Retail production will begin, as reported, in early 2003, ramping up eventually to 10,000 to 12,000 units per year. However, the first model year (2003) will see only 2,500 units, with 5,000 more being produced in calendar year 2003 as 2004 models. Only one first-model-year (2003) SSR will be given to any particular dealer, and only dealers who sold at least 500 retail Chevrolet cars and trucks in calendar year 2001 (a figure which may be modified based on actual production) will get a single 2003 model year SSR. Only 250 retail sales will need to have been made to get a 2004 model (also made in 2003), and dealers will be able to receive more than one vehicle - again, based on sales. By the 2004 calendar year, dealers can receive up to nine SSRs each (a mix of 2004 and 2005 model years), depending on sales, and every Chevrolet dealer will have received at least one 2004 or 2005 SSR.

Based on this, if you are in the #2 slot at a dealer, it is very unlikely you will receive a 2003 SSR, and you may not even get a 2004 any time soon.

(The 2004 calendar year sales chart: sell 500 vehicles, get two SSRs; sell 750, get three; sell 1,250, get five; sell 1,750, get six; sell 2,000, get eight; sell 2,500, get nine.)

Note that GM's official dealer communication states "As our production schedule becomes solidified near the end of this year, Chevrolet will provide more definitive and specific numbers and timing on SSR distribution. While we understand this information is not specific, we felt we should provide this initial distribution plan to you so that you can handle customer relationships appropriately."

Based on these numbers, we expect that people will be paying double list price for early SSRs. Considering that PT Cruisers sold for $15,000 over list in their early days, even though everyone knew it was a standard-production vehicle, the more limited 2003 SSR will most likely have absurdly high markups and resale values. Even the 2004s will no doubt command a premium, regardless of the MSRP.

Some interesting options include a windbreak, running boards - which really help the appearance - a soft cargo compartment with customized wood, aluminum, or body-color strips, and an auxiliary gauge pack mounted in the dashboard by the shifter, which both provides additional information and boosts the "hot rod" feel. GM will also sell custom vehicle colors. All these options are regular production options or regular production accessories, meaning they will be included in the window label and vehicle invoice, and come with the GM vehicle warranty if installed prior to delivery by the factory or the dealer.