Only 3,400 Miles! 1986 Chevrolet Camaro IROC-Z
In the mid-1980s, Chevrolet introduced the IROC-Z, an option on the Camaro Z28. The car took advantage of the manufacturer’s association with the International Race of Champions, hence the IROC name. The 1986 edition would be the most popular in terms of sales, with nearly 50,000 deliveries that year. This example has just 3,400 miles, having been purchased from an elderly gentleman who had held onto it forever. Located in San Mateo, California, this Camaro runs great and has its original paint, including the requisite patina after 38 years. It’s available here on craigslist for $18,500. Another fine tip brought to us by T.J.!
The IROC-Z was built during the third generation of the Camaro, which was in production from 1982 to 1992. The dynamics of muscle cars had changed a lot from their heyday in the 1960s, so the 1980s Camaro leaned toward a greater focus on economy, although they were still potent given the measuring stick of the 1980s. Early IROC-Zs had a 305 cubic inch V8, but it was upgraded to produce 225 hp rather than the standard 190. Where the car excelled was in the handling department, even better than the “regular” Z28.
As the story goes, this Camaro was mostly idle from the 1990s forward. The original owner had hesitated to sell it, but we suspect age had become a factor in the final decision to let go. The current owner (aka seller) has decided to thin the herd since acquiring this Chevy, so it’s ready to move to its third home. The last time the California “blue plates” were registered was in 1992. The seller got the car going again and it has recently passed CA smog tests.
Because the vehicle spent considerable time outside, the paint has begun to change, but there are no dents or rust. The original interior is practically flawless, but you’ll want to change out the tires as they’re the ones the Camaro came with when new. The car is well-documented including its build sheet from 1986. If you like this generation of the Chevy Camaro and want to get one of the faster ones from the era, this IROC-Z may be it (except for ones sold after 1987 with a Corvette 350 V8).
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Comments
More like 103,000 miles or more, buyer beware.
So my initial reaction was the same and I’m still skeptical but if those are original (date-coded) eagle gatorbacks it may be legit. If it is legit it is downright depressing the degree of abandonment and neglect this car received.
Thats less than 100 miles per yr.
The mileage / ownership can easily be checked with a CarFax.
Any serious buyer should pay for one.
I’ve purchased one for every used car I’ve ever bought.
Unless there is documentation to verify the mileage it’s hard to justify the asking price. There have been nice 305 IROC’s selling for less lately. If your going to pay a premium, don’t compromise, especially in a softening market, get the best example you can find and afford.
Steve R
Why would the market be softening?
If it snows in San Mateo, the trunk scraper looks ready to go.
P.S.- I used to live in San Mateo, so there is no need to correct me on the climate. :)
If the mileage claim is true, and it may be looking at some of the tell tale signs, this car deserves a new paint job and new decals etc.
A lot of the wear does indeed look like it is from sitting outside and not use.
For that mileage it needs to look new.
I was looking at the seats. Front and back match, and the padding is still holding its original form. If it were 103000 miles and my body was on that drivers seat…… Well….. lets just say the shape wouldnt be the same as when it left the factory. I tried to zoom in on the pedals to see wear but its too fuzzy on my phone. If this sat outside im wondering why the paint clear coat failed, yet the bumpers and plastic outside parts are intact. I wonder what the dash looks like under the cover. It could be possible that the mileage is legit. An in person inspection is the only way to tell. Like JWH said above you’d have to look at the tires for starters, see of theres evidence of wheel weights being installed in other places. If its legit and the right price, it would be worth repainting it.
The GM paint jobs from this era is a known problem from the factory. I have a 1987 Trams Am GTA and my brother’s 1987 Silverado RCSB 4×4. The GTA still is waiting it’s turn to be in the active project rotation. The Silverado was repainted under warranty by GM at a GM Dealer body shop. The paint was removed down to bare metal and resprayed in the original 2 tone blue. It needs another paint job now. The problem was from factory, the Dupont paint had a problem with adhering to the primer. Paint delamination was the result and about every late 80’s GM vehicle had the issue. Once down to the primer, moisture could penetrate the prime and start rusting the sheet metal.
High pressure car washes were known for blasting the paint off if you pointed the spray at the correct angle. Anyway, overall, this looks like a nice car. A close inspection would be the best way to go. Just plan for a new paint job. The 305 was a bit anemic. My GTA has the 350. This is the classic look that all the chicks were digging back then. There were a lot of IROC Z’s on the road back then. Black on black will always be a stunner when clean and shined up. Don’t see them so much today and if the mileage is accurate, could be a good/easy project.
These cars are like a Walmart version of a classic car. If you can’t afford a true classic keep saving your money.
I’m still fond of these cars even though they don’t represent the peak of Camaro performance. This one looks pretty good inside with the base seats still holding their shape. The paint has molted as they were known to do. The wheels still look good in the pictures. Could be a nice place to start if the price was right.
An automatic IROC had 190hp… the 5-speed had 225. Different camshaft
Tire pic shows severe dry rot and cracking at the 1-2 o’clock position but I cant make out the date code on the bottom even with the windows magnifier tool at 300% so they are old. Clear coat is pretty evenly harshed throughout even on the plastics though not quite as bad. The flex additive in the paint might help it. I see no elbow dimple on the console lid and the seat do look mint so its mileage might be true. Not sure if the wood dash was a factory option or a dealership ad on. Nice car but just not a fan of blk cars or int. at all. Very hot and show every dent ding and dirt.
Sorry no way no how those are original miles. Did the stickers in the engine compartment fall off from heat.
The mileage is believable, the steering wheel is not twisted or worn. The mats have no heal worn thru. The armrests are not trashed. That aside, the price is crackpipe. Paint, decals and tires put you around 25k-27k easy. For a 1986 305 car, pass.