Third-gen (’82-’92) Chevrolet Camaros seem to get short-shrift in the desirability index. They turn up here on Barn Finds from time to time but are considerably overshadowed by the two previous generations. I have some anecdotal reasons such as build and material quality as well as lack of power (a four-cylinder engine in a Camaro?). Are those really legitimate reasons or is it something else? Let’s find out by reviewing this nice-looking 1989 Camaro IROC-Z convertible and see what makes it tick. It’s located in New Boston, Michigan and is available, here on eBay for a current, no-reserve bid of $11,200 with thirteen bids tendered so far.
Camaro came in two favors in ’89, the standard RS (Rally Sport) trim level and the IROC-Z (International Race Of Champions), performance version. Body styles were two, a coupe and a convertible, and total ’89 output reached 110K units with about 7K of that total being of the convertible variety.
Originally purchased by a GM employee, this Chevy has been owned by the current owners since the mid-nineties. With only 32K miles on its life clock, this Camaro spent a good number of years in proper storage. This past summer saw this Camaro’s return to daylight and assignment as a sales candidate. It certainly presents well and the images don’t reveal any shortcomings. The seller does state, “The no rust body has its original paint, stripes, and emblems- there is some paint checking on the rear of the driver’s door. There is a paint spider on the right front fascia corner, with a small tear in the headlight area… There are a few minor dings and paint chips but nothing that stands out for the age of the car“. The seller adds, “I was able to replace the original top with a NOS factory top as the original had some wear and the rear window was starting to yellow- this top is like new“.
Power is provided by a 170 net HP, throttle body fuel injected 5.0 liter (305 CI) V8 engine, coupled to a four-speed automatic transmission. The exhaust system has been modified with a deep-tone cat-back semi-dual system and we’re told that the car runs and shifts great. Of note, the original rear axle assembly has been replaced with one donated from a five-speed manual transmission equipped car that features a limited-slip 3.42 geared differential and disc brakes.
The interior looks pretty good though the seller mentions, and the image documents, wear damage to the driver’s side seat back, specifically the outer bolster. The degradation is supposedly due to slipping in and out of the seat but it seems exceptionally worn for a car with only 32K miles. Other than that foible, the rest of the environment is bright and clean. The overly plasticky dash is sharp-angled and oh-so typical for the era. The seller mentions that the A/C system is complete but is no longer functioning with loss of refrigerant, while in storage, singled out as the primary culprit.
OK, so what’s to like or dislike about this IROC-Z Camaro convertible? Well, its styling is subjective of course, and it does seem like a perfectly nice convertible but…It is a product of the time and while its power is middling, there were more powerful engines available. But still, it just doesn’t seem to reach liftoff. So, let me ask you please, vote for your favorite Camaro generation, one (1967-1969); two (1970-1981); three (this one 1982-1992); or four (1993-2002)?
3rd Gens are my favorite I guess because that’s what was new when I was a kid. A triple black IROC convertible was as nice as anything on the road I thought back then. This one looks really sharp, one of my gripes with these cars is always the seats. The seats really let these cars down, especially compared to the seats they put in a GTA Trans Am.
Nice car.Cool summer cruiser. Was never big into this body style as I like 1st and 2nd gen Camaros probably because I’m older.Tge floor on the pass side was funky so the cat would fit under the car if I remember .Worked on a lot of these they were popular and everywhere now I rarely see them.glwts.
My sentiments are the swme. Partial to the 2nd gen. Owned a 1979 Z-car.
But for those who like the sounds of these cars. This one seems one that would turn heads. Probably will sell above the current bids. These cars are disappearing fast from the marketplace in condition like this one.
I had a black with grey convertible. It just wasn’t me so I sold it. There is a red convertible at the pull-a-part right now, not sure of the year
Shouldn’t a 1989 iroc z have a tuned port 5,7 as opposed to throttle body??
Yup my thoughts exactly
it came both ways throttle body and TPI. 5.0 in convertibles no 5.7.
5.0 throttle body, 5.0 TPI or 5.7 TPI, take your choice.
JO
The 2nd gen would have to be my favorite,but more specifically the 70-73 models with the round taillights and it was before the what i call the “parkbench” rear bumpers started in 74′.I never owned a Camaro,but i did own a 76′ and ’78 Trans Am.
Swapping in a 3.42 rear end is nice but hope he swapped the vss and speedo gears. Its a nice ride for week end outings
Nice Iroc. Looks good in white.
Did Chevrolet offer the desirable luggage 🧳 rack option on these convertible models ?
1st gen all the way. I’m admittedly prejudiced having owned 3 different 68s. They just look so sexy with those curves.
Personally, I think the 1970 SS (396-454 are the best looking car to ever come off any American assembly line !!! That being said, the Camaro 1969-1970 – 1973 would be my next choice !!! I know you weren’t asking about the Chevelle, but I had to mention it !!!
The ’70 – ’73 split bumper models were the best, IMHO.