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2004 Chevy SSR Road Test

Need friends? Get an SSR!

Before telling you anything about the SSR, let me tell you about the attention it garners. Ive never driven a vehicle that draws a crowd as quickly as the SSR. Sure Ive driven vehicles that cost a whole lot more and perform a whole lot better, but in my experience nothing attracts human beings better than Chevys flagship pickup cum roadster.

Anthropophobiacs - those that suffer from a fear of people - best avoid driving an SSR, or rapidly overcome their antisocial affliction. So many people, young, old, male and female expressed an interest in the radical pickup that it became annoying to drive the beast anywhere in the vicinity of civilization. Although I always make an effort

Ive never driven a vehicle that draws a crowd as quickly as the SSR. (Photo: Rob Rothwell, American Auto Press)

to answer the many questions directed toward auto journalists, I found myself becoming weary of the attention generated by the awesome looking and equally awesome sounding SSR.

When driving with the roof down I began to hide beneath my ballcap and avoid eye contact with any sort of being that appeared to have a heartbeat in an effort to avoid the inevitable questions

"Hey, how much does that cost," quickly becomes a common question while driving around in the SSR. (Photo: Rob Rothwell, American Auto Press)

and comments. And I must say some folks are pretty darn bold, on second thought rude, when it comes to questions. "Hey, how much does that cost," was heard many-a-time. A question I wouldnt pose to a relative, never mind a complete stranger. But perhaps its the anonymity of the situation the boosts the courage of these well-meaning mortals.

But given that this article is intended

Never before have I seen such curvaceous sheet metal on a vehicle that wasnt handcrafted. (Photo: Rob Rothwell, American Auto Press)

to be a road test and not an article for Psychology Today, its time we get down to the nuts and bolts. Not long ago the SSR was a stunning concept vehicle that I dare say, seemed too radical for Chevy. Imagine? A roadster pickup truck based on a 1947 to 1953 GMC pickup design theme. Who would have thought? Well apparently the execs at Chevy thought and today the SSR is an eye-catching reality that is remarkably faithful to its concept origins, except for its toned-down

There isnt a single aspect of the SSRs exterior that I would change. (Photo: Rob Rothwell, American Auto Press)

V8 incapable of pumping out the necessary ponies true hot-rodders appreciate.

My SSR tester was finished in "look at me" Slingshot Yellow - a $350 option. Of the few colors Chevy coats on to its SSR, Slingshot Yellow is definitely the standout. I could never really see myself owning a yellow car, but then again the SSR is already an exhibitionist by nature so the yellow would be my number one choice. The brilliant color accentuates the trucks sensuous lines. Never before have I seen such curvaceous sheet

While I can find no fault with the SSRs stylish exterior, the interior is a different story. (Photo: Rob Rothwell, American Auto Press)

metal on a vehicle that wasnt handcrafted. I marveled at its deeply sculpted hood and beautifully bulging fenders.

Incidentally, in order to achieve its incredible fender bulge the Fuji Dietec Corporation, supplier to GM, developed a deep-draw process called "inverted toggle draw," which stamps as much as 18 inches of draw, or depth into the formed area of the Grade 5 steel used in the SSR fenders.

There isnt a single aspect of the SSRs exterior that I would change, including the upper slat of the grille which extends

Careful when pulling your hand out of the console storage bin, as you may encounter a nasty abrasion from the unfinished fiberglass lip. (Photo: Rob Rothwell, American Auto Press)

wide enough to bisect each of the circular headlights - what a neat feature.

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