SSR Classic of the Future

[kwhopper89]

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MARK PHELAN | BEHIND THE WHEEL: Vote for classics of the future
BY MARK PHELAN
FREE PRESS COLUMNIST

August 27, 2006

Which modern cars will become classics that draw crowds at the Woodward Dream Cruise 20 years from now?

I've got my ideas, but think of your own for a moment before reading further.

E-mail me a note with your candidates for future classics, and in a couple of sentences say why you think these contemporary cars will stand the test of time.

The future of classic cruising looked bleak five years ago. I remember driving along Woodward during the Dream Cruise and being convinced that no cars in production at the time deserved, or would get, the loving attention, care and customization cruisers bestowed on their rides.

The picture is very different today.

Simply being old may be enough to qualify for a "classic" license plate, but we're setting the bar higher than that for future cruisers.

A crowd-pleasing classic car can be any of several things.

Beauty is a good place to start, but it's not required. Endearing eccentricity works, too. High performance qualifies. Rarity helps. Customization is a good thing, because it comes from devoted owners and makes each car unique.

Cost is not a factor, and a car that was a good value when new has a special appeal. Nobody argues with the 1957 Chevrolet Bel Air's classic status, and it was an affordable mainstream model.

I'd say Chevrolet's SSR convertible pickup is a slam-dunk future classic.

It's got an exceptionally lovely shape thanks to its sensuously curved hood and fenders. Those same curves lend themselves to custom paint jobs that accentuate the SSR's visual appeal. Chevy sold just 22,395 SSRs, and it's not building any more, so that number will only rise by the few remaining on dealer lots.
Ford's Mustang is a sure thing; a great-looking car with a devoted owner base.

The Chrysler Crossfire coupe and convertible are among the prettiest cars ever built. The company didn't build a lot of them, so they'll turn heads in future cruises.

The Honda Element looks like another good bet. It's quirky, and owners have customized it like an earlier generation did with VW Microbuses.

Toyota's new FJ Cruiser SUV has the oddball charm to win generations of fans. Picking high-selling cars destined for classic status is tougher, but owners are busily customizing Chrysler PT Cruisers and Chevrolet HHRs.

Now tell me your choices and why you think the cars and trucks deserve cruising immortality.

Photo Caption:
The Chevy SSR convertible pickup is destined for classic status. It's sure to earn a place at future Woodward Dream Cruise events. (GM)

[HotRodGirl]

I'd say Chevrolet's SSR convertible pickup is a slam-dunk future classic.

[scoots]

[RaticalSSR]

Was there ever a doubt.
Doug E

[Marc NY]

Originally Posted by kwhopper89

... Which modern cars will become classics that draw crowds at the Woodward Dream Cruise 20 years from now?

I'd say Chevrolet's SSR convertible pickup is a slam-dunk future classic.

It's got an exceptionally lovely shape thanks to its sensuously curved hood and fenders. Those same curves lend themselves to custom paint jobs that accentuate the SSR's visual appeal. Chevy sold just 22,395 (24,112 + 25 Signature Series ) SSRs, and it's not building any more, so that number will only rise by the few remaining on dealer lots.

Photo Caption:
The Chevy SSR convertible pickup is destined for classic status. It's sure to earn a place at future Woodward Dream Cruise events. (GM)

I agree 100%

[Boosted]

Originally Posted by kwhopper89

[The Honda Element looks like another good bet. It's quirky, and owners have customized it like an earlier generation did with VW Microbuses.

Being ranked with the honda Element makes a person feal all sick inside...

[SS My R]

Originally Posted by Marc NY

I agree 100%

We already knew it was going to be a classic right guys?

[Charlie®]

That was MY thought when I first saw the concept version at the Ann Arbor, MI street fair.







Charlie®

[Ricochet]

They well be gone 20 years from now if GM wont supply parts.

[RUN ROD RUN]

Originally Posted by Ricochet

They well be gone 20 years from now if GM wont supply parts.

Don't worry, they'll be parts but not by GM. I'm sure somebody like Year-One or even your own grandkids might be making and selling parts.

[kwhopper89]

Originally Posted by Ricochet
They well be gone 20 years from now if GM wont supply parts.

Did you see this thread: http://www.ssrfanatic.com/forum/show...823#post146823

There's enough talent out there that we don't need to panic! How the heck do those owners find parts for their '49 to '53 trucks!

Jeeze - the SSR is still getting favorable press- but there ALWAYS seems to be a dark cloud somewhere!

I KNEW when I bought my SSR that I was getting a limited edition vehicle (the more limited the better!) - and was fully aware that there would be issues to deal with in the future.

I have always referred to my SSR as an INSTANT CLASSIC!

[ssr3]

The Honda Element will not make the cut. The Scion Xb is this generation's VW microbus.

[hdflstf]

Originally Posted by 89 Rod

Don't worry, they'll be parts but not by GM. I'm sure somebody like Year-One or even your own grandkids might be making and selling parts.

All I need to do is to get the dies, molds, etc. before they are scrapped and I'll have a money losing business for sure.
It's going to be tough in 30 to 40 years. My other car (41 y.o.) I can get most parts but they made almost 2 million of them. At ~24k total production it'll get tougher as time goes on.

[WearyEagle]

I think the "parts" issue will be determined by whether or not GM is able to withstand this latest salvo on its financial viability. If there is no longer any GM(as we know it), although someone will pick up the parts for the majority of their car and truck sales, such a low volume truck as the SSR won't be on that list.

[corvetteulose]

The Plymouth Prowler - I hate to admit it to all the SSR owners - but when I am out in my Prowler I get 10 times the comments on it verses my Corvettes, SSR or my 1968 Camaro.

[Beach potato]

I have a cherry 85 Monte Carlo SS that is constantly getting attention from car guys wanting to buy, I'm told that it is becoming a popular and wanted car. It stays in the garage because I drive the SSR every where I can, when I can.

[cruzned]

Ricochet: Not only are you negative all the time, you can't even spell! Don't look at your glass half empty or half full. Just be thankful you have a glass!

Ed:-)

[DonnyRebel]

Originally Posted by Ricochet

They well be gone 20 years from now if GM wont supply parts.

Have you ever seen that SNL bit called "Debbie Downer"

[DonnyRebel]

Originally Posted by Ricochet

They well be gone 20 years from now if GM wont supply parts.

I don't know if any of you realize this, but there are no NOS parts for the most expensive cars in the world. Think about it.

[Flassh]

Originally Posted by DonnyRebel

Have you ever seen that SNL bit called "Debbie Downer"

Beat me to that one........

We could have the most upbeat, positive thread, but our very own DD keeps showing up to rain on it.

I think it's "occular rectitis" -

As a friend of mine said about someone like him - "If he was at the miracle of the bread and the fish he'd complain because there was no lemon."

[kwhopper89]

Originally Posted by Flassh

I think it's "occular rectitis"

What the heck is that???

[Flassh]

It's an inflamation of the nerve from the eyeball to the rectum, and it gives you a sh**ty outlook on life.

[doogie48084]

That is hilarious!

Originally Posted by WearyEagle

I think the "parts" issue will be determined by whether or not GM is able to withstand this latest salvo on its financial viability. If there is no longer any GM(as we know it), although someone will pick up the parts for the majority of their car and truck sales, such a low volume truck as the SSR won't be on that list.

Companies such as 3G Services or MPD will jump on the panels to make them for the vehicle, and then you will have millions of other companies making lots of other specialty parts. it will never die as long as there is an interest, and if you truly look at the SSR, There will always be an interest...let's face it....She is SEXY!

Doug

[RUN ROD RUN]

Originally Posted by Flassh

It's an inflamation of the nerve from the eyeball to the rectum, and it gives you a sh**ty outlook on life.

[Beach potato]

And again......Optimists invented the airplane,......Pessimists invented the parachute. Our society needs both. Some fanatics put the fun in dysfunctional!!!

[blueroadster06]

The PROWLER