If you search the usual online auction and sale sites, you will find that most examples of the 1986 Camaro IROC-Z listed feature an automatic transmission. I have nothing against self-shifters, but there is something satisfying about selecting ratios when you want rather than when an electronic brain thinks it would be a good idea. This 1986 IROC-Z features the desirable 5-speed and has a genuine 29,000 miles on the clock. It presents well, with no immediate needs or problems. The seller has listed it here on Craigslist in Union City, California. They set a price of $22,500, and I must say a big thank you to Barn Finder Pat L. for spotting it.
During its fifth production year, Chevrolet adopted an evolutionary approach with changes to the Third Generation Camaro. The most noticeable difference was the adoption of a Center High Mounted Stop Light. This is attached to the rear glass, but its location would change in subsequent years. Otherwise, it was business as usual for the classic pony car. This one-owner Camaro makes a positive first impression. Its Bright Red paint shines beautifully, with no evidence of flaws or defects. The decals look crisp, and the lack of evidence of water damage inside this classic indicates the seals for the T-Top are in good order. The panels are as straight as an arrow, with tight and consistent gaps. The Camaro has spent its life in California, making its rust-free status unsurprising. The sun hasn’t taken a toll on the plastic, and the distinctive 16″ wheels look excellent.
I was initially prepared to accept the seller’s claim that this Camaro is 100% stock and original. However, there are a few interior changes that undermine its status. The original stereo has made way for an aftermarket CD player, the shifter knob is different, and there are additional gauges above the heater controls. That may seem like nit-picking, but the small details make the difference in vehicles of this caliber. The changes aren’t significant, and they are reversible. Beyond that, there’s nothing to report. The overall condition of the upholstery and plastic is consistent with the claimed odometer reading, with no signs of abuse or damage. The T-Top retains its original storage bags, and there is no doubt the contrasting Black and Red trim would garner attention. Comfort and convenience items include air conditioning, power windows, power locks, exterior power mirrors, and a rear defogger.
The seller is this classic’s only owner, but they don’t supply any engine photos. This is unfortunate since the drivetrain is one of this car’s highlights. Powering this IROC-Z is the 305ci V8 producing 165hp. They ordered the car with power steering and four-wheel power disc brakes, but the ace up the car’s sleeve is their decision to specify the five-speed manual transmission. This offers noticeable performance improvements, with this classic capable of covering the ¼-mile in 16 seconds. To place that into perspective, choosing the four-speed auto would have pushed the time to 16.7 seconds. It might not sound like a lot, but drivers can feel a difference of that magnitude. The IROC is in excellent mechanical health, running and driving perfectly. The seller claims it has 29,000 genuine miles on the clock but doesn’t mention verifying evidence. However, given its ownership history, I won’t be surprised if it is available.
It might be considered harsh, but I don’t consider this 1986 Camaro IROC-Z a genuine survivor in its current form. Returning it to that state would be easy and inexpensive, and that is the road I would follow if it were parked in my garage. However, if its odometer reading is verifiable, its price looks extremely competitive. That makes me believe it will probably find a new home fairly quickly. It has only been on the market a few days, and interested parties may need to act fast if they wish to become its new owner. Are you tempted?
Probably one of the best looking cars GM ever made. Good example here.
Back in ’86, it was great to come up on one of these in my GLH-T and surprise the driver.
Now, I would much prefer one of these. The speed isn’t as important as the classic looks, although this is not my favorite gen of Camaro.
It’s a clone. The speedo shows 85mph top speed which indicates a v6. It possibly has a turbo setup thus the auxiliary gauges. It’s clean but can’t fool me.
That isn’t the stock upholstery, is it?
Todd good question. I seen plenty of these new and I don’t remember the interior looking like this. I know some dealerships offered custom services. Different decals and the interior. Sunroof if didn’t have t-tops . I seen black and gray interior done like this but not red and black. I don’t think GM would be so bold to do it.. 🐻
I own an 89 IROC Z. Those seats are not factory. Anything even resembling that would have probably come in one of the deluxe packages with velour, not in the vinyl that it appears to be.
Red plastic interior trim, and console carpet with black door panels and carpet. Can’t say I’ve seen anything like that on any other third gen. Also can’t say I hate it.
That decidedly is not the stock upholstery! And unless it’s one of the 53 L69s built that year, it’s an LG4 305, which made 165 HP this year. That was good for a 8.5-9.0 second 0-60 time. Very attractive car, but not the most desirable 3rd Gen motor. Red + t-tops is very desirable though.
Sorry, 74 L69s for ’86, not 53. My bad. Per at least one report, 63 were used for the Canadian Players Challenge Series. So good luck ever finding one. If this was one of them, it’d be at Barrett-Jackson and probably national news.
Nope. The red painted trim in the rear is an obvious non factory addition.
“the lack of evidence of water damage inside this classic indicates the seals for the T-Top are in good order” It could also mean it was never driven in the rain. I had one and could never get the T-Top to stop leaking.
The cupholders on the console, where the ash tray should be, are an aftermarket addition as well. Probably worth every cent on a stick shift car.
With that loud interior shouting at you, the only thing missing is the lucky Italian horn(cornicello) hanging from the rear view mirror!
The engine is likely the base 305 (LG4). IROCs with TPI or HO engines had identifying decals near the Z-28 fender callouts.
The auxiliary gauges are a puzzler considering the Z-28 instrument cluster includes gauges for oil pressure and water temperature along with a voltmeter.
The only vinyl seat offered for the year’s Camaro was the base bucket seat. The upholstery in this car resembles the optional ‘Custom Cloth’ but done in vinyl or leather.
It’s almost 100% certainly an LG4. They only made 74 L69s this year and all of the TPI LB9s were automatics.
If it was an L69, it would be front page news among 3rd Gen enthusiasts. Ive never even seen one. Most of them were used (and undoubtedly destroyed) in the Canadian Players series (I’ve read 63 out of the 74).
That being the case, this car would find itself with a 350 crate motor if it were mine. The 305 is just not very fast or buildable by comparison.
Nice looking car. Would be tempted to do something about that 165hp tho.
Be a fun cruiser. Won’t get too crazy w 165hp. Parking brake may need an adjustment 😉
Lost me at the word Craigslist. There are two “Wild West” selling forums online, this is one and Facebook marketplace. Zero protections for buyer or seller. Amazed that this owner couldn’t be bothered to sell this vehicle on a reputable platform such as Cars & Bids or even Bring A Trailer. GLWS.
Brian
Buying and selling vehicles on Craigslist is a great option for face to face sales. You don’t get the audience like you would through eBay or other auction houses, but it can be very effective (plus cheap and easy) for local transactions.
I had 88 that year the brake light was spoiler.awesom
First, that is not factory seat covers. I have bought two vehicles from Craigslist and still have had them both 8 years. Very satisfied. You have to get off your butt and go see vehicles in person. I took a floor jack both times to look underneath. Paid $1,900 for my 97 Pkymouth Voyager with 50,000 actial miles from original owner in 2014. Has 133,000 and am very happy. Bought my 73 Corvette in 2015. Love it. I also like thus IROC. But do your research before buying a 5 speed stick. Problematic and one reason it was not offered with the 5.7 engine.
Fun fact- My sons stock 2012 VW Beetle would give this IROC a run for its money in the quarter mile…
I have an 87 but with the darker shade of red paint. The only way you could get the 5 speed was to get stuck with the less than exciting 305. Ran it for 93,000 miles ann then had a Chevy dealer swap in a 350/5.7L engine instead. Dealer said GM would not mate the 350 to the 5 speed due to twisting of the body, especially if equipped with t-tops. I never had a problem and still have the car. The interior IS NOT STOCK. If the seller says it is, beware….what else is he lying about or he has no clue!
The real reason 350s didn’t get the 5 speed was to save the puny 7.5″ differential. Install subframe connectors in your car, weld them in. Once you experience the difference you’ll wish you’d done it 93,000 miles ago.
Lol…I’d submit that of the chassis, the T-5, and the 10 bolt, NONE of them are up to the task of handling the 350s torque when combined. Aggressively driven, they are barely up to the job with a stock 305.
We just viewed this vehicle. For starters, the seller would only let us see it inside the garage and we had to ask them to turn on the lights. First strike was the gap on the passenger side door to fender was way off. Then, Seller disclosed since it was an original AZ vehicle it had been repainted, and the interior had been reupholstered/redone – although the uncracked dash was said to be original. Lots of paint touch ups. Ad says “100% stock”. Not my idea of completely stock. Stated “Original Owners”, although vehicle belonged to their grandfather who bought it new and kept in Arizona until recently. Ad says 4-wheel disc brakes…no, the rear are drums. We had decided to pass before asking to hear it run, so no insight on that. It looked just as advertised in the listing – and we were ready to buy – but it just didn’t feel right.
Likely a wise choice
My wife has almost the exact same car. ’86 5 speed but in blue and a hard top. Bought it from the original owner with 32k miles on it. It doesn’t have the power that my challenger has, but it’s still a blast to drive.
Indeed.. I just don’t get it I guess? But I see lots of insane prices on here on everything from there rust bucket Chevelle that’s worth basically nothing going for 10k to 15k to these non-muscle “muscle cars” … Sorry but this is just a used car in my book. And is maybe 10k tops. People need a reality check.
I just don’t get it. Why are people paying top dollar for a non-muscle “muscle car”. I see these as just another used car. Might be worth 10k tops IMHO
People need a reality check. Buying rust buckets for over 15k just because it says Chevelle or mustang… Idk… Good luck. But I bet there are more cases of buyers remorse than proud owners when it’s all said and done.
For a reality check, just check the prices of new and used cars these days. 10K buys you something that is over 10 years old and is anonymous on the road.
People are happy to spend extra dough on something with a bit of pizzazz, so that opens the door for asking prices that seem insane. The seller might get lucky and sell at that price, but will probably still be happy after a bit of negotiation.
Nostalgia my friend…thats why.
Yes you are nit picking who cares if it has a few day 2 accessories I watched Jay Leno garage one time b4 and he knows cars he said if u put a disc brake setup on an old car from the 60s it still won’t take the value away from it it will help you stop that big heavy car way better then those drums
My mother still has an actual stock 1986 z28 Camaro with T-tops and 67 or69k original miles. It’s a fun car to drive that’s for sure and definitely recognizable.