While it can’t technically be considered a genuine survivor, this 1988 Chevrolet Camaro IROC-Z presents superbly courtesy of its fresh paint. There is little to criticize about its appearance, its interior is exceptionally tidy for its age, and its engine bay houses the most powerful V8 available during that model year. It has no apparent needs beyond a new home, with the seller listing the Camaro here on eBay in Roanoke, Virginia. Spirited bidding has pushed the price to $6,000, which is below the reserve.
The 1988 model year was evolutionary for the Camaro, with the biggest change being Chevrolet’s decision to limit the range to the base and IROC-Z in Coupe or Convertible form. Our feature car wears what the seller claims is a one-year-only shade of Medium Gray Metallic. However, I managed to secure a Sales Brochure for the following year that indicates that it remained available in 1989. The car presents exceptionally well following a recent repaint in clear-over-base. The seller supplies several progress photos in the listing to indicate the extent of the work. These confirm that it was more of a cosmetic refresh than a full-blown restoration, but the Camaro still looks pretty nice. The Gray shines impressively, the panels are straight, and the graphics are as crisp as you could rightly expect. There are no glass or trim problems, and this car scores additional points, courtesy of its leak-free glass T-Top. The 16″ alloy wheels round out the exterior package to create a positive first impression.
The exterior wasn’t the only aspect of this Camaro to receive TLC, with the interior sporting new door trims and carpet over Kilmat sound deadening. Other new components include every bulb, relay, switch, the power window motors, and the mechanisms for the power locks and tailgate release. One welcome addition is the Alpine touchscreen stereo with a reversing camera. The overall impression is positive, with only slight wear on the outer edge of the driver’s seat. The plastic is in excellent condition, with no signs of UV damage or other problems. Factory options beyond the power-assisted windows and locks include air conditioning, a six-way power driver’s seat, cruise control, and a tilt wheel.
Powering this Camaro is the 5.7-liter TPI V8 that Chevrolet only offered with a four-speed automatic transmission. This car also scores power-assisted steering and four-wheel disc brakes for an effortless driving experience. The engine should generate 230hp and 330 ft/lbs of torque, allowing the IROC-Z to cover the ΒΌ-mile in 15 seconds on its way to a factory-claimed 149mph. The seller doesn’t indicate whether this classic is numbers-matching but confirms that the recent refresh included a new alternator, power steering pump, new shocks, struts, and sway bar bushings. They don’t mention verifying evidence for the claimed odometer reading of 73,700 genuine miles but state that the car is in excellent mechanical health, running and driving well.
The listing action tells the story of this 1988 Camaro IROC-Z, with twenty-one bids submitted at the time of writing. Throw the Watch List and View figures of thirty-four and 275 into the mix, and it is obvious that this classic has struck a chord. That begs the question of what the bidding will reach before the hammer falls. The 5.7-liter V8 has a significant impact because cars with this motor command a premium of around 25% over those achieved by cars equipped with the smaller V8. I believe that $15,000 is achievable, but a higher figure is possible. Do you agree, or do you have another number in mind?
Nice car,except for the radio.I would think that the stock radio
would be just fine,plus you don’t have to stare at the screen while
using it.Plus,no 4 speed.
Nice, and in a price range enthusiasts can afford.
I bought the Pontiac version of this platform way back when to use as my daily driver. It was impractical, developed rattles (primarily from the huge rear hatch), and of course had the nearly unusable typical pony car rear seats. But a recent return to the single life made me feel like I needed it, partly because I had the delusion that it would make me appear younger (I was at the advanced age of 29) and foster a more youthful state of mind…which would theoretically generate a “magnet” in certain social opportunities. But mostly, I loved driving it, it brought back a little bit of the raw ‘boy racer’ vibes I would get from my old muscle cars from a decade or so earlier.
I like this example here…the color, the renewed stuff, the 5.7, and would be ok with the AT at this time in my life. But though not a deal breaker, like AngliaGT I prefer old world simpler “big knob” radios/stereos, and that better fit whatever old car’s era.
Ive always loved manual tranny cars BUT on this gen Camaro my size 13 EEE shoe would snag up under the dash and occasionally hit the low hanging wiring harness. Didnt have this issue w the auto Gen 3s. Btw to the above commentors these cars had manual 5 spds,not 4. Unless it was the 82 or early 83 Camaro base. And as the author stated there was NO manual tranny w the 5.7
The paint mix, required by EPA, was horrible. Not surprised it had to be repainted. I worked in VanNuys plant.