Have you ever looked at a seller’s project candidate and been glad their build stalled before it could start? That’s how I feel about this 1987 Chevrolet Camaro IROC-Z. The seller purchased it while planning a restomod project, but the process never got beyond the Camaro finding its way into their garage. They have decided to send this classic to a new home, leaving a new owner to fulfill that dream or to opt for preservation. The IROC is listed here on eBay in Haleyville, Alabama. The bidding sits at $7,850 in a No Reseve auction.

The 1987 model year marked the mid-point in the production cycle for Chevrolet’s Third Generation Camaro. Changes for this latest version were relatively small cosmetically, although ongoing development delivered buyers minor but welcome performance gains. The original owner ordered this IROC in dazzling Bright Blue Metallic, one of the best shades available to buyers in 1987. The photos reveal no significant issues with the panels or paint. However, the close-up shots confirm that prone areas like the lower front spoiler have accumulated the typical assortment of small chips. Nothing demands urgent attention, and preservation might be the best strategy for a budget-conscious enthusiast. There are no plastic issues, the stripes and decals are crisp for their age, and the glass is clear. The Camaro rolls on its original alloy wheels, free from stains and curb strike damage.

The power and torque figures produced by the 305ci V8 under the hood of this Camaro are modest by modern standards, but they were within buyer expectations for the era. The driver receives 190hp and 295 ft/lbs of torque, which feeds to the rear wheels via a four-speed automatic transmission. A sub-16-second ¼-mile ET was possible, but this car’s performance was well short of the breathtaking figures provided by the Z28 two decades earlier. The seller claims this Camaro has 32,000 miles on the clock, and while they don’t mention verifying evidence, the condition makes it plausible. We also need to consider what some might view as the bullet this car dodged. The seller purchased the IROC as the base for a restomod build, but this never eventuated. They have left it untouched, meaning its appeal to purists is heightened. The winning bidder could still pursue that path, but since the indications are that this IROC runs and drives as it should, leaving it as-is seems viable.

You can learn much about a classic car’s history by examining its interior. Detailing an engine bay within an inch of its life is easy, and it doesn’t cost much to address minor exterior paint imperfections. However, worn and damaged upholstery, broken plastic, and haphazard aftermarket interior additions pose a more significant challenge. That is one reason why I like this Camaro. Its interior is exceptional for its age, providing excellent support for the seller’s mileage claim. An in-person inspection will undoubtedly expose shortcomings, but none are visible in the supplied photos. The Gray cloth and vinyl are excellent, as are the dash and pad. There is minimal carpet wear and no UV deterioration. The interior is more than a pretty face because it is nicely equipped in a 1980s context. The new owner receives air conditioning, power windows, power locks, a six-way power driver’s seat, power mirrors, cruise control, a rear defogger, and an AM/FM radio/cassette player.

Cars that emerged from production lines during The Malaise Era spent years being ignored by enthusiasts. I understand why the seller considered subjecting this 1987 Camaro IROC-Z to a restomod build because more modern drivetrains could be readily bolted under the skin, significantly improving performance. They failed to do so, but there is no reason why the winning bidder couldn’t complete what they never started. However, cars from this era are finding favor with a new generation of enthusiasts viewing them as an affordable entry point into classic ownership. This one has attracted twenty-seven bids, proving that people like what they see. It is days away from a new home, but do you believe the buyer will select the preservation or restomod path?