This tribute was written and sent to me by Scott Settlemire about a very special black SS. Below the story is one of the posters made of this awesome car:
"He was born a star...in February during the cold brutal months that are so characteristic of Ste. Therese in suburban Montreal. There were a few before him, but he was the first of his particular kind. Number 100014. As he roared to life, I’m sure some heads turned, because you see, he was the first with an LS1 engine and the performance exhaust system. Those before him, for the most part, had the L36 engine. His voice was loud and powerful...perhaps more refined in some ways. ( I say "he" because anything this muscular -- that roars this loud had better be male.....) He was a part of the "pilot build" for 1998.
A quick trip to LaSalle allowed him to breathe better with a new induction system.
He then passed through Detroit on his way to California on the way to stardom.....to get a final cleanup and inspection. I remember the day I first saw him....he was with a few of his brothers in a warehouse waiting to be taken to Van Nuys. His Onyx Black finish was spotless...and one turn of the key and I knew he’d capture the hearts of many.
For the next three years, he graced the pages of the Camaro Brochure. The first year he was proudly running down the road with rain on his ‘skin’ that looked almost like sweat on a running back‘s face. He graced the back of the 1998 Camaro poster.....and was featured in magazine ads. And he was the SS on the 2000 Camaro poster ...with the tagline "33 years of Total Domination." He also was featured on a desert shot with others very much like him.
To this day, there is evidence of the sandstorm that he was subjected to after that desert photo-shoot. Two years later, through the magic of computers, we tinted him Navy Blue and photoshop’d new wheels on him. He looked very menacing sitting there in an alley next to a warehouse late at night.
Many people admired the many pictures of him....and waited patiently for others just like him to be built. Others dreamed of owning him one day. All the while, he spent most of the time in a warehouse in Van Nuys....very close to where millions of his predecessors had roared to life years before.
I summoned him to Detroit one day, to look him over and turn him over to a few companies to see what they could do to make him run faster...stop quicker...and bellow louder under full acceleration.
They improved his breathing with special exhausts and airbox. They supercharged him and gave him an intercooler. They gave him killer brakes, and a new set of wheels and performance tires. They lowered his ride height...and then they put him in magazines to show the owners of his brothers, sisters, and cousins how to improve the performance of their Camaro or Firebird.
He then toured the country on the Hot Rod Power tour.....and appeared at many Fcar gatherings. After the Super Chevy Cruise to Las Vegas a few years ago, I sent him to Florida where he appeared in the showroom of WorldWide Camaro. Last year, he put an appearance at the National Corvette Museum’s Annual Fcar gathering.....and then he came back to Detroit and spent the winter in another warehouse amongst other historic Chevrolets and other GM cars and trucks.
I went to see him on Friday. His cover was removed and quite frankly, he looked like an exotic panther...ready to spring into action. One turn of the key and he filled the warehouse with what I’d describe as ‘music to my ears.’
I drove him home for one last time.
You see, next week, he’ll meet his fate. He’ll be no longer....just a memory in my mind....
His pictures will still be kept lovingly in brochures and on posters. And of course, one of the "proof" pictures will continue to reside on the wall in my home office.
I washed him today....removed his roof panels and went for a long ride. The whistle of his Vortech Supercharger was unmistakable. The Onyx Black paint and lowered ride height made him stand apart from mere cars. He got envious stares from many....a Mustang growled as it went by in the other direction.....little did the driver know that this was no ordinary SS. Several pre-teen boys on bicycles ogled him in the parking lot of a 7-11...with a ‘nice car, mister’ from several of them. Other Camaro and Firebird drivers gave me the "thumbs up" (as I did to them) as we passed. A neighbor with a Mustang yelled "beautiful car!" from his driveway.
He seemed to beg for me to push him to the limit, but knowing that the rear tires were well worn from many passes down the strip, I knew he’d be nearly broadside if I did. We settled for a few quick run-ups on I-94.....and a few fast entrances onto that freeway.
Tomorrow, I’ll take him to see some of his brothers and sisters and cousins that are owned by some of the members of Street Lethal Performance. We’ll cruise Gratiot Avenue....just as millions have done before. He’ll look great.....he’ll sound great....and he’ll perform great.
It saddens me that when I turn his keys back in, I’ll never see him again.
Perhaps parts of his composite body panels will be in someone’s kitchen floor. Perhaps part of his steel will be used in a new building....a bridge perhaps.....or a new appliance. His glass may find itself in another car. Perhaps his aluminum "heart" will one day carry a cold beverage.
Who knows?
I tell myself that I’ll see many more like him at Camaro shows around the country, after all, Onyx Black is a very popular color.
But I know better. Each one off the line, believe it or not, has its own personality of sorts. No two are quite exactly the same.
So I’ll treasure this weekend with him. I’ll try not to think of what’s about to happen.
But the memory will live on.
Goodbye, my wonderful, handsome friend, goodbye.........."
Posted by xero (Member # 2001) on :
where and why is it going???
Posted by Fbodfather (Member # 1119) on :
It is a development car...and as such, is marked 'unsaleable'....furthermore, it MIGHT no longer conform to 1998 safety/emissions/fuel economy standards...and we as a manufacturer, cannot sell it.
So............
Posted by KurtK (Member # 1779) on :
quote:Originally posted by Fbodfather: It is a development car...and as such, is marked 'unsaleable'....furthermore, it MIGHT no longer conform to 1998 safety/emissions/fuel economy standards...and we as a manufacturer, cannot sell it.
So............
Can it be donated to a collection or museum?
Out here there's the Blackhawk Auto Museum in Danville... Blackhawk Auto Museum or Peterson's in SoCal
Posted by Fbodfather (Member # 1119) on :
unfortunately, no. Title would have to pass...and as a manufacturer, we can't allow it to reach commerce.
Posted by xero (Member # 2001) on :
quote:Originally posted by Fbodfather: It is a development car...and as such, is marked 'unsaleable'....furthermore, it MIGHT no longer conform to 1998 safety/emissions/fuel economy standards...and we as a manufacturer, cannot sell it.
So............
btw its a good story.. I'll trade you my Ws3 for it! I am wayyyy over due for a V8
[ 17. April 2004, 08:29 PM: Message edited by: xero ]
Posted by 67&02 (Member # 1570) on :
I don't need no stinking title!
Thanks for the post
Posted by TimeLord (Member # 1389) on :
That is sad!!!
[ 17. April 2004, 09:51 PM: Message edited by: TimeLord ]
Posted by Blu SS 98 (Member # 1812) on :
And this Scott is why I am so glad 98 SS #4, 1st "saleable" convertible is in my hand now, where he will remain forever.
Posted by ss_rs_z (Member # 1888) on :
Beautiful story. I have that poster and wish I could hve the car. Posted by 99 HOSS (Member # 109) on :
Scott, you could donate it to the 'LoCash Racing Assoc' and I promise that it will always be trailered to some of the fastest road courses in America and never hit the streets. Posted by Hawkeye (Member # 88) on :
Kinda like losing an old friend. Sad, but he gave his life for the betterment of the species.
Posted by Doug Harden (Member # 1796) on :
Tell me your going to save his "organs" so that he can let "others' live through him....ya' get my drift?
Great story bud.....sux big time though to have to do this kinda' stuff....
BTW, Old Red (my 94) might be finding a new home soon.....looks like that dream of a C5 might be getting closer....I just turned 47 (on tax day...yeah, it's always suxed), so mid-life crisis here I come.....
[ 18. April 2004, 08:25 AM: Message edited by: Doug Harden ]
Posted by Elie Garfinkel (Member # 1635) on :
Is the same one? This is the ad that probably put me over the brink in '98 to get an SS. The first time I saw it, I just froze! Luckily, I was able to get a couple of different copies of this from GM's ad agency and they are up on my office wall. If that was the car in the ad, then I certainly have an emotional tie to it!
Best regardSS,
Elie
Posted by 97 SS LT1 (Member # 136) on :
quote:Originally posted by ss_rs_z: Beautiful story. I have that poster and wish I could hve the car.
That is a sad but beautiful story. I also have that same poster w/ Scott's signature and date from when he signed it, I will treasure it for a long time.
Posted by Oh2xSSivLS1 (Member # 1915) on :
quote:Originally posted by 99 HOSS: Scott, you could donate it to the 'LoCash Racing Assoc' and I promise that it will always be trailered to some of the fastest road courses in America and never hit the streets.
I hope we have a winner here.
Posted by Mike2001SS (Member # 2088) on :
I know how you feel Scott and thats a sad day. Really had to part with a good friend if you get my drift
Posted by 2002Z4CSS (Member # 1393) on :
Wow, I saw that SS today and read that letter that Scott had typed up. It was very sad know this cars fate is near.Reading that, darn near put a tear in my eyes. His younger brother was proud to be parked next to him as well as all of his other brothers and cousins. The crowd of specators at the show constantly stopped by to see him...many not knowing his fate. Scott was nice enough to take me for a ride in him. What a nice car. I have some pictures I will post later.These memories of him will burn into my memory forever.
[ 18. April 2004, 08:11 PM: Message edited by: 2002Z4CSS ]
Posted by csmith4153 (Member # 2087) on :
quote:Originally posted by cytruffle: the magic of computers, we tinted him Navy Blue and photoshop’d new wheels on him.
I always wonder why there was a Navy Blue SS with red emblems in a Brochure
[ 18. April 2004, 09:30 PM: Message edited by: csmith4153 ]
Posted by cytruffle (Member # 1733) on :
OK....this may be stupid....but I prayed for a CAR last night......I can only hope that this car can be saved, but from what I hear, it can't....
I just don't get it..... Posted by MY02SSLE (Member # 2178) on :
quote:Originally posted by 2002Z4CSS: Wow, I saw that SS today and read that letter that Scott had typed up. It was very sad know this cars fate is near.Reading that, darn near put a tear in my eyes. His younger brother was proud to be parked next to him as well as all of his other brothers and cousins. The crowd of specators at the show constantly stopped by to see him...many not knowing his fate. Scott was nice enough to take me for a ride in him. What a nice car. I have some pictures I will post later.These memories of him will burn into my memory forever.
I know, it was so hard to read that letter, then to look up and see that beautiful SS. I will have that picture of he and I framed.
He will live on in the memory of everyone who saw him...
Posted by SSHEETS (Member # 1989) on :
quote:Originally posted by Fbodfather: unfortunately, no. Title would have to pass...and as a manufacturer, we can't allow it to reach commerce.
How about if you just leave the keys in him and I steal him
Sad story Scott, sad story. Posted by 2002Z4CSS (Member # 1393) on :
Here is a picture of that once famous Camaro SS. It was very cool to get a ride in that car yesterday. The whine from the Vortec Supercharger is music to the ears.
Posted by csmith4153 (Member # 2087) on :
Why dont GM just let it sit in one of those warehouse's with all of the other cars that Gm dont do anything with?
Posted by Sparks (Member # 2028) on :
I've got that car's 02, blk, 1LE, A4 brother and if that story doesn't bring a little tear to your eye you just don't get the Camaro legend. Evidence? Last month I felt like I needed to loan an extra car to a realative for a few years to help his family out. He's driving the 02 Z06 to work everyday....Black Beauty stayed with me. Most people don't understand that. And never will.... unfortunately.
Posted by Steve da Wrench (Member # 1301) on :
Such a sad ending to such a neat car. Sorry to hear about it, Scott.
Posted by twobratSS (Member # 2180) on :
No words, just .
Posted by obseSSed (Member # 2276) on :
quote:Originally posted by Sparks: I've got that car's 02, blk, 1LE, A4 brother and if that story doesn't bring a little tear to your eye you just don't get the Camaro legend.
I couldn't agree with you more. I actually sniffled and had to wipe my eyes. If anybody had walked in here and saw me, asked..and found out why I was upset..they more than likely would've laughed and said "you and those stupid cars" (as they have before)....people are so ignorant
Posted by obseSSed (Member # 2276) on :
quote:Originally posted by Elie Garfinkel: Is the same one?
if that's the same one..the i also have him on my desktop
Posted by poSSum (Member # 119) on :
Posted by Fbodfather (Member # 1119) on :
Yup...that's him.
So...I'm not the only one that's nuts, huh???
Ms. Cytruffle and I talked after she posted the article...and I was sure someone would have me locked up.......
(well....they MAY still do that....for other reasons, perhaps......)
Posted by cytruffle (Member # 1733) on :
Nossir.....as you can see, we all love these cars to pieces. If you want me to, I can print this thread and send it to you as part of your Camaro-collection project.
Posted by OBSSD (Member # 1258) on :
I'm always bummed to hear when special cars like that get scrapped...and a Camaro to boot...ARGH! There must be a way to save it...abduction, anyone?
Posted by twobratSS (Member # 2180) on :
Will there be an opportunity to purchase those posters at BG? I've been DYING to get some and put them in the garage. Where could I get some?
Posted by WayneSS01 (Member # 734) on :
What a waste of pure american-heart-thumping-fire-breathing (with the A/C on) muscle. Truly sad. Posted by Bill Mason (Member # 1807) on :
I read this yesterday, and it did bring a tear to my eye. It really saddened me to hear about the pending demise of a great special car like this.
While I understand the business reasons for it.....going away, the lack of desire to keep such a piece of corporate history is much harder to understand.
Hhhhmmm......remembering the "fate" of one certian Billy Bob.....how could that happen again???
Posted by Xsta Z 28 (Member # 740) on :
Posted by 2002Z4CSS (Member # 1393) on :
I read that letter out loud at last nights EMCC meeting. Really shows how much passion Scott has for the Camaro and it shows in his job. Posted by Steven2000SS (Member # 780) on :
Such a shame.. do all the parts get crushed? (brakes, supercharger, custom wheels)??? GM should cut it up, sell the autographed bits in an auction and donate the $$ to charity..
That would eliminate the title problem and the car would still live on in a way Posted by Elie Garfinkel (Member # 1635) on :
quote:Originally posted by OBSSD: I'm always bummed to hear when special cars like that get scrapped...and a Camaro to boot...ARGH! There must be a way to save it...abduction, anyone?
LOL! That's my desktop as well! You wanna abduct it, Cy?!? Check out my avatar... I'm an expert on this topic...
Best regardSS,
Elie
Posted by HotWheelSS aka HTWLSS (Member # 117) on :
Maybe Scott could "carelessly" leave the car parked somewhere for an hour or two and it could "accidently" get parted out.....
Posted by 2002Z4CSS (Member # 1393) on :
Yeah, but around here you could go to jail over that. I even offered to donate some older brake parts and tire and wheels. Posted by blkragss02 (Member # 1801) on :
Very sad, why did it have to be BLACK!!!
Posted by HotWheelSS aka HTWLSS (Member # 117) on :
quote:Originally posted by 2002Z4CSS: Yeah, but around here you could go to jail over that. I even offered to donate some older brake parts and tire and wheels.
I was kidding! Posted by CaminoLS6 (Member # 2041) on :
It is really a shame that this society is so bent on finding someone liable whenever possible. Some kind of reform and bulletproof protection for the manufacturers should be available so this kind of thing need not happen. That black SS is a significant part of Camaro/Firebird history and the fact that no one can own it and it has to be destroyed like some kind of virus is absurd. I'm glad that I was able to play a part in saving a certain red prototype last year. Thanks for signing it and my little piece of F-car history at the last SLP race day Scott. Wish I could help you save "Onyx". I do have a thing for black.
Posted by 2002Z4CSS (Member # 1393) on :
quote:Originally posted by HotWheelSS aka HTWLSS:
quote:Originally posted by 2002Z4CSS: Yeah, but around here you could go to jail over that. I even offered to donate some older brake parts and tire and wheels.
I was kidding!
I knew that Teri. Notice the big smiley face in the original reply. Posted by HotWheelSS aka HTWLSS (Member # 117) on :
quote:Originally posted by 2002Z4CSS: Notice the big smiley face in the original reply.
Speaking of smileys......I emailed J.R. a big batch, but he probably hasn't had the chance to make them available to us yet.
Posted by JohnS (Member # 1073) on :
quote:Originally posted by blkragss02: Very sad, why did it have to be BLACK!!!
There are other colors?????? Posted by DGOETZ (Member # 1846) on :
Certainly parts can be remove from the car or is even that a no no ?
Posted by 2002Z4CSS (Member # 1393) on :
quote:Originally posted by DGOETZ: Certainly parts can be remove from the car or is even that a no no ?
Believe me...I asked if I could swap some of the parts from that SS. I would imaging that GM may keep the wheels,brakes and supercharger. Posted by CaminoLS6 (Member # 2041) on :
Can't GM find a few square feet to store this car in? I mean don't they have an Aztek showcar to crush?
Posted by 2002Z4CSS (Member # 1393) on :
quote:Originally posted by CaminoLS6: Can't GM find a few square feet to store this car in? I mean don't they have an Aztek showcar to crush?
I mentioned to Scott that GM could pay me $650 per month to store some nice cars instead of $650 per day! That would help pay for a nice huge pole barn. Posted by Blu SS 98 (Member # 1812) on :
I saw that at the Barrett-Jackson auction that they auctioned off some cars that could not be titled, they were ex cars. Why couldn't they have done that with this car? I am sure they could have gotten a little money for it.
Posted by FireChicken (Member # 2067) on :
Doesnt GM keep a car museum full of old classics and its concept cars? This one definetly belongs in a collection somewhere.
You know, if someone left a warehouse door open, and it disappeard, you know, mysteriously like? That could happen...?
Posted by CaminoLS6 (Member # 2041) on :
quote:Originally posted by 2002Z4CSS:
quote:Originally posted by CaminoLS6: Can't GM find a few square feet to store this car in? I mean don't they have an Aztek showcar to crush?
I mentioned to Scott that GM could pay me $650 per month to store some nice cars instead of $650 per day! That would help pay for a nice huge pole barn.
I'd be happy to store it as well,it would look good next to the 'Hawk.
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I am wayyyy over due for a V8 ![[Frown]](frown.gif)
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