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5,000 Miles: 1985 Chevy Camaro

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“If you want a new IROC, this is it.” That actually may not be a case of seller hyperbole, especially considering this 1985 Chevy Camaro has only 5,067 miles on the clock. In what sounds like a vehicle purchased solely for storing and preserving, this climate-controlled Camaro is available here on eBay with the reserve unmet and just over two days left in the auction. 

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Currently, the bids represent a fairly strong number for a Camaro of this generation. We have seen more of these pop up as of late in preserved, low mileage condition, so some collectors must be getting anxious to make some room in their garage. The interior remains in mint condition, though it’s disappointing to not see a 5-speed in the console.

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The engine bay presents as new, as it should. The 305 V8 will never pin you back in your seat, but it will still put a smile on your face when it is damn near brand new inside. The seller claims this Camaro still wears its original tires, so you’ll want to swap those out if you plan to ignore the high level of preservation and simply drive the wheels off the thing.

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I have mentioned several times how much I like this generation of Camaro, and even if you can’t get past the malaise-era power plant, I do think the styling looks good even today. Although the current bidding is fair, I hope the reserve isn’t much higher than $15K, as the market hasn’t quite caught up to these to the level some sellers would like. What will it sell for?

Comments

  1. Avatar Oingo

    Unsold at 14.1

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    • Avatar JamestownMike

      What makes you think it was unsold?? The auction ended early because the seller lost or broke the item. Most likeyly they got a high enough offer to sell it outside of ebay……..and to avoid ebay selling fees!

      Like 0
      • Avatar Oingo

        Unsold on the eBay auction that the article referenced.

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      • Avatar Tom Driscoll

        Correct me if I’m wrong, I believe the ebay fees are paid in advance…?

        Like 0
  2. Avatar dirtyharry

    As I recall, two years later in 1987, the 350 TPI engine and 305 TPI with 5-speed manual transmission, were available for the first time on the IROC-Z. The new 350 (RPO code L98) was only available in the IROC-Z with an automatic transmission in 1987. There was only an automatic with the TPI motor in this year. You get a 5-speed with the lower output engine. Having owned a few, they are awesome cars, the TPI motor is tough as nails. The only real problem they had was the GM multec injector, which was junk. I still have a 1987 Corvette with TPI and they run great with a swap to Bosch III injectors. I don’t see these as a good investment, but rather a great bargain as a driver.

    Like 0
  3. Avatar RoughDiamond

    @dirtyharry-nice to see someone comment on the positive side regarding the 305 TPI engine. I just sold my ’91 Z/28 hardtop with the 305 TPI engine, 5-speed transmission and 3:42 rear axle. Those engines are tough as nails.

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  4. Avatar Dave Member

    I know people rant about these cars being slow and all that but for me I love these cars, I had a 90 that looked just like this one and when you’re 21 and driving an IROC you were on top of the world back then, what great memories, I’d love to have this car it would be garaged and driven every time it was nice out.

    Like 0
  5. Avatar Rob

    I will have to wait until I can source a Levi’s Jean jacket, find my Appetite for Destruction tape and grow a mullet.

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    • Avatar Dave Member

      I have the Jean jacket and theven GnR tape I just need the mullet back lol

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      • Avatar Ray Smith

        I have a “skullet” I wonder if that would work?

        Like 0
  6. Avatar Kevin

    I always found it funny how people hated the 305, but loved Ford’s 302 when they are really very similar engines. The 305 may not have had the power of the 350, but they were very reliable engines and can make decent power with some relatively simple modifications.

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  7. Avatar Van

    I remember selling these when they were new. Considering the competition they were decent cars. The dealership got a call from the local police one morning. They wanted to know if we were missing a new I-Rock. They had one rapped around a tree with the plastic wrap still on the interior and the trim in the back. The car was delivered after hours and stolen before it could be checked in. Fun times.

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  8. Avatar Jack

    Interesting to note, Hagerty’s #1 condition value for this car is $12,600
    https://www.hagerty.com/apps/valuationtools/1985-chevrolet-camaro

    Like 0
    • Avatar roselandpete

      That’s one thing that gets me about those price guides for #1 condition cars. Try to find one. I spent about 20 years looking for an unrestored, unmodified, bone stock, low mileage, 71 Camaro RS. A price guide said that the #1 condition price for that car was $11k. Well, that’s just great–but where do I find one?? I would have gotten down on my hands and knees and begged them to take my $11k for a #1 condition 71 RS.

      Like 0
  9. Avatar Craig

    Nice car, I’d “Roc” it, mileage claim looks extremely believable.

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  10. Avatar PRA4SNW

    You got this car if you wanted to look good driving down the street.
    If you wanted to go fast and didn’t care that you were driving an uglymobile, you got the GLH Turbo from a few days ago.

    I chose the latter.

    Like 0
  11. Avatar Rustytech Member

    The GLH turbo may have matched or even exceeded this in pure speed, but was ugly, nasty driving car. Comparing it to the Z28 is like comparing a VW beetle to a Porche 911.

    Like 0
  12. Avatar PRA4SNW

    For that comparison to be accurate the Beetle would have to be one helluva perfomer.

    The GLH-T could eat IROCs out the factory door, in a straight line and around corners. We already covered the ugly part.

    Like 0

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