cruiser. The show trucks were built on the 2000 Chevy S10 platform. The switch was made to the Tailblazer frame when they decided to build them. The ’03 and ’04s had the 300hp, 5300 Vortec engine. But they forgot that these trucks were now almost 4800 lbs! So while the appeal of a “Corvette LS2” in them helped, 4800lbs is a lot to lug around!
This truck posted here puzzles me because it appears to be too nice not to be priced higher. There were a few of these that sold for close to and over 30K at a couple auction sites recently. A 10K mile truck sold for $29,250 on BAT in May; A 22K mile truck, 6 speed sold for $31K on BAT in July; And Mecum sold an ’05 for $30,800 at Indy in May.
So either this seller hasn’t looked at the market, or there’s something not showing on this one that is not being told. Aqua Blur is in fact a very desirable color and they are hard to find.
It’s an auction, the final price is yet to be determined.
I drove one for all of five minutes because none of the high schooler bellmen could drive a stick. Just moving around the hotel grounds it hobby horsed like a Jeep on expansion joints
Apparently you didn’t know how to drive too well either. They are actually very comfortable to drive. One member in the Fanatics group I mentioned earlier has put over 185000 miles on his ’03. Did I mention he’s almost 93 years old.
I don’t own one but see that changing sometime as I do really like them. I have been watching for the right one. I see the market being pretty stable and even relatively strong on the GOOD ones. The last two years are much stronger than the first two years. I view it as buy a GOOD one, and I think it’s going to hold its value or even appreciate
That company is in AZ and is called “Special Engineering.” Owner Mike Morrow (sp?) engineers nothing but improvements for SSRs. I’ve added a few to my ’05. The re-engineered radiator fan is one. Imagine a 4800lb truck with an almost 400hp LS2 using a fan that GM sourced from VW! And held in place with zip-ties from the factory! True Story! The SE fan is fully shrouded, mounts properly, pulls 30% more air and anyone can install it with simple hand tools in under an hour. It even has the correct factory style plug for the wire harness connection. A no brainer upgrade.
If this truck is everything it seems to be, it is a good one.
I wonder if I would fit in it. First one I’ve seen that wasn’t red or yellow. It’s a sharp color. I’m strangely attracted to it.
Why don’t we ever see PT Cruisers on Barn Finds?
Yup, a great idea like Homer’s design !
Mechanically these are great setups but in the looks dept not much , i have noticed little interest in these and prowlers in my canukstan
The auction ended 8/29/2026 with a high bid of $17,600 RNM, there were 38 bid from 15 bidders.
Steve R