Chevrolet took a leap of faith by introducing a Convertible variant to its Camaro range in 1987. It didn’t sell in significant numbers, but it was warmly welcomed by those seeking a drop-top pony car. This classic is an ’87 IROC-Z that presents superbly. It has a genuine 16,000 miles on the clock and features a manual transmission to accentuate the driving experience. The seller has listed this immaculate survivor here on Craigslist in Perry Hall, Maryland. They set their price at $36,900, and I must say a big thank you to Barn Finder Mitchell G. for spotting this gem.
Camaro buyers could order a Convertible variant of its First Generation model range, but it dropped that option with the introduction of the Second Generation Camaro in 1970. Some American manufacturers began to consider phasing out Convertibles within their model range during the 1970s as rumors were rife that safety legislation would make production unviable. This never happened, but Chevrolet resisted the urge to introduce a Convertible into its Camaro range until 1987. This is one of those cars, and while I am typically not a fan of cars painted Black, it is hard to be critical of this survivor. The depth of color and shine is impressive, with no evidence of chips or marks in prone areas like the front bumper and spoiler. This shade is excellent for exposing panel inconsistencies and damage, but there are no such problems here. This IROC is as straight as an arrow, and the panel gaps are tight and consistent. Potential buyers shouldn’t be concerned about rust because there isn’t even a hint of corrosion. The top shows a couple of minor marks that might respond to careful cleaning because there are no signs of rips or other problems that would justify replacement. The IROC-Z decals are crisp and free from deterioration, and the alloy wheels are spotless.
Powering this Camaro is the 305ci TPI V8, and the original owner’s decision to order this classic with the desirable five-speed manual transmission means the driver has 215hp and 295 ft/lbs of torque at their disposal. This car wouldn’t be able to match the outright performance of the mildest 1969 Camaro SS Convertible, but the ability to cover the ¼-mile in 15.4 seconds on its way to 134mph was nothing to be sneezed at in the 1980s. The seller claims it has a genuine 16,000 miles on the clock, and the documentation they hold suggests they may be able to verify the claim. They admit it wears new tires, with other non-original items including the battery, K&N air filter, urethane sway bar bushes, and a Flowmaster cat-back exhaust. They have retained the original tires, including them if the buyer wishes. The car runs and drives perfectly and is a turnkey proposition for its new owner.
The original owner chose to order this Camaro with Carmine interior trim. It provides a striking contrast to the Black exterior, and the leather seats add a sense of luxury. It is original and unmolested, and the photos indicate it is in as-new condition. There is no evidence of wear or abuse or signs of UV damage. They also wielded their pen with abandon on the Order Form because it is loaded with factory options. The new owner receives air conditioning and power operation for the windows, locks, driver’s seat, mirrors, and trunk release. The driver grips a leather-wrapped tilt wheel, cruise control removes fatigue from long journeys, and in-car entertainment is covered by a premium AM/FM radio/cassette player.
Some owners elected to have their 1987 Camaro transformed into a Convertible by a third party, and we have seen less scrupulous sellers attempt to pass these off as the genuine article. However, the VIN for this car confirms that everything is on the level, and it is worth considering its rarity. Only 744 buyers spent the additional $4,400 over the IROC-Z sticker price to order a drop-top version, and I have been unable to confirm how many of those chose the mechanical configuration we find hiding under this classic’s skin. The seller’s price is pushing towards the top end of the market, but its condition seems to justify the figure. It is worth noting that values are climbing at an extraordinary rate, meaning that the day won’t be far away when they are beyond the reach of mere mortals. Would you consider pursuing this one further if you have the available funds?
Since production was mentioned, it’s generally accepted that 10% of thirdgen camaros were manual trans. Assuming that held true with convertibles, this would be one of about 75 built in 87. Figure in that about 15% of production was black, and your down to about 10. There were 4 interior colors available, so it would not be unreasonable to claim that this 1 of 2-3 built.
For perspective, total IROC convertible production in all years was about half the total production of 69 Z/28s.
I realize you’re just making an estimate, but statistics don’t stack like that. There were ~ 178,000 1987 Camaros built. If 10% had manual transmissions, then 17,800 Camaros had manual transmissions. We can’t draw any conclusions about the number of IROC-Z convertibles built with manual transmissions from that. It could be this one only, or it could be all 744. Personally, I’d expect fewer than 10% of the IROC-Z convertibles to have manual transmissions and fewer than 15% of them to be black; the convertible was more about “show” than “go.” I agree that the options on this car make it quite rare, but there is no way to know for sure without more detailed stats.
Correct on this observation. True that a predictive model might be created with this assumption but I doubt it would play out and we would be shocked by how consumers made decisions. Convertibles are heavier cars and not usually acquired for sport driving so my guess would be few were sent out with a 5 speed. Also I think by this time few ordered a car. You just went to the dealer and chose the one you wanted from what was on the lot. GM probably shipped them out mostly with auto would my guess.
I thought you could only get a 305 automatic in a convertible. When was the manual transmission installed stock?
Always thought this made a very handsome convertible.
This one is perfect as can be. Id prefer a grey or black interior, but who cares what i think. Gorgeous machine. Stick shift convertible is gold.
Convertible, IROC-Z, great colors, leather, 5-speed… ticks all the boxes for a gen 3 Camaro.
I wouldn’t say that Chevrolet reintroducing a Camaro convertible was a leap of faith. ASC had been doing conversions for years. All Chevrolet did for 1987 was officially add ASC’s conversion to their lineup and brochures. Almost zero risk for Chevrolet.
I saw this exact car at a carshow in Reisterstown MD a few weeks ago. It is the real deal. If you have the cash and want one, I cannot imagine a nicer one being available. GLWS!
the IROC’s were fun to drive. BUT, the convertibles have so much chassis flex and oversteer , that they won’t go through a corner @ speed. one of the worst cornering cars I ever tried to show-off it’s performance on a test drive.
I had a 3rd gen Z w t tops and 5speed. First thing i did was weld in subframe connectors. I agree there is too much flex before removing the top but fortunately the connectors do wonders for stiffening these cars up. That would be first move if i picked this one up too
@likemoney…. I understand where you are coming from but this a convertible it’s meant for cruising the n it is for the racetrack. That being said this a beautiful third generation Camaro I absolutely love that black paint with the red interior and this car is in near perfect condition to boot… try finding another one like this it would take forever!
@likemoney…. I understand where you are coming from but this a convertible it’s meant more for cruising then it is for the racetrack. That being said this a beautiful third generation Camaro I absolutely love that black paint with the red interior and this car is in near perfect condition to boot… try finding another one like this it would take forever!
Was never a big fan of these but this is a nice straight, clean looking example. I do like the color combo. I would be nice if it had a little more horsepower which could be had easily enough.
Mine has most all the bolt-ons, manual trans, 3.42 gear and a lot of miles on it. It’ll run about even with my buddy’s v6 challenger with headers and a chip. You have to drive the torque cuz there’s no horsepower in a TPI.
Worse thing about owning an IROC or any thirdgen is listening to all the naysayers. I’ve been doing that since 1989. My convertible has over 200,000 miles on it now, and it’s still probably my favorite commuter.
Wrong. TPI was available with the 700r4 automatic. The 5.7 was only available with the auto trans and not an option in a convertible. There were actually more autos than 5 spds made. This convertible being 1 of only 744 Iroc Z/ Z28s made makes it rare. Being a 5 spd with rare red leather interior increases that rarity along with its value.
Call me crazy I wish it had T-tops
I ordered one in 1987. I would bet there were a larger percentage of 5 speed IROC’s and Z/28’s due to the fact that to get the TPI it had to be with the 5 speed. Automatics were only available with the carbureted versions.
Incorrect.
TPI could be had on 5 speed or automatic. You could only get the 350 with automatic,if you wanted a 5 speed it had to be the 305.
Not on the convertible.
There were plenty of automatics with TPI engines made. The carburetor HO iroc z was available for only a couple years. I had both 5 speed and automatic TPI irocs.
i have two dream cars and this one is the more attainable one it’s perfect. the other dream car I have is the 58 fury. lol I’ve only ever seen one fury in real life and I almost wrecked my car rubbernecking at it. lol
For this kind of money, I would rather buy a mint 2002 Camaro SS convertible. 6 speed with the Hurst shifter from the factory, please.
Beauty is in the eye of the beholder. 3rd looks way better to me.
This ticked every box for me except the price, but I recognize the rarity, mileage and condition. I was going to call the seller and ask for his bottom line then head to Maryland and drive it home. I just received an insurance settlement on my wife’s totaled grand Cherokee that’s $34k. And we need a car.
But, the listing is gone. I’m guessing someone saw this, offered him 30 on the spot and drove it home.
Jim it’s still available on Craigslist
Al 410-215-7792
Thank you Dave, going to call tomorrow. I’ll let everyone know how I make out.
Loved these when they rolled out on the showroom floor. This checks all the boxes for a summer cruiser EXCEPT that dog dick red interior. Not so much red interiors but this shade never turned my crank. But then again, they aren’t making anymore and it appears to be an excellent example.
ASC converted these cars to ‘verts for dealers and customers. These had “2” for the sixth digit of the VIN. GM made factory ‘verts with “3” for the 6th digit.
Surprised people are talking about “flex” on these cars. Maybe in the 80s, but today most of the interest goes into originality, how it was maintained, rust, etc…These are now meant for car shows and weekend cruising. There are way better options for “cornering” my friends.