Pony cars were once one of the staples of the American motoring landscape. Today, they are all but extinct. However, those yearning to park one in their garage may need to look no further than this 1987 Chevrolet Camaro IROC-Z. Its presentation is hard to fault, and with an odometer reading of 35,000 genuine miles, it should offer its new owner decades of reliable service. I must say a big thank you to Barn Finder T.J. for spotting the Camaro listed here at Hagerty in Alexandria, Virginia. Bidding sits at $18,000 with plenty of time left on this auction.
The launch of Chevrolet’s Third Generation Camaro for the 1982 model year marked a significant philosophical change for the company. Emission regulations had played havoc with engine performance, so Chevrolet countered by focusing on weight reduction and aerodynamic efficiency to claw back lost ground. This generation remained in production until 1992, with our feature car rolling off the line in 1987. As the IROC-Z variant, it features the spoilers and ground effects additions to help it stand apart from the crowd. Its cause is aided by the first owner’s decision to order the car in Dark Red Metallic. I have always considered this color the most attractive offered that model year, and this car looks stunning as a result. Finding anything that warrants criticism seems impossible. You could almost sink into the paint, so deep is the color and shine. The panels are as straight as an arrow, with tight, consistent gaps. The graphics haven’t shrunk or become checked, and the 16″ alloy wheels are spotless. Cosmetically, this Camaro is a winner, but its beauty is more than skin deep.
The misery of the Malaise Era was shrinking into the past when this Camaro rolled off the line. It features the 5.0-liter Tuned-Port Injection V8. Thankfully, the first owner teamed the motor with the desirable five-speed manual transmission, power steering, and power brakes. The TPI powerplant delivers a factory-quoted 215hp and 295 ft/lbs of torque, providing performance that recalls the glorious pre-emission days. The seller states that this gem has 35,000 miles showing on its odometer, which appears to be documented. They state that they recently replaced the hoses, belts, suspension bushings, and transmission mount bushings. They also drained and flushed the transmission and the rear end, filling each with fresh oil. Potential buyers can consider this IROC-Z a turnkey proposition with no mechanical issues.
The positive vibes continue inside this Camaro, because its interior presents extremely well for a survivor of this vintage. The seats show no genuine wear, just the wrinkles of elegantly aging leather. The carpet might be slightly faded, but it isn’t bad enough to warrant replacement. There is no broken plastic or UV damage, and the only aftermarket addition is a Bluetooth stereo. The seller removed the functioning original stereo when installing this, but includes it in the deal for those wishing to reverse the change. Otherwise, the buyer receives air conditioning, power windows, power locks, a power driver’s seat, a power antenna, and cruise control.
When the first pony car appeared in 1964, it changed the automotive landscape entirely. Suddenly, buyers could purchase cars with stunning styling at very affordable prices. Of course, many chose to tick the boxes on their Order Forms, giving the new purchase power and performance to match the looks. Today, the art of producing a pony car is almost lost, and with Chevrolet’s decision to discontinue Camaro production in 2024, it seems that the Mustang is the last man standing. There are no plans to revive the Camaro badge, leaving it to classics like this 1987 IROC-Z to carry the flag bravely. Its presentation and specifications allow it to do so proudly, and the winning bidder will slip behind the wheel of a vehicle that can still turn heads almost four decades after it left the showroom floor. Are you tempted to be that person?
Brings me back to high school. These were everywhere in the boroughs of NYC and Long Island back in the 80s. If you had one of these or a Fox Body, you owned the turnpike. Thanks Adam, great write up.