Garage-Kept Survivor: 1990 Chevrolet Camaro IROC-Z

We’ve recently seen a few low-mile classics at Barn Finds, some more desirable than others. This 1990 Camaro IROC-Z will tick the boxes for many, and some will find its unmolested state and range-topping V8 irresistible. The seller claims it has been garage-kept its entire life, and having spent that time in a dry climate makes its rust-free condition unsurprising. The seller has listed this Camaro here on eBay in Las Vegas, Nevada. Bidding sits below the reserve at $10,100. However, I expect that figure to rise considerably before this auction ends.

Potential buyers should consider this Camaro a genuine survivor. It has never undergone any form of restoration, and there are no aftermarket additions or modifications. Its Code 40 White paint shines well for its age, with the seller indicating there is the usual array of small chips you expect on any car of this age that has seen active service. None show in the supplied photos, and with only two exterior shots available, it makes it hard to determine where the imperfections might be. Areas like the car’s nose and spoiler would seem the obvious candidates, but there could be some on the lower body aero components. The car has spent its life in its current location. That and the fact it has been garage-kept makes its rust-free state unsurprising. The panels are straight, the plastic components are excellent, the glass is clear, and the alloy wheels show no signs of physical damage. Overall, this IROC-Z seems to tick the boxes for someone seeking a classic capable of turning heads.

Describing this Camaro’s interior as spotless would not stretch credibility. The only aspect we don’t see is the dash top due to the cover. Otherwise, there is little wear on any surfaces and no evidence of UV damage. The condition supports the claim that this IROC-Z has hidden away in a garage when not prowling the streets. The rear cargo area is damage-prone, but there are no signs of flaws or imperfections typically inflicted over decades of constant use. This interior intrigues me because it is one of the most “bare bones” we’ve seen in an IROC of this vintage. The new owner receives air conditioning and an AM/FM radio/cassette player. Those seeking power windows, power locks, cruise control, or other luxury features have come to the wrong address. The impression is the original owner may have been saving the pennies (and weight) inside this classic to maximize its performance potential.

There has always been debate about when The Malaise Era ended, but this IROC-Z is one car demonstrating that Detroit had rediscovered its performance mojo. The original owner may have foregone interior creature comforts so they could slot the range-topping 5.7-liter TPI V8 under the hood of this classic. Chevrolet only offered this engine with a four-speed automatic transmission, but with 245hp and 345 ft/lbs of torque on tap, it could romp through the ¼-mile in 14.7 seconds. The aerodynamic efficiency of the Third Generation Camaro body ensured it would threaten 150mph if the driver kept the foot welded to the floor. The seller claims this classic has a genuine 67,000 miles on the clock but fails to mention supporting evidence. It just received a new catalytic converter, a service, and the tires are about a year old. They say the V8 sounds fantastic, and the car runs and drives as it should. All the winning bidder needs to do is hand over the cash, and they can head off into the sunset behind the wheel of this gem.

The seller describes this 1990 Camaro IROC-Z as a real investment, and these claims must often be treated with a grain of salt. However, values have been climbing beyond the market average during the past year. Recent sales results suggest the price should pass $20,000, although a higher figure is possible. If you fancy a spotlessly clean classic focusing on performance, joining those who have already submitted the twenty-six bids on this car could transform a dream into reality.