One of the most iconic vehicles of the eighties was Chevrolet’s Camaro IROC-Z. Built as a tie-in to the International Race of Champions and their use of Camaros in that racing series, these vehicles were one of the most popular muscle cars of the decade. While finding a good example that hasn’t been beaten like a rented mule is almost impossible, a good one has emerged with a seldom-seen option. This 1985 Chevrolet Camaro IROC-Z for sale on eBay in Pine Grove California has just 76,450 miles on the odometer, is in stock condition, and comes equipped with a five-speed manual transmission. This blue beauty was the pride and joy of a collector who has unfortunately left us and has been sitting for two years. Is the $17,500 asking price out of line for this pristine muscle car?
The story of this IROC-Z is a sad one. It seems that the car was the pride and joy of the seller’s husband. Unfortunately, he passed away two years ago, and the seller has decided to let someone else enjoy his beautiful blue Camaro. It is said to present well with but a single flaw: the hood was once sat on. Whoever planted themselves on the hood exceeded the weight rating for a Camaro hood, thus denting it up. Pictures in the ad show that the repaired area is cracking. This was probably due to the overexuberant use of Bondo and a cheap respray on top of it, but it will need to be addressed.
Other than that, this Camaro presents quite well. The blue paint retains its factory shine, and the decal package shows no signs of cracking or peeling. Careful analysis of the photographs reveals no visible dents and scrapes either. The car still wears its factory wheels.
Finding a Camaro of this vintage that hasn’t been used and abused is difficult. These cars, along with its Firebird and Trans Am stable mates and Ford’s Mustang, were the lifelong desire of many gearheads of the era. Cars like this one were purchased cheaply on the used market, modified, and raced on the streets and at the track with wild abandon. Most of them ended up either wrapped around a telephone pole or in a junkyard after every ounce of goodness was squeezed from them. Seeing an IROC-Z in this condition is refreshing and rare.
One of the more interesting aspects of this car is the interior. IROC-Z Camaros were usually equipped with a cloth interior, however this one was upholstered in black vinyl. It is also unusual in that it is a five-speed manual transmission equipped car. Most IROCs were automatics. We can also see that the car came with power windows, cruise control, air conditioning, and a tilt steering wheel. The T-tops are said to be weather-tight, and the car was never smoked in.
The seller tells us that her husband owned this car for five years before his passing. Amazingly, the 305 cubic inch engine is in factory condition without modifications. Currently, there are no issues with how it runs and drives. Everything is said to work, and it is “not perfect, but pretty close” according to the seller.
While the circumstances of the sale are sad, the seller feels that it is time to let someone else enjoy this time capsule of a car. Hopefully, it will be well cared for by whoever purchases it. Finding an IROC-Z in this condition is tough and becomes more difficult as time goes on.
One of my favorite cars in one of my favorite colors. Nice.
This one is still a nice example. As per tranny choices it was easy. Base LG4 had either 5speed or auto. Next step up L69 was 5 speed and the TPI LB9 was auto as GM didn’t have a 5 speed strong enough (so they said ) to match up. It needs tlc to bring it back to snuff but parts are still very avail with the help of the aftermarket and readily affordable. This ones a keeper
I have a 88 firebird formula with the LB9 TPI engine. It also has the T5 Manual transmission
Your both right. The five speed was available with the LB9, AND it wasn’t strong enough to survive if beat on very much.
On the outside, it has the TPI stickers and lettering on the rear bumper. Under the hood tells a different story! I’ve owned 3 Z-28’s from 83-87. 87 was an IROC 5.7. I’ve never seen interior of that fabric. Leather? Not sure what it is.
OOOPS! My mistake. After zooming in, I see it’s labeled H.O. I take that all back!
I like it. It just needs some TLC. I would do some minor body work on the hood and repaint it.
It’s a beautiful original color, and with new paint it would be awesome.
I don’t think it’s overpriced, considering what prices I’ve seen on other jelopies not near as appealing.
I just don’t see these vehicles anymore. I always liked them, even when new. Good find!
Just my oponion!
Cool Camaro 😎
Would have more interest if it didn’t have T-Tops.
On the contrary, cars of this vintage (Camaros/Trans Ams,300ZXs,some Porsches) were VERY POPULAR if they had T-Tops,as they were all the rage back then!
One of my cousins was obsessed with IROCs,they were his “holy grail”!! lol
I have always liked the 3rd gen F body Camaro Iroc Z. Especially the T top one’s. I owned 2 87’s with T tops. First thing I did was to install sub frame connectors on them. Really tightened them up and helped keep the t tops from leaking. One had the 305 and the other had the 350, both were auto trans. They wouldn’t leave the garage if I had to put the t tops on. Great memories.
Worked at Chevyy dealer in 83-84. These had campaign(recall) for hood separation. If still active in 1985, don’t repair it, replace it!
I settled for an 84 with the HO only because I was told the IROC would be receiving a new 5.0 rated at 215 HP which the five speed , so they said could not handle the extra 25 ponies??? Turns out over 2400 of 5.0 HO’s left over from 84 that made their way into early 85 IROC’s. Was totally heart broken when I saw a grey one on the road and the owner told me how he was able to score one so this is relatively rare for a 3rd gen Z.
Is it even a Camaro if it was never smoked in? I didn’t realize it was even an option to not have someone crankin’ a hoon in your IROC, try to flick it out the T-top, and then the scramble is on as it blows into the back seat. God help you if your dates used a lot of hair spray (spoiler: they did. it was the 80s).
I wonder, do the t-tops leak? Trick question. They do.
It will go for way more than the 17,500. Its a 5-speed manuel in very hood original condition. A collector probably will end up with this jewel. Loved these irocs! Envy who gets to enjoy that beauty!