Some enthusiasts are unwilling or unable to tackle project builds. For them, the only alternative is to pursue turnkey vehicles to join the world of classic car ownership. That opportunity awaits the new owner of this 1988 Chevrolet Camaro IROC-Z. Its presentation is almost flawless, and the 5.7-liter V8 under the hood ensures it has the muscle to match its looks. The odometer shows a genuine 19,637 miles, and the only thing this survivor needs is a new home with a discerning buyer.
I have always believed that Chevrolet hit a sweet spot with the 1988 Camaro, offering buyers some of the best paint shades to grace the panels of the Third Generation models. Dark Red remains my firm favorite, although the Medium Gray chosen by this Camaro’s first owner isn’t far behind. The color’s depth changes significantly depending on the prevailing light, but it still looks good under all circumstances. This IROC-Z is an original survivor, having never received repairs or restoration. That makes its overall condition noteworthy because even prone surfaces like the front spoiler are free from chips and marks. The panels are as straight as an arrow, and there is no evidence or mention of rust. The plastic aerodynamic features are crack-free, and the tinted glass is crystal clear. The Camaro rolls on a set of reproduction 17″ wheels, but the seller will instantly knock $1,500 off the price if the buyer decides to take the car with the spotless 16″ wheels instead.
The IROC-Z might be a performance model, but it will receive plenty of support from those who enjoy comfortable motoring. The seats feature gray cloth and leather trim, with the same shade on the remaining upholstered and plastic surfaces and the carpet. Throw in air conditioning, power windows, power locks, a six-way power driver’s seat, a power hatch release, a rear defogger, cruise control, a leather-wrapped tilt wheel, and a premium AM/FM radio/cassette player, and life aboard this classic is guaranteed to be enjoyable. It isn’t just nicely equipped because the condition is consistent with the odometer reading. There is no wear or signs of abuse and no evidence of UV damage. I hesitate to call it factory-fresh, but the new owner will feel no shame if they rock up at a show or a Cars & Coffee.
Lifting the Camaro’s hood reveals the numbers-matching 5.7-liter TPI V8, which produces 230hp and 330 ft/lbs of torque. A four-speed automatic transmission handles shifting duties, and the steering and four-wheel disc brakes have power assistance. The Camaro’s ability to cover the ¼-mile in 14.9 seconds is quite impressive, but its excellent top speed of 149mph stands as much of a testament to its sleek lines as the engine’s power and torque. The seller states that apart from the wheels, the only non-original component on this classic is its Flowmaster exhaust. They don’t mention verifying evidence for the mileage claim, but the condition makes it plausible. The owner has appropriately maintained this classic, which is a turnkey proposition for its new owner.
The seller listed this 1988 Camaro IROC-Z here on eBay in Junction City, Ohio. Its BIN price of $44,900 is in the ballpark for a car of this caliber, although the seller’s willingness to consider offers might knock a few dollars off that figure. It is worth remembering that reinstating the original wheels will reduce the price by a further $1,500. Would you choose that option or negotiate an as-is sale price?
Ballpark or not, $44.9k for an IROC is still wild
And maybe I could see that for a manual, but the automatic? No.
Unfortunately you couldn’t get the 5-speed with the 350
Nice enough car but they are out of their minds on the price. They probably aren’t really eager to sell.
They are not making any more, and will only get more expensive from here on.
This one is loaded up nicely, leather and bose, a great, unusual color and low miles. The only way this could get better is with T-tops!
This car sold in a weeks time for near asking price.
You could only get a 305 with manual trans. the 350 was automatic only. I have a red 1990 IROC that I bought new, now 53000 miles..
Dan and Mitchell, I’ve been made aware of the lack of a manual for the 350, I would go for the lesser engine with a manual.
Wise. The manual trans 305 cars have more cam and deeper gears, which really transform the experience. Just be a little cautious, as the T5 is pretty brittle…and the axle…also pretty brittle.
Lol, My black 89 vert probably has just over 300,000 on it. Hard to tell since changing driveline parts threw the speedo off about 25 years ago. It’s still on its original 305 long block BTW, although its growing tired.
I’ve daily driven this same 89 Camaro for 32 years, and raced it often during those years, except for the occasional periods that it wouldn’t run, or stop, or even roll at all.
These cars are great fun but are full of weak links that pop up if you use them a lot. Frames crack around the steering gearbox, everything flexes going over bumps and RR tracks and transmissions and rear ends give up the ghost pretty quickly when pushed very hard. The factory brakes suck and eventually everything in the interior rattles, fades, cracks, or otherwise falls apart. All that said, I love the stupid thing. It offers a very race car feel, it’s easy and cheap to operate and maintain, upgrades are easy and effective, and the aftermarket has really come to the rescue for body and interior parts.
Over the years it has saved my neck twice through its ability to react and stay composed when pushed to its limits in panic situations that could have sent me to my maker had I been in a less capable car or pickup. Both times in ‘normal’ traffic situations and not my fault, btw.
It’s rarely the fastest in its class in autocross, FM, but it’s never the slowest, and with a whiff of nitrous it’ll present fairly well at the drags. Mostly it’s just a great windy road; Tail of the Dragon type GT, and (in my case) having the top down just intensifies a generally great driving experience.
Funniest thing that in the last few years, people have started coming over at the gas station to look at it and wanting to chat, which is quite a change from the many years where everyone gave me s**t about driving an IROC.
Late 80’s performance cars are now 30+ years old. They are finally coming into their own. I am glad to see them getting their due, but the only drawback is the values for good cars have skyrocketed. My once cheap to own fox, well not so much anymore. I am grateful to have lived thru the era back when IROC’s, GN’s and Mustang’s were all the rage. They were fun and affordable for everyone. This is a bygone era. The top tier cars pull good money and deserve to. The smiles per mile is priceless. Glad to hear you have enjoyed your IROC.
At least this one has the kind of T-tops that don’t leak.
Almost 45 is no way Josee but then again a late 50ish guy that wants to relive a part of his youth might spring for it. As per the.wheels if i wasn’t told them were 17’s i never would have noticed just from the pics.
Nice Camaro but way too much $$$ considering other modern choices available. I say 25k max.
Had one. Handles good, gutless, good looking, super cheap build quality like Chevette cheap. Rattle trap. They do look good though. Having owned one and still owning antique cars I couldn’t go more than 18k for this knowing what is under it all.