More Information Please: 1986 Chevrolet Camaro IROC-Z With 16k Original Miles
Some classics pose as many questions as they answer. That is the case with this 1986 Camaro IROC-Z. Its presentation looks excellent, and the seller claims it has a genuine 16,000 miles on the odometer. Beyond that, they leave us flying blind and begging for more. The Camaro is listed here on Craigslist in Oakdale, New York. They have set their price at $16,500, and I must say a big thank you to Barn Finder Mitchell G for spotting this mystery machine.
This IROC-Z rolled off the line during the fifth year of Third Generation Camaro production. The company made no significant changes to the package, with only a few minor cosmetic upgrades. This car presents exceptionally well in its original shade of Code 40 White. The paint retains a healthy shine with no significant marks or problems. Even the prone front bumper has avoided the accumulation of stone chips and scratches that often plague these vehicles. The panels are straight, and there is no evidence or mention of rust. This IROC-Z features a glass sunroof and a rear window louver, both common modifications performed by owners during the 1980s. The plastic and glass are in good order, and the wheels are free from stains and marks.
The mystery surrounding this IROC-Z deepens when we consider its mechanical specifications. The seller supplies no engine photos, and the listing description only runs to thirteen words. Beyond confirming that the car recently received new brakes and tires, we know it runs and drives well. All IROCs came equipped with a V8 under the hood, with this car sending its power to the rear wheels via a four-speed automatic transmission. Buyers could choose from several versions of the 305ci powerplant, although there was also a 350ci option. Power output ranged from 155hp to 220hp, with the least potent producing a 16.7-second ¼-mile ET and the largest V8 slashing the figure to 15.1 seconds. The seller claims the car has a genuine 16,000 miles on the clock, but as with so many aspects of this classic, they don’t indicate whether they hold verifying evidence.
If this Camaro’s interior is original and unrestored, its overall condition makes the mileage claim seem plausible. There is no visible upholstery wear or damage. The outer edges of the front seats are a known weakness when it comes to wear, and these look excellent. The carpet is spotless beyond a few leaves, while the remaining upholstered surfaces continue the consistent theme of impressive presentation. There is no crumbling plastic or evidence of aftermarket additions. Potential buyers receive power windows, power mirrors, cruise control, a tilt wheel, and an AM/FM radio/cassette player.
Classics like this 1986 Camaro IROC-Z leave me feeling frustrated. The car looks in exceptional condition for its age, and the odometer reading, although not the lowest we’ve ever seen, helps set it apart from many examples on the market. However, the seller has hurt their sales prospects courtesy of their listing. The price appears highly competitive, but it has been on the market for two weeks, suggesting the poor photos and lack of specific information have put off potential buyers. We must hope they are approachable and willing to answer questions. Otherwise, they may struggle to secure a buyer. That’s a shame because this classic shows a lot of promise.
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Comments
Posted 15 days ago, GLWS.
Might not have sold the car for more reasons then bad pics , who knows. Never cared for this generation. I used to call them door stops because of their shape.Thats just me though.The next generation was a lot nicer to the eyes imo and were much more refined .Used to to eat these for lunch and dinner depending upon my shift at Firestone with my 66 ss396 Impala 4 speed when I was 18.Bought a junk 85 IROC for 300.00 about 25 years ago for the engine which was the 350 tpi.Car did good smoke shows and rr track jumps.Sold the engine which ended up in a 62 bel air bubble coupe.Scrapped and parted the rest.
I have an ’87 Trans Am GTA. I don’t think I ever saw anyone have one of those sunroofs installed in an Iroc or Trans Am around that time. I remeber the louvers. The Iroc was always a more common sight than a GTA. The Iroc’s were very popular and to find a low mileage original example at that price doesn’t seem very bad at all. Think about it. Where can you find a nearly new car (if mileage is accurate) for $16500? My guess if it has not sold yet, is that something else is off with this car. Alot of guys in the mid to late 50’s had Iroc’s and would love to live those days again. I just think that instead of a sunroof, I would have opted for the T-Tops.
None of the usual high mileage indicators seem to be visible in the pics, so I’d probably go along with the low mile claim. The sunroof is a minus, and the side moulding has been added. The 5.7 didn’t arrive until ’87, which is really when the cars started to come into their own.
I have a soft spot for these cars, however the sad truth is that you can buy a high mileage used charger r/t for about the same money that would be a faster, safer, and more reliable daily driver than this camaro.
Satélite glass t-top. From 90’s
Safelite
In the 80’s there was a Iroc Camaro Z-28 and a regular Z-28. Unless I am seeing wrong because the pictures are pretty rough, this looks like a regular Z-28 and not an Iroc Z-28. The factory Iroc Z-28 stickers are not on the side. The mileage claim after looking the car over with the bad pictures looks pretty believable but documentation is definitely need to know for sure ! The 5.7 liter engine wasn’t available until 1987 so this is probably the dog 5.0 liter from that time. They weren’t very fast. The 5.0 Mustangs were much faster and put the 5.0 Camaros to shame on a regular basis. There also by the Chevy logo on the hood appears to be something going on there. Looks like a bulge the size of a softball. Maybe it’s the lousy pictures. A much better presentation is needed to sell this car.
I had a 91 Z28 back in the day, the same color as this one but by 91 I was able to get the L98 5.7, 245hp and it was auto as you couldn’t get the 5.7 with a stick. I remember I had to have the tranny rebuilt at like 77k miles and even though it was the fastest car I ever owned at the time it’s performance wasn’t very impressive. This one could be legitimate miles. The nose is off color and that could be the different materials but then again the front spoiler isn’t discolored so possibly something went on there. The sunroof I am not a fan of and I never cared for the louvers either (I did have them on a 85 TA and they just blocked my view). Yes I also noticed the IROC stickers missing..GLWTA
I see the Iroc Z door decal on the driver’s door. I believe it is also on the passenger door but the camera angle makes it hard to see. Definitely would benefit from taking the car outside in the sun and taking better photos. I used to think the 5.7 wasn’t available with T-Tops and a manual. I believe that I was proven wrong years ago that T-Tops were available with the 5.7, just the manual trans wasn’t.
I see the Iroc Z door decal on the driver’s door. I believe it is also on the passenger door but the camera angle makes it hard to see. Definitely would benefit from taking the car outside in the sun and take better photos.
So squeaky. Poorly built cars. The engine is a fuel sucking slow ancient V8 with all life sucked out.
I am having trouble with anything beyond half the asking price, if its really nice.
I tend to believe the miles, but it sure looks repainted to me.
An ’86 IROC – hold onto your hats!