69k Original Miles: 1988 Chevrolet Camaro IROC-Z Convertible

The 3rd Generation Camaro brought a raft of creative thinking to the table. Thanks to a combination of weight control and advanced aerodynamics, it addressed many of the shortcomings of the last of the previous generation offerings. By 1988, the company was also learning to extract performance improvements from its V8 models, allowing the Camaro to recapture some of its lost glory. This 1988 Camaro IROC-Z Convertible features all of this thinking wrapped in a package that presents beautifully. It has all of the hallmarks of a car that has been treated with respect, and with a genuine 69,000 miles on the clock, it should offer its next owner years of classic motoring pleasure. The owner has decided to part with the IROC-Z, so he has listed it for sale here on Craigslist. It is located in Ontario, California, and handing the owner $18,000 will allow you to hit the road behind the wheel of this gem. I have to say a big thank you to Barn Finder rex m for spotting the Convertible for us.

The Camaro rolled off the Van Nuys, California, production line wearing stunning Dark Red paint. This was one of the most desirable shades in the 1988 Camaro color palette, and in today’s market, it is one that has a positive impact on potential values. The owner doesn’t mention any touch-up work, so the paint may be completely original. It shines beautifully, with no visual evidence of flaws or defects. The panels are laser straight, and the black soft-top is in excellent order. The plastic aero additions that were a part of the IROC-Z package are free from damage, and while the front of these cars could be prone to stone-chipping, this one appears to be close to perfect. If the vehicle has spent its life in California, its lack of rust problems is no surprise. The glass is in good order, while the 16″ alloy wheels are free from stains and physical damage. It’s worth noting that Camaros of this era could become quite shabby if they weren’t treated with care and respect, but the overall condition of this car suggests that the owner has been pretty fastidious on that front. It might not be perfect, but it doesn’t appear to be far from it. This Camaro is a 33-year-old vehicle that would still turn heads wherever it goes.

If the exterior plastic components of 1980s Camaros could be prone to deterioration, things generally got worse when you turned your attention to the interior. However, the news is extremely positive with this car. The seats are upholstered in a combination of Gray leather and cloth, and there’s no evidence of any wear or problems. Even the outer bolsters on the seats, a known trouble spot, present nicely. This theme continues with the remaining upholstered surfaces and the carpet, while the dash and console appear factory-fresh. All of that trouble-prone plastic? There’s nothing to worry about because there’s no evidence of discoloring or deterioration. The only non-standard item inside this car is a CD player, which the owner has fitted in place of the original radio/cassette player. If you like a few comfort touches, this Convertible won’t let you down. It features air conditioning and power operation for the windows, locks, driver seat, exterior mirrors, and antenna. Throw in cruise control and a leather-wrapped tilt wheel, and occupants would seem to want for nothing.

The Malaise Era had been a cruel time for the American V8, but things had begun to turn the corner by the time this Camaro rolled off the line. Chevrolet’s 305ci V8 never had a reputation as a high horsepower unit, but thanks to the addition of Tuned Port Injection, this one should be churning out 220hp. All of those ponies are fed to a limited-slip rear end via a 5-speed manual transmission, while power steering, 4-wheel power disc brakes, and the FE2 suspension package should make this Convertible an all-around driver’s car. It may not have had the brawn or presence of earlier Camaros, but a 15.5-second ¼-mile ET demonstrated that Chevrolet was beginning to rediscover its performance car heritage. The owner claims that this IROC-Z has a genuine 69,000 miles showing on its odometer, but he doesn’t indicate whether he holds evidence to verify this. He also doesn’t provide any insight into how well the car runs or drives, although the impression that he gives is nothing but positive.

The overall condition of this 1988 Camaro IROC-Z Convertible makes all the right impressions, and the lack of deterioration across the paint and plastic components would suggest that it has been kept away from harmful UV rays when it isn’t in use. The paint shines superbly, and the buyer shouldn’t need to spend a dime on the car once it’s parked in their driveway. The popularity of these classics has begun to rise, and values have naturally followed that trend. This Convertible is not the cheapest example that you’ll find in today’s market, but it is a long way from being the most expensive. However, its combination of condition, equipment, and premium paint shade makes it look like a competitive proposition. If a 1980s classic is on your radar, your next car might now be staring you in the face.