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3,714 Mile IROC: 1986 Chevrolet Camaro Z28

This 1986 Chevrolet Camaro Z28 IROC-Z is an incredible time-warp survivor, with under 4,000 original miles on the clock and wearing all of its original duds, from factory paint to rash-free wheels. These fully loaded Camaros have been appreciating steadily as of late, but not so much (yet) that it’s too late to pick one up for a fair price. Obviously, this one is going to go for all the money given its provenance and known history, which primarily consists of sitting in a Chevy dealer’s showroom since new. Now, it’s available here on eBay where bidding is over $19,000 and the reserve remains unmet.

One of my favorite automotive daydreams, if you will, takes me back to my childhood where a small used car dealer always had something in the showroom that was way better than anything on the lot. Now, mind you, the showroom car was still probably a fairly average (or worse) example of a desirable model, but still stood out among the parking lot full of vanilla sedans and cookie-cutter econoboxes. For a few weeks, they had a cherry-red Porsche 928 with polished wheels, and I was unflinchingly confident I would be driving that car a few months later when I got my license. I also thought I’d play in the NBA. Since I’m here posting articles, we can all guess how that worked out.

I didn’t get the 928, either, but fortunately, my odds of acquiring one in the future are far better than playing small forward for the Celtics. The seller’s description of the many years this Camaro was eye candy in a showroom makes me curious to know which dealer it was, as I would think visitors to the North Carolina showroom would take photos of such a stunning survivor, and possibly even cause them to question their decision to buy a Chevy Spark. The interior is in spotless condition, with no signs of deterioration or soiling of the carpets or seats. The dash is in mint shape as well, and while the automatic is a bummer, the Camaro does come with posi-traction. The A/C, of course, will need a charge.

The 305 c.i. “Tuned Port Fuel Injected” small block doesn’t make a ton of power by modern standards, churning out 195 b.h.p. and paired to a four-speed automatic transmission. At the time, however, this output likely seemed like a total godsend amid the hangover of the malaise era, and it will certainly still keep up with traffic today. Other options on this Camaro include power steering, disc brakes, power windows, and six-way power seats, which are the sort of features you want to find in a vintage car so it doesn’t feel quite so antiquated against your daily driver. I still think about the 928 in the showroom, and wonder if there’s anyone out there who remembered drooling over this Camaro when it was put on static display.

Comments

  1. Avatar Mr.BZ

    Th real bummer for me is the 5.0 instead of the 5.7. A noticeable difference in diving experience, even with the slush-box. Of course someone will likely park this car again so it doesn’t really matter.

    Like 5
    • Avatar Ed Cruz

      5.7 wasn’t released until 1987 (though a few pilot 5.7s were apparently released in 86). And all TPI cars in 86 came with the auto. But yeah, this car will go for big money and remain parked.

      Like 3
    • Avatar Matt

      The 5.0 TPI was the top motor for 1986. The 5.7 didn’t show up in the F-body until 1987.

      Like 2
    • Avatar Justin

      In 1986 the 5.7 wasn’t available to the Camaro or Firebird

      Like 0
  2. Avatar Keith

    One can get a low mileage Gen 4 Camaro with 275 to 305 HP for less money. I bought an unmolested mint 1994 Z28 convertible with only 10k original miles for $9,200.00 dollars.

    Like 6
    • Avatar Garfield

      Very nice car but yes way to much for it

      Like 0
  3. Avatar irocrobb

    I have owned multiple 3rd gen and 4th gen cars and the driving experience of a 3rd is far superior, at least in my books. Cornering and the feel for the road is much better. That is why I have had my Iroc convertible 26 years/
    They work very nicely with the tpi 305 and 5 speed manual.No race car but still a ball of fun to drive.
    This one looks like a cream puff and I wouldnt be surprised if it pulls 25K.

    Like 5
    • Avatar Tony Primo

      Just think how much better a second generation Camaro would be!

      Like 1
    • Avatar Jimbosidecar

      Well, actually a lot were race cars. I raced one in the IMSA Firehawk series for 4 years. The 195 HP slug could be massaged to 200 HP just by balancing and blueprinting the engine. At the time there was a guy in Ohio doing exactly that. Between that and IMSA allowing us to upgrade to rear disc brakes made them competitive with the Porsche 944, Nissan 300Z and the M3

      Like 0
  4. Avatar Donnie Tumbleston

    I like looking at cars I love to buy a camaro one day

    Like 2
  5. Avatar Ron adelstein

    This is very strong money for this car in my opinion

    Like 0
  6. Avatar ROARRR Member

    I’ve a Z28 with the 305 HO and 5 speed and I guess something like a 4;10 diff, it spools up SO fast to what the tach says 7000 it makes me wonder if it’s been breathed on or has a 6 cyl tach. in 5th it’s redlined about 100 so doesn’t feel all that anemic!

    Like 0
  7. Avatar JBD

    5.0 was top dog in ’86. I remember when the 350/auto came out, basically boosting sales as you could get the Corvette drivetrain for Camaro money. Lots were sold and raced.

    Like 2
  8. Avatar JIM

    whats the known history? I didn’t see anything in the listing.

    Like 0
    • Avatar ErnieSC

      3rd Sentence.

      Like 0
  9. Avatar Super Glide

    A friend of mine has had a couple of very low mileage Camaros. He buys and sells as a hobby. I think low mileage ones, under 20,000 miles, may not be that rare. I could be wrong.

    I still wonder why you would buy a nice car like this and not drive it? If you keep them over 30 years they might be worth something, but the storage
    costs would probably eat in to any profit. They aren’t Ferraris.
    You buy a car at 25 years old and keep it 35 years and you’re a 60 year riding in an old Camaro. Was it worth it?

    Drive them, pick up girls and have fun.

    Like 1
  10. Avatar Super Glide

    A friend of mine has had a couple of very low mileage Camaros. He buys and sells as a hobby. I think low mileage ones, under 20,000 miles, may not be that rare. I could be wrong.

    I still wonder why you would buy a nice car like this and not drive it? If you keep them over 30 years they might be worth something, but the storage
    costs would probably eat in to any profit. They aren’t Ferraris.
    You buy a car at 25 years old and keep it 35 years and you’re a 60 year old riding in an old Camaro. Was it worth it?

    Drive them, pick up girls and have fun.

    Like 0
  11. Avatar PRA4SNW

    According to an article I read on the Hagerty website, this generation Camaro are among the fastest growing in value cars right now.
    Might want to pick one up now if these are your thing.

    Like 1
  12. Avatar George Mattar

    The best colors. 305s are bullet proof And cheap to insure. While these cars aren’t the easiest to work on, with this mileage get in and drive. Icing on the cake us 3rd gen cars about a million times better looking than the current ugly turd.

    Like 0
  13. Avatar JoeNYWF64

    I agree with the looks comments above – the 3rd gen is a worthy successor appearancewise to the 2nd gen.
    Were RWL or Outline RWL tires available?
    & why would a 3rd gen, as mentioned above, handle & feel better than a 4th gen?!
    Chevy took steps backwards? Softer springs, thinner sway bars?
    True, tho, the 4th gen IMO has way too much glass, but still.

    Like 0
  14. Avatar Keith

    Gen 4s look and perform way better.

    Like 0
  15. Avatar Claude mainvile

    wake up everyone , I own a 1986 Camaro Irocz28, in very mint condition it has the 350 5.7 small block LT1 5 speed transmission 650 hp , that year the Camaro had the brake light on the back window , I also have the lovers in metal not plastic she is abeauty original motor but was improved for horse power and ready for the drag strip love my Camaro

    Like 0

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