Produced between the 2003 and 2006 model years, the Chevy SSR (or Super Sport Roadster) sought to blend retro-inspired styling with modern performance and a retractable hardtop pickup body. The end result was one of the most unconventional vehicles to come from GM in the last few decades, and despite its rather short-lived lifespan, the SSR’s unique design and rarity have helped it gain cult status among collectors and Chevy fans alike. Unfortunately, it looks like this particular example may be too far gone – in fact, this may be the worst Chevy SSR we’ve ever seen.
This Chevy SSR was spotted on social media, and is apparently located in Cleveland, Ohio.
The vehicle in question appears to have been abandoned for years, showing severe signs of neglect and exposure to the elements. The once smooth and rich purple paint is now heavily faded, with large swaths of rust overtaking the body panels. Corrosion marks the hood and fenders, while entire panels appear to be falling off due to the damage. Even the cabin pillars are damaged and rusty, as is the rear bed. The headlights are fogged over, and the Chevy bowtie emblem is nearly worn away from sun exposure. The tires appear to be flat as well.
Looking underneath this poor Chevy, we find the frame is just about completely rotted away, with entire chunks missing due to heavy oxidation.
Indeed, this thing is an absolute mess, and it’s a sorry sight to see. But it all begs the question – how did it get so bad?
The story behind this Chevy SSR remains uncertain, although some commenters posit the Chevy SSR was parked uncovered next to the ocean for an extended period of time. Others suggest that this thing was actually submerged in water for a while. However, in all likelihood, the damage is probably the result of sitting outside in the Ohio winters for years on end.
“Thing finally looks retro,” quips one commenter.
Comments
Folks complain cars should driven, so here you go.
Think it looks great.
I also live in Cleveland. Our winters are brutal here ,the cities road crews throw A LOT of salt down to clear the snow and ice from the streets. This is what road salt does to your vehicle.
Body bolt look ok
With that much rust, it must have been submerged in the Black Lagoon for a while. If this is what northern winters do to vehicles, I’m glad I never lived there.
So Sad, Really
May still have some good parts. I have an 05 and have had to scrounge for various interior parts. Is this truck for sale, what year, miles, transmission, price? Please finish the story.
Rust wise it looks a lot like my 08′ Silverado.
Very sad. This is just pure neglect on how to PROPERLY clean and take of a vehicle. Especially if it’s one that lives in northern states with tons of snow in winter months. Proper washing and drying the vehicle off can remove/prevent tons of rust from forming. So many People just don’t care and drive it…..
Proper corrosion protection out of the factory would help too.
If you drive a vehicle in road salt, keep it outside where it stays frozen, and drive it again when it rains the salt will be rinsed away and there will be far less oxidation (rust). But if you park it in a warm garage, the salt gets to really eat away at the metals. And failure to drive it in clear rain water will allow it to rust like this one shows.
Leaving the salt on your car and hoping for rain to wash it off is how your car ends up looking like this.
“Barney” is crying.