Chevrolet debuted the Super Sports Roadster (SSR) concept at the 2000 North American International Auto Show in Detroit, Michigan. Inspired by the iconic look of the 1949 Chevrolet pickup truck, the SSR echoed the interest of auto designers in vintage automobiles with the likes of the Chrysler PT Cruiser, Plymouth Prowler, and Ford Thunderbird. To the surprise of the auto world, GM’s CEO Rick Wagoner announced at the show that the SSR would be put into production.

Chevrolet began with the Trailblazer EXT SUV chassis and entrusted American Specialty Cars (ASC) to help design and engineer the SSR’s retractable roof along with 41 sub-assemblies including body panels, facia assemblies, body structure, and interior components. Final assembly took place at GM’s Lansing Craft Centre which previously was involved with low production cars such as the Buick Reatta and Cadillac Allante.

Chevy equipped the SSR with a 300-hp Vortec 5300 V-8 to give it plenty of “go” to match the “show.” Under the rigid rear tonneau cover rests 23.7 cubic feet of carpeted storage adding to its versatility. To showcase the new vehicle, the SSR paced the 2003 Indianapolis 500 and one was driven during that year’s Woodward Dream Cruise in Metro Detroit. Production versions with staggered 19-in. front and 20-in. rear wheels were introduced for the 2004 model year priced at a rather lofty $42,555. Sales were disappointing, even for such a “halo” model. For 2005, an LS-2 V-8 was fitted, now rated at 390 hp, but the increase in power did not increase sales. Production ended on 17 March 2006 after Chevrolet built a reported 24,150 units, including 7,196 during 2005.

Mr. Guyton is the original owner of this SSR. It was acquired new from Jack Schmitt Chevrolet of Fallon, Illinois, on 16 March 2006. Finished in Silverstone Metallic (one of 1,202 in 2005) over Ebony Leather, it is equipped with Chrome Wheels (14P) along with other notable features, including power windows, cruise control, rear window defogger, heated seats, traction assist, and running boards. Included in the sale is the original Cockpit Windbreak (C44) that fits between the headrests, and the optional storage drawers are found in the bed. It comes with a clean CARFAX report with its last service in July 2016 and passed emissions testing in August 2017. Copies of the original window sticker and service records are included on file.