Back to the Future Is it 1953 or 2003? One might be forgiven should if having difficulty answering that question while admiring the retro-theme of Chevy's new SSR. The SSR is a cutting-edge convertible sports pickup truck of 2003 vintage, although its design is lifted directly from the 1947 through 1953 line of Chevy pickups. Think of it as the spitting automotive image equivalent of your Granddad, sans wrinkles and false teeth.
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| The SSR is a cutting-edge convertible sports pickup truck of 2003 vintage but styled like something right out of the late 1940s. (Photo: General Motors) |
Ford and Chrysler recognized the value of nostalgia in marketing and went "back to the future" ahead of Chevy. Their retro-look vehicles, the Thunderbird, Prowler and PT Cruiser, transport boomers, of which I'm one, back to simpler times when we lived youthful, carefree lives. Ah yes, dirt-cheap gas was sold by the gallon, cars had character and men were chivalrous. At least that's how we like to remember it.
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| Although nostalgic in appearance, the SSR is definitely a modern sport-tuned vehicle when it comes to features and power. (Photo: General Motors) |
Not to be outdone Chevy climbed aboard the time-traveler, spun the dial to pickups circa 1947-1953 and came back with the SSR. Chevy, however, added a few modern day twists and turns to make it even more desirable. Take for example its innovative top-stack retractable hardtop roof - a '50s invention making a big comeback. Its 300 horsepower V8 and sport-tuned suspension add to the hotrod image, combining to fulfill the roadster label Chevy pinned on the SSR.
