1999 Chevrolet Camaro

1999 Chevrolet Camaro SS Convertible  The fourth generation SS was introduced in 1996 in conjunction with SLP performance and included some upgrades to the already potent Z28.  Forced air induction on the 1999 model meant 15 extra horses put out by the 5.7 liter V8 and a distinctive hood scoop meant you were looking at the top dog of the Camaro line.  For consignment, a 1999 Chevrolet Camaro SS convertible with a title verified 94,396 actual miles.  Only 437 convertible SS's with automatics were produced in '99, making it somewhat rare.  Cloth seats were also uncommon in Camaro SS of the time and are original to the car, this one represents less than 400 cars in this spec.   Exterior The most common color of all '99 Camaros, Black covers the car and has a tan canvas top.  Often called the catfish Camaro, this generation had a gaping grille and wide set headlights and a low flat nose resembling a catfish.  This face, however, is accentuated by the aggressive, sculpted hood scoop which is like a calling card for muscle.  The SS emblem on the side is subtle but definitive and this car is equipped with 18inch chrome Corvette ZR1 wheels with big 'ol 275/50/18 tires.  The SS wing is a favorite feature because it is beautifully integrated into the trunk lid of the car with a narrow induction zone and a much higher lift off of the rear.  Black trimmed tail lights complement the monochromatic black tail.  In the demerit column, we note various scrapes, blemishes, inclusions and scratches on the paint but nothing a good detailer could not remedy.  The top, however, is in worse shape with tears, discoloration, stretched seams and a myriad of issues that likely warrant replacement.   Interior Various shades of tan plastic make up the door panel that also has a black section which houses all of the controls and door actuator.  The tan cloth bucket seats are in good condition and have patterned cloth inserts.  The 2+2 rear seats are also in good shape.  We do note one, small cigarette burn on the rear passengers seat lower.  The standard black steering wheel fronts the dash and is sculpted for good grip.  The basic gauge cluster has essential readouts and the center stack is textbook period GM with big plastic charcoal buttons on the AM/FM/CD radio and simple knobs on the heater/AC panel.  The automatic shifter is housed in a molded plastic center console which, of course, has a storage bin, armrest, and cup holder.  Low pile tan carpet covers the floor in decent shape with matching carpeted floor mats which have absorbed incoming dirt as the driver's side shows some staining.  The trunk is lined with flannel covered molded panels and is in clean condition.   Drivetrain Gulping air from the hood scoop is the 5.7 liter LS1 V8 rated at 310 horsepower, fed fuel via electronic fuel injection, and tied to the GM's venerable 4L60E 4-speed automatic transmission.  Power culminates at the rear wheels with a 10-bolt rear with 3.23 gears with Positraction.  Under the hood, familiar set back positioning of the block while air induction, cooling, and other components live up front under plastic covers.   Power disc brakes occupy every corner.  Undercarriage This SS has been driven and loved and the underside provides the evidence. Plenty of surface rust and driver quality conditions underneath. The dual exhaust joins as one then enters a large Flowmaster muffler in the back which sends out two tentacles that become two exhaust pipes.  Independent suspension in front has coil springs while the rear has torque arm suspension with coil springs.   Drive-Ability The big V8 fired right up and we clicked the familiar shifter into drive and did a lap around the loop.  Even with 94,000 miles, the car feels relatively tight.  Very good acceleration and cornering mixed with a comfortable cabin and the potential of going topless make this an attractive buy.  We do note the air conditioning did not blow