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?
Yellow doesn’t work on most cars. This era Z28/Iroc is an exception. 👍
Yellow is to an IROC what Panther Pink is to a ’70 Cuda. Most folks don’t care for it, but it demands a premium on the market.
For years this was one of those cars I wouldn’t have given a second look, but now that I’m an old dude, I can see this as an enjoyable car to cruise around in and an antidote to the boring offerings of today’s manufacturers.
I’m old too, and I like mine well enough to spend a gob of money on it to try to get the TPI motor to keep up with a modern 4 cyl. Mustang. Haven’t got there yet though.
This is a nice looking car. Because of the local emissions regulations 3rd generation F-body’s are rarely if ever seen.
Bidding currently stands at $20,100, the reserve has been met, the auction has 4 days 7 hours remaining.
Steve R
Yellow, 350, t-tops. This is hard to find. Not surprised it hit $20k already
As a yellow fan on the right cars I agree with Stan and am also a fan of this series of GM cars. Beautiful!
A lot of people consider these to be mullet cars” and perhaps they are correct. But when you keep them in factory condition with no outrageous mods, the party is in the front and back.
My sister had an 80s IROC Z back in the 80s. It was a cool looking car in white with gold stripes.
Talk me out of “dad loved her more”.
After the IROC Z story there is no point trying.
I sold new IROC Zs from 85-87s, and the 5.7 TPI version was light years ahead of the 5.0. Enjoyed every extended test drive in these. Nice car.
I had a ’89 RS, also with T-Tops. Weld-in subframe connectors transformed the handling of the car. I recommend them on any 3rd gen. My only complaint would be the plastic housing of the rear hatch electric latch. My kids couldn’t understand why you can’t slam it closed like a trunk. I replaced two of them. The latches, not the kids, LOL
Gone Already! Not Surprised!
Gone because seller ended it and stated “car is no longer available! So much for that!
Back then I knew a few people that had these car. The 5.7 was only available with a auto trans while the 5.0 could be ordered with a manual or auto trans.
I had the exact same IROC, color & all, except mine was an 86 with the 5.0, mine represented its color very well, biggest lemon I have ever owned, haven’t owned a Chevy since.
My friend had the same experience with his. His was blue and he bought it new. He had lots of engine trouble andhe traded it in 2 years later
“This listing was ended by the seller on Mon, Mar 23 at 6:12 PM because the item is no longer available.”
This seems to be the norm lately, on cars that are actually being auctioned.
Pull the running gear out ,hide it in the corner.buy a wrecked c5 use that running gear.embarrassing to have granny blow your doors off.ruined the whole vibe.then just limp home and hide it behind the garage .go in and watch gun smoke.
gone. common color back in the day when they were all over the place
Last good looking gen. of Camaros for me. Saw these everywhere back in the 80’s. It’s a crime you couldn’t get a stick with that 5.7.