I always liked the styling on the HHR because my parents had a 1948 Chevrolet until they bought a new 1955. I figured it would be way overpriced like the SSR. [which looked like my fathers 1950 pickup] The local dealer couldn't get any until June 2006. When they finally got a couple, I stopped to look at them. When I found that they only had a 4 cyl engine I almost walked away. The salesman talked me into a test drive. I got to the highway on ramp and stepped the accelerator to the floor. I was pleasantly surprised at the amount of power the 2.4 liter puts out. There is even room to sit in the back seat and room for cargo without a high lift over height that so many of these newer vehicles have. I bought it on the spot.

The HHR is useful in so many ways. It hauls bulky things without having to remove seats. It is easier for older people to get in and out of, even the back seats. Easy on fuel and fits well in parking lots.

I was hoping they would work their way through the older Chevrolet designs like the 53, 55, 56, 57, 58, 59 and 61 models.

 

Unfortunately it would seem retro styling is over. Don't know of any retro styled cars that are in the works from any mfg.

 

All good things must come to an end, HHR owners are a unique bunch with unique vehicles. Once the last one rolls off the line an era will end, but for those of use who love them and drive them it shouldn't matter. Just because the last Corvair rolled off the line in '69 doesn't mean I like mine any less, and you just can't change that.

 

I look at it like I do my SSR.. another discontinued "retro" (in fact much of the HHR's styling cues came from the SSR which debutted in 2000 as a concept). Both get lots of looks and pleasant comments. I don't think that will go away. Although the SSR didn't have the production run or numbers the HHR has had, the style will still appeal to a lot of people, and now there isn't anything else like it coming out. So many of the new cars are only "me too" kinda design. We can be proud ours isn't like that. IMO

 

The new Fiat 500 that is coming here next year is retro. But it was never really sold here to start with and most people will think it as a new car.

Mini and the Beetle are both looking for ways to re intro the old magic in a new updated model. It is very hard to do. I am not sure if VW will find the magic but Mini will keep on as it is a fun to drive car with a large cult world wide to buy them.

 

I like the 'minis' especially the "S" versions..

But too small for being practical for me anyhow.. But the're "cute"..LOL

 

My dad claims he saw an HHR convertible when he used to deliver oil at one of the GM proving grounds.... GM may have been toying with the idea to compete agains the Cruiser convertible.

 

I had heard they had looked at doing one but too many issues. I never saw a picture of it.

 

Excellent to see some pride in workmanship!!!

I wonder who will get that last one? It sure would be neat to be thashing on a car and find a note like that on your transmission.

 

Wouldn't it be cool to have a small 2 door that was a shrunken 57 Bel-air or a small four-door that was a squeezed down 58 Impala?

I'd sure give em a look.