Some classics seem to tick all the right boxes for enthusiasts and potential buyers, which appears true with this 1989 Camaro IROC-Z. It possesses the most desirable drivetrain combination offered by Chevrolet that year, and it has clocked a mere 25,000 miles in the thirty-four years since it rolled off the line. Its presentation is all you would expect from a vehicle of this caliber, with its only apparent need being a new home and an owner who will appreciate all it offers. The seller has listed the Camaro here on eBay in La Feria, Texas. Bidding has scorched to $26,000, but unsurprisingly, this figure remains short of the reserve.

The styling of the Third Generation Camaro marked a radical change from its predecessors. With manufacturers continuing to fight dwindling horsepower figures by virtue of tightening emission regulations, companies like Chevrolet pursued aerodynamic improvements and a weight-loss strategy to improve the outlook for enthusiasts seeking high-performance models. The upshot of this thinking was a lower and sleeker car, with the ’89 IROC-Z tipping the scales nearly 200 lbs lighter than a similarly equipped 1981 Z28. The appearance owed nothing to subtlety, especially if the car wore a shade like the Code 81 Bright Red gracing this car’s exterior. It presents as well as you might expect for any vehicle that has led a sheltered existence and seen little active service. The paint shines beautifully, and if there are any imperfections, they are too tiny to show in the excellent array of supplied photos. The panels are laser straight, while the plastic shows no evidence of physical or UV damage. The graphics and decals are crisp, and the distinctive aluminum wheels are spotless. Rounding out the exterior of this rust-free classic is flawless glass.

American manufacturers had begun clawing back horsepower by 1989 as they began ditching the faithful carburetor in favor of fuel-injection and engine management systems. This Camaro demonstrates the improvements, with its 5.7-liter TPI V8 producing a healthy 240hp. That represented a massive 28% increase over what the driver had under their foot in a 1981 Z28. This car sends the power to the rear wheels via a four-speed automatic transmission, allowing the IROC-Z to storm the ¼-mile in 14.6 seconds on its way to 151mph. The best an owner could hope for at the dawn of the decade was 16.9 seconds and 105mph. The difference was enough to plaster a smile on any owner’s face. The original owner ordered this beauty with the G92 Performance package, which brought a different rear-end ratio, dual catalytic converters, an engine oil cooler, four-wheel disc brakes, 16″ Goodyear uni-directional tires, a 145mph speedometer, and the tachometer redlined at 5,500rpm. This car retains those features and is 100% factory original. It rolls on its original tires, although they are beginning to crack from age. Replacing them before undertaking any open-road trips would be wise. The winning bidder could swap on a different set of wheels and tires, retaining the factory items for show duty. Its odometer has a genuine 25,272 miles, although the seller doesn’t mention verifying evidence. However, the overall condition makes the claim plausible. There is no information on how this Camaro runs or drives, but this YouTube video might provide some indication. It features a walk-around and allows us to hear that sweet V8 running. I can’t detect any smoke or odd noises.

The Camaro’s interior condition is all you would expect from a low-mileage survivor. Its Gray cloth seatcovers are free from wear and marks, with the remaining upholstered surfaces and carpet equally impressive. It has been garage-kept its entire life, meaning the plastic hasn’t cracked or crumbled. The dash is excellent, as is the console. Describing it as factory-fresh might be slightly exaggerated, but you won’t find many ’89 Camaro interiors presenting better. It is unmolested and well-equipped for a vehicle from this era. The new owner receives air conditioning, power windows, power locks, a power driver’s seat, a power hatch release, power mirrors, cruise control, a leather-wrapped tilt wheel, and a premium AM/FM radio and cassette player.

Gauging the desirability of some classics can be challenging, but this 1989 Camaro IROC-Z leaves no room for doubt. It has attracted a staggering fifty-five bids in six days, confirming that potential buyers like what they see. I’m not shocked that it hasn’t reached the reserve because I think it needs to climb well beyond $30,000 before that happens. Its fate following the sale is unclear, and some potential buyers would choose to squirrel it away as a long-term investment. That wasn’t the creator’s intent with this classic because its rightful place is roaming free on our roads. Do you agree or believe the winning bidder will keep this classic in storage to protect their investment?