by Ronnie Schreiber, editor Chevy SSR Forum, with
material from Gibson and General Motors.
As announced, Chevrolet has started to auction the first 25 production Chevy SSRs,
known as the Signature Series SSRs. The initial results are promising, with vehicles
selling for well over base manufacturer's suggested retail price (MSRP) of $41,995 , and
one SSR, VIN #2 sold for over $137,000.
Each of the Signature Series SSRs has been involved in various high-profile activities around the country including music tours, the Indianapolis 500 and major street art exhibitions. Chevrolet has been collecting memorabilia, photographs, autographs, news coverage and other keepsakes that document each of the vehicles. The collectibles pertaining to each Signature Series SSR will be placed in a special scrapbook and custom-designed metal "pedigree" box that will be provided with the vehicle when it is ultimately purchased. All 25 of the Chevy SSR Signature Series vehicles are identical in appearance have features that that will not be available on any other '03 model year SSR:
- Ultra Violet paint.
- A Signature Series badge on the "waterfall" interior panel between the bucket seat uppers. Each chromed badge will be numbered and "signed" by at least two GM or supplier team members directly associated with the SSR program
- Silver stitching on the black leather-wrapped steering wheel and seats
- Addition of the SSR logo on the vehicle's VIN plate
- Signature Series badge on the tailgate
- Body-color engine cover with silver insert and billet aluminum strips
- Floor mats which include the SSR logo
- Cargo compartment trim with wood strips, lights and drop-down storage.
Of the initial 25 cars, VIN #1 will be kept by GM for its permanent historic vehicle collection. VIN #2 was donated by General Motors to the SAE Foundation to be used to raise funds for the Heinz C. Prechter Scholarship for Automotive Excellence, established in memory of the late Prechter who founded ASC Incorporated. ASC is a major technical partner and vendor for the SSR project and the Chevy SSR was among the last specialty vehicles with which Prechter was involved before his July 2001 death.
The SAE Foundation auctioned off the car on eBay last spring. Ohio based Chevrolet dealer Bob McDorman outbid 96 other hopefulls with a wining bid of $137,850, placed two minutes before the gavel went down on May 5th. He immediately customized with a personalized Ohio license plate reading "SSR0002". This is the lowest VIN SSR sold to the public.
Of the remaining 23 Signature series SSRs, 18 will eventually be auctioned off by Kruse International at collector car auctions around the country and five will be auctioned through dealer auctions in each of Chevrolet's five US sales regions. When the auction program is completed, a portion of the proceeds will be donated by Chevrolet to a charitable organization that has not yet been announced.
The SSR Signature Series vehicles carry vehicle identification numbers (VINs) ending with numerals 000001 through 000025. Auto collectors and enthusiasts often consider vehicles with low numbers to be the most desirable.
Here is the schedule of auctions, with results and details about each of the vehicles.
August 30, 2003 Auburn, Indiana
Kruse / 33rd Annual Auburn Fall Collector Car Auction & Show
Chevy Racing SSR
During the spring and summer of 2003, this SSR was provided as an evaluation vehicle to people associated with Chevrolet racing teams. It is the only one of the 25 Signature Series SSRs utilized for this purpose. Race team members – including team owners, drivers and crew chiefs – who have the opportunity to drive and evaluate this vehicle will write comments in and sign the driver’s logbook that accompanies the vehicle. Many of them will also provide memorabilia items appropriate to their relationships with Chevrolet and/or their impressions of the SSR. Signature Series SSR VIN #3 was sold at auction.Signatories:
Tom Wallace – Vehicle Line Executive, GM Small and Midsize Trucks
Kurt Ritter – Former Chevrolet Marketing General ManagerMemorabilia:
Signed plastic side shroud from
Team Chevy Trucks Kawasaki’s
James Stewart’s Kawasaki KX
125 motorcycle that he raced in
the 2003 San Diego Supercross.
2003 Indianapolis 500 Event memorabilia.
Jimmy Johnson autographed die-cast from Hendrick Motorsports.Jimmy Johnson autographed cap from Hendrick Motorsports
Terry Labonte autographed shirt from Hendrick Motorsports
SSR cap signed by Corvette C5R drivers: Johnny O’Connell, Ron
Fellows, Andy Pilgrim, Oliver Gavin and Kelly Collins
SSR cap signed by Indy car drivers: Sam Hornish, Jr., Robbie Buhl and Sarah Fisher.1996 Indianapolis 500 Year Book and Hemelgarn Racing information sheet autographed by Ron Hemelgarn.
Indy Pace Vehicle
This Signature Series SSR served as backup to the Official SSR Pace Vehicle at the 87th running of the Indianapolis 500 on May 25, 2003. It marked the 14th time a Chevrolet product served as the official pace vehicle – the most appearances by any brand since the first use of a "pacemaker" in 1911 – and the first time a truck-based Chevrolet led the charge to the green flag. Signature Series SSR VIN #4 was sold at auction.
Signatories:
John Middlebrook – Vice President, Marketing, GM North America
Mark Reuss – Executive Director of Architectural Engineering and the GM Performance DivisionVehicle shown here is the Official Pace Vehicle of the 2003 Indianapolis 500. SSR Signature Series VIN #4 was the "back up" Vehicle for the 2003 Indianapolis 500.
The SSR Official Pace Vehicle.
September 20, 2003 Fontana, California
Kruse / Collector Car Auction
Doobie Brothers Music Tour SSR
This SSR has been on tour with the Doobie Brothers at select concert venues during the summer of 2003. One of America's most popular pop/rock bands, the Doobie Brothers evolved from a mellow, post-hippie boogie band to a slick, soul-inflected pop band. The group rackedup a string of gold and platinum albums in the U.S., along with a number of radio hits like "Listen to the Music," "Black Water," and "China Grove". The Doobie Brothers have sold more than 50 million records, earned 13 Gold Albums, received two Grammy Awards and have had 16 Top 40 hits - including two that went all the way to number one.Signatories:
Bill Szkodzinski - Program Manufacturing Manager, GM/GMVO John Hrit - Vice President, Manufacturing Operations, ASC, Inc.
Los Lobos Music Tour SSR
This SSR has been on tour with Los Lobos at select concert venues during the
summer of 2003. This year marks the 26th anniversary of Los Lobos' recording career. The
band's first album, "Los Lobos Del Este De Los Angeles" was released in 1977.
Throughout their 25-year career Los Lobos has recorded some of the most treasured albums
including: "How Will the Wolf Survive?", "By the Light of the Moon",
"Kiko", and 1999's "This Time". With their distinctive and creative
blend of rock & roll, Latin, and soul, combined with consistently innovative
production, Los Lobos' music once again reaches out to fans young and old, from every
different background imaginable. Also included is an autographed guitar signed by Los
Lobos.
Signatories:
Satya Veerapaneni - Production Launch Manager, GMVO Darwin Foster - Program
Quality Manager, Specialty Vehicle Activity, GM North America
September 27, 2003 Indianapolis, Indiana
Kruse / Indy Concour & Auction
Street Art SSRs
Five of the 25 Signature Series SSRs are Chevrolet's Street Art SSRs – each representing a different area of the United States. Chevrolet has commissioned four local artists from each region of the country to create original pieces of artwork that depict the Signature Series SSR in situations and settings that showcase their region. In all, there will be 20 original works created for SSR across America – depicting geography, landmarks, people and culture in a variety of artistic styles and techniques. The Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) of each regional vehicle will be incorporated into the artwork.VIN 8, North Central Region:
Bill Davis – Director of Design, Midsize Trucks, GM Design Center
Harry Branca – GM Program Manager for the Signature Series
Taj Mahal Music Tour SSR
This Signature Series SSR has been on tour with Taj Mahal at select concert
venues during the summer of 2003. A self-taught musician, Taj-Mahal plays more than 20
instruments - including the National Steel and Dobro guitars - and his remarkable voice
ranges from gruff andgravelly to smooth and sultry. His music is a well-seasoned gumbo,
spiced with influences that originate in the Caribbean, West Africa, thesouthern states
and the inner cities of America. Taj rose to prominence with his first solo albums, Taj
Mahal (1968), The Nach'l Blues (1968) and Giant Step (1969). Over the years, Taj has
toured with many of the world's great blues, rock and reggae artists. Ask anyone who knows
him, and they'll tell you: Taj is a family man. They're referring to the family of great
African American musical traditions - blues, folk, reggae, R&B, zydeco, gospel and
jazz - all of which define the very character of music in this country.
Signatories:
Mike McGinnis - Powertrain Systems Integration Engineer, GM Powertrain Division
Sam Winegarden - Chief Engineer and Program Manager for Small Block and Big Block Engines,
GM Powertrain
October 11, 2003 Hershey, Pennsylvania
Kruse / Collector Car Auction
Street Art SSRs
Five of the 25 Signature Series SSRs are Chevrolet's Street Art SSRs – each representing a different area of the United States. Chevrolet has commissioned four local artists from each region of the country to create original pieces of artwork that depict the Signature Series SSR in situations and settings that showcase their region. In all, there will be 20 original works created for SSR across America – depicting geography, landmarks, people and culture in a variety of artistic styles and techniques. The Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) of each regional vehicle will be incorporated into the artwork. The Signature Series SSR assigned to each region is as follows: SSR VIN #6, Northeast; SSR VIN #7, South Central; SSR VIN #8, North Central; SSR VIN #9, Southeast; SSR VIN #10, Western. Signature Series SSR VIN #6 was sold at auction. Signature Series SSR VIN #8 was sold at auction.Signatories:
VIN 6, Northeast Region:
Ed Welburn – Executive Director of Design, Body-on-Frame Vehicles, GM Design Center
Mark Trostle – President, ASC Creative Services, ASC, Inc.
October 18, 2002 Santa Clara, California
Kruse / Annual Pacific Classic Collector Car Auction & Show
Chevrolet teamed up with the legendary musical instrument manufacturer, Gibson Guitar Corporation, to create a unique pedigree for this Signature Series SSR. The vehicle was used as a model to create a one-of-a-kind Gibson SSR guitar by the Gibson Custom, Art & Historic Division based in Nashville, Tennessee. The guitar was unveiled at a private Gibson party and played by Gibson artist, Kenny Olson, lead guitarist for Kid Rock. The exclusive guitar, which also made several stops on the Chevy Rock n Roll Tour, was included with this vehicle's Signature Series scrapbook along with photographs and memorabilia from the tour and unveiling.
Signatories:
Bob Walczyk - SSR Marketing and Product Manager, Chevrolet and Mickey Sabol - Program Engineering Manager, GM North America Product Development.
The Making of the Gibson SSR for SSR VIN 12 |
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The Signature Series SSR program, desinged to maximize the visibility for the retro-styled SSR and the coolness of the Chevy brand, includes the first 25 VINs. Each features a unique ultra-violet color, a body color engine cover, a body color guage package and special badging. Sponsoring companies were responsible for producing unique "pedigree" items to accompany the car. Gibson decided to produce a custom guitar. First, Chevy and Gibson folks had to get together. That's SSR Program Engineering Mgr. Mickey Sabol, Derek Bowers, Creative Dir. of Gibson Custom, Mark Quarles, Gibson Dir. of Alternative Sales and SSR Marketing Mgr. Bob Walczyk, from left to right. |
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What better pedigree for the Gibson SR than a one-of-a-kind custom guitar? Derek worked with the lines and style of the vehicle to create concept guitar images. Then, with the engineering team, an initial guitar body concept was developed. CNC manufacturuing capabilities at the Gibson Custom Shop made this process, and the necessary prototype refinements much more precise and timely. The SSR is part muscle car and part truck. It's part vintage retro design and part high tech, as evidenced in the hood, fender (can we say fender around Gibson?), and an automated retractable hardtop. Derek started with the approximate shape of Gibson's classic ES-335, familiar to many as B.B. King's Lucille, but reduced the size a bit. Then the classic retro hood lines of the SSR were carved into the solid mahogany body. |
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Derek and the production engineering team led by Matthew Klein created an initial prototype guitar body as seen on the left. Refinements were made to get a more accurate 3D shape on the righte that reflects the SSR lines better. This guitar body became the actual body of the one-off guitar. 3-dimensional modeling is an integral part of any manufacturing operation today, whether you are building super sport roadsters or hot guitars. The technology allows Gibson to make more accurate products when compared to the prototypes and get to the market quicker. This computer aided design and manufacturing (CADCAM) would be useless without the skill and creativity of the artisans, engineers and craftsmen at Chevy and Gibson. |
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Gibson guitars and Chevy vehicles can only be built with the skill and oversight of the people that make up those companies. Technology is only as good as the people behind it. Once completed. The Gisbson SSR will become the centerpiece of the VIN #12 pedigree program. Here we see Custom Shop Production Engineer Matthew Klein, using a CNC router to carefully shape the neck of the guitar. |
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The lines and style of the SSR come to life once the neck is mated to the one-of-a-kind body and the matching paint is applied to the guitar. Gibson worked closely with the Chevy marketing team to make sure that all the little details were just right so the guitar had the look and feel of the SSR. Master painter, Mickey McGuire paints every guitar produced by Gibson's famed Custom Shop. Here he applies the special edition Signature Series ultra-violet paint to the Guitar body. |
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This one-off guitar is the culmination of over nine months of concept development, creative concept design and production engineering and manufacturing. The finished guitar represents the marriage of the vintage look of a late 1940s early 1950s Chevy 'Advance Design' truck and the classic Gibson guitar shape with the high tech manufacturing advances made by automotive and guitar industries. It's ready to rock. |
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What better way to unveil a hot guitar modeled after a hot piece of Detroit iron than with another of the Motor City's famous exports, hot rock? In this case, Detroiter Kenny Olson, lead guitarist for Kid Rock introduced the Gibson SSR to over 1000 fans and VIPs at the summer NAMM in Nashville. Surf guitar legend Duane Eddy and electric guitar pioneer Les Paul were also on hand. |
 VIN as serial number on back of headstock |
 Custom carved body with Chevy bowtie hood badge stop tailpiece. |
 Signature Series logo on headstock |
 Rim mount volume, tone and pickup selector controls |
 Kenny Olson rocks out |
 Kenny likes the new axe |
 Detroit & Nashville's finest |
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The introduction of new vehicles always generates interest from the automotive press. SSR - already the subject of extensive coverage - and the unique Signature Series models will be sought after for drive reports and road test evaluations. This group of vehicles will be delegated to fulfilling requests by the enthusiast media, newspapers and electronic news outlets around the country. Documentation for each vehicle's pedigree could range from unpublished photos to copies of the publications featuring its SSR stories. This version, serial number 20 is signed by Don Ableson- Executive Director, GM North America Specialty Vehicle Activity (Retired) and Mike Ableson - Vehicle Chief Engineer, GM Small and Midsize Trucks.
October 20, 2003 Orlando, Florida
Manheim's Florida Auto Auction of Orlando
The introduction of new vehicles always generates interest from the automotive press. SSR - already the subject of extensive coverage - and the unique Signature Series models will be sought after for drive reports and road test evaluations. This group of vehicles will be delegated to fulfilling requests by the enthusiast media, newspapers and electronic news outlets around the country. Documentation for each vehicle's pedigree could range from unpublished photos to copies of the publications featuring its SSR stories. This version, serial number 21 is signed by Glenn McMinn — GM Vehicle Performance Manager, SSR and Diane Faulman — Program Purchasing Manager, Specialty Vehicle, GM Worldwide Purchasing
October 23, 2003 Boston, Massachusetts
Adesa Boston
The introduction of new vehicles always generates interest from the automotive press. SSR - already the subject of extensive coverage - and the unique Signature Series models will be sought after for drive reports and road test evaluations. This group of vehicles will be delegated to fulfilling requests by the enthusiast media, newspapers and electronic news outlets around the country. Documentation for each vehicle's pedigree could range from unpublished photos to copies of the publications featuring its SSR stories. This version, serial number 25 is signed by Ari Kirsch — Senior Financial Analyst, GM North America Product Development and Gregory Thompson — Central Engineering Launch Manager, GM Manufacturing Program Management
October 30, 2003 Chicago, Illinois
Manheim's Arena Auto Auction
The introduction of new vehicles always generates interest from the automotive press. SSR - already the subject of extensive coverage - and the unique Signature Series models will be sought after for drive reports and road test evaluations. This group of vehicles will be delegated to fulfilling requests by the enthusiast media, newspapers and electronic news outlets around the country. Documentation for each vehicle's pedigree could range from unpublished photos to copies of the publications featuring its SSR stories. This version, serial number 22 is signed by Dick Raymond — GM Integration Manager for General Assembly and Tom Wilkinson — Director of Communications, Chevrolet
November 4, 2003 Dallas, Texas
Manheim's Dallas Auto Auction
The introduction of new vehicles always generates interest from the automotive press. SSR - already the subject of extensive coverage - and the unique Signature Series models will be sought after for drive reports and road test evaluations. This group of vehicles will be delegated to fulfilling requests by the enthusiast media, newspapers and electronic news outlets around the country. Documentation for each vehicle's pedigree could range from unpublished photos to copies of the publications featuring its SSR stories. This version, serial number 23 is signed by Tim Olson — Program Planning and Accessory Manager, GM Specialty Vehicle Activity and Glenn Pluhar — Body Shop Execution Engineering Group Manager, GM North American Vehicle Operations
November 19, 2003 Fontana, California
Manheim's Southern California Auto Auction
The introduction of new vehicles always generates interest from the automotive press. SSR - already the subject of extensive coverage - and the unique Signature Series models will be sought after for drive reports and road test evaluations. This group of vehicles will be delegated to fulfilling requests by the enthusiast media, newspapers and electronic news outlets around the country. Documentation for each vehicle's pedigree could range from unpublished photos to copies of the publications featuring its SSR stories. This version, serial number 24 is signed by Michael Bardo — Product Development Technician, GM Lansing Craft Centre and Kevin Dawson — Body Shop Launch Manager for SSR, GM Lansing Craft Centre
November 22, 2003 Dallas, Texas
Kruse / 31st Annual Dallas Collector Car Show & Auction
Street Art SSRs
Five of the 25 Signature Series SSRs are Chevrolet's Street Art SSRs – each representing a different area of the United States. Chevrolet has commissioned four local artists from each region of the country to create original pieces of artwork that depict the Signature Series SSR in situations and settings that showcase their region. In all, there will be 20 original works created for SSR across America – depicting geography, landmarks, people and culture in a variety of artistic styles and techniques. The Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) of each regional vehicle will be incorporated into the artwork.
Signatories:
VIN 7, South Central Region:
Ed Ivey – SSR Program Manager,
GM Specialty Vehicle Activity
Dave Bjerke – SSR Chief Engineer, ASC, Inc.
This Signature Series vehicle has traveled with the Chevrolet Rock & Roll Tour as it visited rock & roll landmark cities and events. The Chevrolet Rock & Roll Tour is a traveling exhibit celebrating 50 years of rock history combined with Chevrolet vehicles of the past and present. At select venues, rock artists and bands will take the stage and provide unique memorabilia for this vehicle's scrapbook. This unique SSR has been signed by Brian Fredline - President, UAW Local 1618 and D. Lee Webster - Personnel Manager, GM Lansing Craft Centre.
January 3, 2004 Ft. Lauderdale, Florida
Kruse / 30th Annual Collector Car Auction
Street Art SSRs
Five of the 25 Signature Series SSRs are Chevrolet's Street Art SSRs – each representing a different area of the United States. Chevrolet has commissioned four local artists from each region of the country to create original pieces of artwork that depict the Signature Series SSR in situations and settings that showcase their region. In all, there will be 20 original works created for SSR across America – depicting geography, landmarks, people and culture in a variety of artistic styles and techniques. The Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) of each regional vehicle will be incorporated into the artwork.
Signatories:
VIN 9, Southeast Region:
Russ Clark – Executive Director, Sales, Saturn/General Motors and former Marketing Director, SSR
Ted Robertson – Vice Chairman, Product Development, ASC, Inc. and former Chief Engineer, GM Midsize Trucks (Retired)
No information about VIN 14 seems to be available. It's possible that it's similar to VIN 3 and VIN 4, the Chevy racing and Indy Pace Car SSRs.
January 31, 2004 Scottsdale, Arizona
Kruse / 33rd Annual Collector Car Auction & Show
Stars Car SSR
This Signature Series SSR will be offered to various celebrities as their transportation to and from select high-profile events. From events such as movie premieres to awards shows, this SSR will definitely attract some attention.
Signatories:
Wayne Cherry – Vice President, GM Corporation, Design
Tom Kowaleski – Vice President, GM North America Communications
Street Art SSRs
Five of the 25 Signature Series SSRs are Chevrolet's Street Art SSRs – each representing a different area of the United States. Chevrolet has commissioned four local artists from each region of the country to create original pieces of artwork that depict the Signature Series SSR in situations and settings that showcase their region. In all, there will be 20 original works created for SSR across America – depicting geography, landmarks, people and culture in a variety of artistic styles and techniques. The Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) of each regional vehicle will be incorporated into the artwork.
Signatories:
VIN 10, Western Region:
Glen Durmisevich – SSR Design Manager, GM Design Center
Doug Ungemach – Chief Designer, ASC, Inc.
VIN 16 – Team Chevy SSR
This SSR Signature Series vehicle will share the spotlight with a “who’s who” of celebrities associated with Chevrolet, including members of the U.S. Soccer, Figure Skating and Ski Teams. Throughout its travels, this one-of-a-kind SSR will get a great deal of attention and will collect a host of photographs, autographs and memorabilia for its unique pedigree scrapbook.
Signatories:
Mike Knox – Chairman, UAW Local 1618, GM Lansing Craft Centre
Wayne McDonald – Plant Manager, GM Lansing Craft Centre
Hard RockŪ Hotel SSR VIN 18
To be displayed at the Hard Rock Hotel & Casino in Las Vegas, this Signature Series SSR will capture the attention of thousands of guests and visitors, as well as some of the high-profile musicians who perform at the hotel's concert venue, The Joint. Pedigree scrapbook items could include photos and signed memorabilia.
Signatories:
Tom Davis – Group Vice President, GM North America Product Development (Retired)
Tom Stephens – Group Vice President, GM Powertrain
