35k Original Miles: 1987 Chevrolet Camaro IROC-Z
Choosing to part with a classic car can be difficult, but every owner must face it at some point. That is the case with this 1987 Camaro IROC-Z and its eighty-seven-year-old owner. The time has come for him to hang up this hat and sell the car that had been his dream machine since the day he first laid eyes on it. This classic is exceptionally well preserved and has a genuine 35,000 miles on the clock. His son has listed it for him here on eBay in New Albany, Indiana. Bidding sits below the reserve at $11,000 off the back of some strong action.
Chevrolet offered 1987 Camaro buyers a choice of eleven paint shades, with this car’s original owner selecting classy Dark Red. It is one of the better colors available that year and remains my favorite. The current custodian is the car’s third owner, and it carries the hallmarks of a classic that has been treated respectfully. The paint holds an exceptional depth of color and shine, with any imperfections too minor to show in the supplied photos. The panels are laser straight, with the seller confirming it has never undergone restoration. It retains all of its original steel and is a rust-free survivor. One desirable option is the glass T-Top, a feature considered essential by the current owner when searching for a Camaro IROC-Z. The panels are in good order, and there are no signs of leaking seals. The decals look crisp and clean, and there are no issues with the glass or alloy wheels.
Describing the original interior of any classic with thirty-six years under its belt as perfect is bold, but that is the word used by the seller. I can’t entirely agree with the assessment, but not many items are worth criticizing. The carpet has a couple of dirty marks on the driver’s side, and there are a couple of scuffs on the door trim, but careful cleaning might address both imperfections. Otherwise, it is spotless and free from wear or signs of abuse. The dash is immaculate, as are the plastic trim pieces. The sun hasn’t set things crumbling, and there is no wear on the leather-wrapped tilt wheel. The factory air conditioning blows ice-cold, with the new owner receiving power windows, power locks, cruise control, remote exterior mirrors, and an AM/FM radio/cassette player.
One of the current owner’s prerequisites when searching for an ’87 IROC-Z was that its engine bay had to house a 5.7-liter TPI V8. He achieved that aim, with the car also featuring a four-speed automatic transmission and power assistance for the steering and brakes. The 5.7 produced 225hp and 330 ft/lbs of torque when this car rolled off the line, signaling that Chevrolet’s search for power lost during The Malaise Era was beginning to bare fruit. This gem should cover the ¼-mile in 14.9 seconds, and if the driver keeps the pedal to the metal, they should see the needle hover at 148mph. The seller claims this classic has a genuine 35,000 miles on the clock, and its presentation alone makes the claim plausible. However, actual evidence might hide in the enormous collection of paperwork included in the sale. The new owner receives the Owner’s Manual, Warranty Cards for the car and Goodyear tires, a Stereo Instruction manual, Dealership documentation, and Service Records. This Camaro runs and drives perfectly and is a turnkey proposition for its new owner.
This 1987 Camaro IROC-Z is a stunning survivor, and the owner’s reluctance to part with a car he coveted for years is understandable. Its low odometer reading and known ownership history make it special and will have contributed to the total of twenty-four bids. Values for the 1987 IROC-Z, especially those featuring the 5.7-liter V8, have climbed far beyond the market average during the past year, and the bidding on this car will probably need to top $25,000 before hitting the reserve. However, it could be worth monitoring this auction if you’ve longed for a 1980s pony car because they don’t come much tidier than this.
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Comments
13.6k. I’m surprised the bidding is as low as it is given how people are throwing money around these days. A 350 IROC with t-tops you think would sell for more
I’m not surprised. I think people are finally waking up. This will never be collectable as the G1 or G2 versions. they’re like the plastic disco ball yeah everyone has one but hates to admit it. And to be honest, anything over 10k no matter how nice would be pretty high prices for these. If you try to up the HP at a the bend in half. So … Yeah basic beater status.
you are so very wrong, but entitled to your opinion.
Gas prices going up quickly again. Always makes thirsty heavy cars’ sales – old and new -slow down.
Well, it’s now approaching 22k, which is closer to what I was thinking it would sell for. I bought a 66k mile 1991 Z28 with G92 package and LB9 5-speed for 7k back in 2012, and it didn’t go up much in value by the time I sold it in ’14. I got about what I paid for it, plus a few of the improvements I made.
Seems like they’ve exploded lately. The problem always was that so many people salted these away anticipating that they’d someday be worth a fortune like the 1960s muscle cars were. So there are always cars available with super low miles, which depressed prices for the longest time. We will see if this holds up for the long term.
Wow he kept it very well!
Had a buddy with one just like it. Awesome car but got stolen twice!
had one how much want the chevy .
U good old Boy’s hold your Peckers down on this Beautiful Chevrolet IROC Z $. C OuT
Very very nice
Had a chance to buy an ultra low mileage car just like this one a few yrs ago for 20k and passed on it because I thought it was too much. I regret that decision.
Mustang LX/GTs were a formidable competitor but these were just dripping with style. I think the shape has aged well and adds to the value. Another trip down memory lane.
Both fun cars Nelson, and somewhat affordable back then.
This car should get 24 mpg on the highway and 19 around town. Not bad for a 350tpi . Anyway that’s what my GTA got.
Recently a 88 GTA silks for 13,700 I think was final price. GTA-s much more plush and I’d rather have. Mine ran 14.6 all day long and with a kid tweaking it ran 13.66 . No slouch by any standards
This is my dream car
Had a 87’ 5-speed but not the 350. I gave my wife money down for a car a couple years old and that’s what she picked me up from work in. Yellow!! I didn’t like it but it grew on you cause of the style and yellow start looking sporty and the car rode good. Drove it from Vegas to Wisconsin
The 3rd Gens weren’t available with the 350 and manual combo due to body flex. If you wanted a third pedal you had to take the 305 (or less!) Even the automatic cars tended to crack at the roof and B pillar junction. The addition of frame connectors does amazing things for the ride and handling of these cars and are inexpensive to install.
Typical GM BS for back then, they bring back the 350, but not with a stick shift. Bought at C1500 with a 350 and a 5 Speed in 89′ because the only other model that had that combo was the Corvette. Held out until the 4th Gen when I got my 94′ (Black, 6 Speed, no T-tops, manual windows/locks (did spring for AC and the power seat) put 248K on her till I had to sell in 2019
WOW – one HOT Z28! But just one thing – out of ALL the colors to choose from in 1987 the owner picked GRAY? Who knew how popular gray would become with cars to the point where your choice is Gray or Tan. Interior colors other than gray or tan just weren’t available after 1993- 1995. ANYWAY – this car is a keeper! BIG TIME! And yes, I would DEFINITELY take this car! I could easily see 25-30k here and probably worth every penny! Even with gray interior. Great article. Good luck.
Well I can appreciate all that everyone has said. Little late. The ebay ad has ended. Someone has a pretty nice well maintained and very attractive new Z to play with. Personally I kinda like the color combo.
I enjoy all of you guys and your comments. Always good for a memorable laugh.