There is a fear among some enthusiasts that the supply of genuine barn finds will eventually slow to a trickle before disappearing altogether. If this 1988 Chevrolet Camaro IROC-Z is an accurate indication, those days might be well into the future. It is a survivor that spent two decades hibernating. However, the seller dragged it out of hiding, revived it, and returned it to active service. The only choice facing the new owner is whether to preserve or restore this classic. The seller listed the Camaro here on Craigslist in Sandown, New Hampshire, with an asking price of $19,995 OBO. I must say a big thank you to Barn Finder T.J. for spotting this once-hidden gem.

The history of this Camaro is unclear, meaning we don’t know why someone chose to place it into hibernation for over two decades. The seller recently located it, returning the Convertible to a roadworthy state. The storage environment must have been favorable because while its Code 40 White paint exhibits a range of defects, the seller states that the car is rust-free. There is no significant panel damage, meaning that those following the restoration path should find the process fairly straightforward. The seller only supplies one shot with the top raised, making it impossible to determine whether there are any faults that might justify replacement. The plastic is free from significant cracks, the glass is clear, and the original 16″ wheels are in good order.

This Camaro’s interior is a surprise packet because Convertibles stored in barns often exhibit deterioration or signs of rodent infestation. There are no such problems here, with the lack of visible wear supporting the seller’s claim that this classic has a genuine 80,000 miles on its odometer. The Gray cloth upholstered surfaces look excellent, with the same true of the matching vinyl. Rubber mats make it impossible to assess the carpet, but the dash, console, and remaining plastic components are free from UV damage and other issues. It is unclear whether the air conditioning blows cold, but, then again, who needs it when the top is down? Other factory features include power windows, power locks, cruise control, a leather-wrapped wheel, and the original AM/FM radio/cassette player.

Powering this classic is Chevrolet’s 5.0-liter TPI V8, which is bolted to a four-speed automatic transmission. In manual guise, this motor produced 220hp and 290 ft/lbs of torque. However, when teamed with the self-shifter, the power dropped to 195hp. The figures sound modest, but the ¼-mile ET of 15.7 seconds and a top speed of 132mph were both considered very respectable in 1988. The seller doesn’t indicate the process they followed during this Camaro’s revival, but they confirm that it now runs and drives well. It has a claimed 80,000 original miles on the clock, with no mention of supporting evidence. I tend to take such claims at face value, but the long-term storage history and lack of interior flaws make it plausible.

I guess it’s decision time, and potential buyers must face two main ones when confronted with this 1988 Camaro IROC-Z Convertible. The first is whether the price is justified, while the second is whether to preserve or restore this classic. The price is a tough call to make because it is higher than what Hagerty suggests for a #3 example. Recent successful sales also suggest the figure is optimistic since it is possible to find some extremely tidy examples for under $20,000. However, there will undoubtedly be enthusiasts who find the lure of a genuine barn find impossible to resist, and with the listing suggesting there could be room to negotiate, a lower price is possible. So, that leaves the question of preservation versus restoration. Returning this classic to its former glory should be straightforward, although the lure of preserving this Convertible as a survivor with a story to tell is mighty tempting. I don’t know which path I would choose. Do you?