22-Years-Owned 1996 Chevrolet Camaro SS Hardtop 6-Speed

Description

When the all-new fourth-generation Camaro Z28 outran the 1993 Mustang Cobra in a Car and Driver comparison test, GM enthusiasts knew they had something special. Camaro’s 5.7L LT1 V8 made big torque and horsepower, and beneath the wedge-shaped body was a track-ready front short/long arm and rear torque arm suspension with monotube shocks, four-wheel disc brakes, 16" wheels, and sticky tires. And the interior felt more like a cockpit with low, bolstered buckets and a hooded instrument cluster with full analog gauges.

GM was just getting started: in 1996 it contracted with aftermarket powerhouse SLP to create the faster, more exclusive Camaro SS. Major upgrades included an aggressive hood with cold air induction intake, ZR-1 style wheels, a rear spoiler, and SS badging. With the optional exhaust system, the SS put out 310 horses and 325 lb-ft. of torque, and Car and Driver exclaimed, “The SS chalked up a 0-to-60-mph clocking of 4.9 seconds, smack dab in Corvette ZR-1 territory at half the price.”

This example was not equipped from the factory in a T-Top configuration and was instead built with a fixed roof. It is finished in Bright Red with Graphite leather upholstery, and it has traveled approximately 93,000 miles. Number 899 of only 2,410 built for 1996, it is equipped with the 310-hp V8 backed by a six-speed manual transmission, as well as additional SLP upgrades for increased performance. It has received extensive maintenance in the last year to prepare it for its next owner, as detailed below.

This 1996 Chevrolet Camaro SS Hardtop is now offered with a clean CARFAX Vehicle History Report, service records since 2012, owner’s manuals, parts manuals, a car cover, and a clean Nebraska title in the seller’s name.

Highlights

• First year of the low-production, high-powered, fourth-gen Camaro SS

• Number 899 of 2,410 built in 1996

• Finished in (81U) Bright Red with Graphite leather interior

• Non-T-Top configuration

• 5.7L LT1 V8 factory rated when new at 310 hp and 325 lb-ft of torque

• 6-speed manual transmission

• 17” chrome 5-spoke wheels now wearing BFGoodrich g-Force T/A tires

• Clean CARFAX Vehicle History Report

Factory Equipment

• (R7T) SS package includes:

  • 305-horsepower LT1 V8

  • Composite hood with functional scoop and cold air induction tubing

  • New rear decklid spoiler

  • 17x9" ZR1-style five-spoke wheels with SS center caps

  • Larger front anti-sway bar and revised rear track

  • Synthetic engine oil

  • Exterior SS badging

  • Interior console plaque listing production number

  • Camaro SS key fobs  

• Also equipped with the following additional SS options:

  • Performance Exhaust (added an additional 5 hp)

  • Hurst performance shifter

  • Torsen differential

  • Oil cooler package

  • SS floor mats

Modifications

• BeCool #60028 aluminum radiator

• K&N engine air filter

Servicing & Documentation

• According to the seller and the included CARFAX Vehicle History Report, the following service has been performed within the last year:

  • Degreased engine

  • Replaced harmonic balancer hub

  • Upgraded engine and transmission mounts with urethane versions

  • Replaced and resealed engine gaskets including rear main, intake, front cover, valve cover, and oil pan gaskets

  • Replaced oil pressure sender

  • Replaced exhaust pipe gaskets

  • Changed engine oil and filter and replaced oil drain plug

  • Changed transmission fluid

  • Optispark distributor cap and rotor, spark plugs, and wires

  • Replaced stock radiator with BeCool aluminum radiator

  • Replaced thermostat and coolant

  • Cleaned throttle body

  • Upgraded front and rear suspension bushings and track bar bushings

  • Brake system flush

  • Replaced rear differential seal and fluid

  • Wheel alignment

  • Recharged A/C system 

• Additional servicing includes:

  • April 2023:

    • Battery installed

  • March 2022:

    • Headliner replaced

    • FM modulator for iPod installed

  • December 2021:

    • Hood lift supports installed

  • August 2020:

    • Front tires installed

  • October 2018:

    • A/C compressor replaced

  • August 2013:

    • Bilstein shocks installed 

• Clean CARFAX Vehicle History report

Known Imperfections

• Paint chips and scuffs on body

• Driver seat bolster is worn

• Headliner sags in some places (metal braces currently help keep it in place)

Ownership History

The accompanying CARFAX Vehicle History Report places this 1996 Chevrolet Camaro SS in Colorado and Nebraska. The car was acquired by the seller in February 2004.

Included Items

• Owner’s manuals

• Camaro SS supplement

• Aftermarket parts manuals

• Car cover

• Service records beginning in 2012

Additional Information

The seller states, “This vehicle was purchased from the original owner in February 2004. It is an SLP (Street Legal Performance) modified vehicle, number 899. The 6-speed manual transmission allows the car to accelerate easily while also providing great highway cruising. At 75 mph on the highway, it is not unusual to get better than 27 mpg. With the repairs and modifications provided, this car can be safely driven anywhere.”