First Year 5.7-Liter TPI: 1987 Chevrolet Camaro IROC-Z

It is fair to say that the American vehicle manufacturing industry rediscovered its performance mojo in the 1980s. After the misery of the Malaise Era, companies discovered new ways to squeeze respectable power from their engines. This 1987 Chevrolet Camaro IROC-Z perfectly demonstrates the renewed push to embrace technology, with its engine bay home to a 5.7-liter V8. The car presents well and is loaded with factory options. I must say a big thank you to Barn Finder T.J. for spotting this tidy survivor listed here on eBay in Middlebury, Connecticut. Bidding currently sits at $11,378, which is below the reserve.

Chevrolet’s Third Generation Camaro evolved during the 1980s, although the 1987 model year’s cosmetic updates were relatively minor. However, as we will see, the most important news remained hidden below the surface. This Camaro is the desirable IROC-Z version, ordered by its first owner in dazzling Code 51 Yellow. It makes a bold visual statement and could never be described as subtle. When a car features a shade like this, it must present well to make a positive impression. This IROC appears to tick that box. The image quality is slightly lacking, but it seems to support the seller’s claim that this Camaro is a high-quality driver. The paint features a deep shine, with no visible significant defects. The same is true of the panels, and I can’t spot anything suggesting that rust would be an issue. The decals look crisp, and the plastic hasn’t warped or deteriorated. This Camaro will score extra points with many potential buyers, courtesy of its glass T-Top. So far, the news about this classic appears very positive.

The biggest change to the 1987 Camaro range can be found beneath this classic’s hood. Chevrolet introduced the 5.7-liter Tuned-Port Injection V8 during that model year, although it was available exclusively in the IROC-Z. It produced an official 225hp and 330 ft/lbs of torque, feeding to the road via a four-speed automatic transmission. I have always considered it a shame that Chevrolet didn’t offer a manual option, because the combination would have provided a more entertaining driving package. However, with this car featuring power steering and power brakes, life on the road should be an effortless experience. The seller doesn’t provide insight within the listing text regarding the car’s mechanical condition. There is an embedded video with the V8 running, and I hear no evidence of odd noises or other problems. Therefore, it appears to be a turnkey classic, and the included original Owner’s Manual, Build Sheet, and two sets of keys is more welcome news.

The seller states that, aside from the lack of leather trim, this Camaro’s first owner loaded it with almost every available option. That means the winning bidder will climb aboard a classic featuring air conditioning, power windows, power locks, power mirrors, cruise control, a rear defogger, and a tilt wheel. It also featured an AM/FM radio/cassette player, but someone has replaced it with an aftermarket unit. Those preferring authenticity will be happy to learn that the factory unit is included, so reversing that change should be relatively painless. The seller admits there is wheel wear, but doesn’t identify any further shortcomings. Although the interior shots are low-quality, I don’t see evidence of major issues or problems requiring the new owner’s attention.

For those enthusiasts with a strong passion for performance models, the arrival of the 1987 Camaro IROC-Z with a 5.7-liter V8 under the hood was welcome news. It may not have been as brutal as the Z28 at the dawn of the 1970s, but it offered a wonderful compromise between acceleration, respectable fuel consumption, and occupant comfort. This IROC has generated healthy interest, with the bid tally sitting at nineteen. Plenty of time remains before the hammer falls, allowing interested parties to ensure their financial ducks are in a row before making a play for this classic. Are you tempted to do so?