Barn Finds, Garage Finds, whatever you want to call them, it is the story behind them that is usually as good or better than the vehicle themselves. And most often they are in some kind of cool, but not mint, condition because they have been sitting for so long. Such is not the case with this amazingly awesome and fun to look at 1987 IROC Z28. This one was clearly customized by someone with money to spend and an eye for the best of the best. Lowered, an insane Rockford Fosgate stereo installed, and most importantly a complete Pete Santini custom graphics job. The paint looks as good as new by the way and is so rad we want this thing like right now. If we had the money we’d drive the holy crap out of it by the way. Sorry, but the miles wouldn’t bother us at all.
There is tons of information in the ad on this car, so we’re including it below. This one is legit and bad assed. Check it out.
Here is all the info from the seller: CLICK HERE FOR CONTACT INFORMATION AND THE ORIGINAL AD
This 1987 Camaro Z28 IROC-Z may not be perfectly described as a Barn Find, perhaps more accurately a Garage Find. It’s been stored in a Southern California residential garage for 30 years. In the sellers mind because it is a survivor with its original customizations it truly is a One of One. A letter authored by the original owner acknowledging he was the first owner and that the miles are true and accurate goes with the vehicle. You may notice in the photo of the odometer it reads 19,394. However its current mileage is less than the 19,611 listed.
After it was purchased new, it was taken to a suspension shop and was professionally lowered approximately 1 inch. In addition it was taken to a professional stereo shop where the owner threw the checkbook at it. For additional details regarding the Stereo System see below.
It was also taken to a World-Class Automotive Refinishing Artist Pete Santini. With the exception of the front bumper/lower valence; the painted on graphics are the originals. This IROC-Z is the ultimate Southern California Dreamin Ride. For additional details regarding the Custom Paint Work see below.
The 1st owner sold it to the current owner a Certified Triple ASE Master Technician. It was purchased as a gift for his wife. She decided it is “too nice to drive”; hence it’s available for purchase. A bumper-to-bumper review of the IROC was conducted with numerous seals, fluids, bushings, fuel pump etc. replaced. For additional details regarding Freshening Up the car see below.
Camaro Z28 IROC-Z History
As most Camaro lovers are aware, the IROC-Z was General Motors contribution to the International Race of Champions series https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/International_Race_of_Champions . In addition to the Z28 standard equipment, the IROC-Z was equipped with upgraded suspension, lowered ride height, specially valved Delco-Bilstein shocks, larger diameter sway bars, a steering/frame brace known as the “wonder bar”, a special decal package, and a Tuned Port Fuel Injection system taken from the Chevrolet Corvette. To read more via Wikipedia you can use the following link: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chevrolet_Camaro_(third_generation) .
Ups and Extras
The car comes with all four of the original tires and wheels. The previous owner purchased a brand-new set of IROC wheels and a new set of tires. They are currently installed on the car. Although the original tire and wheel set comes with the vehicle, the tires are not roadworthy. Although a brand-new fuel tank and fuel pump have been installed, a separate new in the box fuel tank comes with it as well.
Stereo System
The in dash Sony CDXR88.PD – CD / stereo system installed in 1987 was certainly fitting for the time. This is the only area where the vehicle has been changed. As with all other components replaced, the Original Sony in dash unit comes with the vehicle. A new Pioneer DEH-X7800BHS has been installed. You’ll notice in the photos numerous Rockford Fosgate speakers. Originally there were 18 speakers installed we are now down to 16. Originally the dashboard located speakers had separate tweeters. They’ve been replaced with a one-piece speaker with tweeter.
All of the remaining Rockford Fosgate speakers have been replaced with new ones including: three in each door, two in each sail panel and the two 12 inch woofers that are hard not to see. In addition there are two Rockford Fosgate Punch 150 amps along with a Rockford Fosgate Power 300 Mosfet amp. There is no way in written form to communicate how powerful the sound system is. It appears there is a method for rebuilding Rockford Fosgate speakers, however each was replaced new. The original speakers (needing the foam replaced) go with the vehicle.
Custom Paint Work
For those who are not familiar with Pete Santini, you may want to search his name on the Internet where you will find other examples of his automotive artistry. As demonstrated in 1987 on this IROC-Z, he’s always had a knack for producing bold designs that truly never go out of style. Because of two paint chips in the lower of the valenve Pete was kind enough to take on the task of refinishing the area and repainting the graphics. In addition, Pete was kind enough to put his signature on the passenger side of the dash. Throughout the entire car we’ve found only a single paint chip remaining. The rest of the paint on the vehicle looks as good as when it was new.
Freshening Up
As folks familiar with vehicles that have been parked for extended periods of time know; over time some parts degrade. The previously mentioned Certified Triple ASE Master Technician looked at each portion of the car bumper-to-bumper focusing on areas that may need attention. During this process numerous components were replaced that may not have actually required replacement but it was the right thing to do. To list all the components would take up the rest of the available text, so here’s an abbreviated list: Distributor Cap, Rotor, Spark Plugs, All Four Disc Brake Pads, Transmission Tail Housing Seals (and Pan Gasket), Sway Bar Bushings (both front and rear), Flow Master muffler, Fuel Tank, Fuel Pump, Power Antenna, Fuel Pressure Regulator Diaphragm, Coolant, Engine Oil, Transmission Fluid, and the in Dash Heater Core Assembly.
As a result it runs, drives and shifts as good as it looks.
By all means, if you are serious buyer come by and take it around the block. Numerous additional photos including the interior and undercarriage areas as well as a CARFAX Report documenting the service mileage years etc. it is available for the asking.
Should you have any additional questions, feel free to call the seller direct Allen at show contact info.
That’s really cool! But, not as cool as the 1970 Challenger garage find, Santini painted, Car Craft cover car, I found and wrote about here.
It’s a good time to drag a low mile 3rd Gen out of the garage. The prices on these cars are really started to climb.
They seemed cool when they came out in the mid 80\’s, but GM was still searching to sell something that could meet the mpg and emissions the government mandated.
The noisy plastic interior and low up engine (225) made an all show and very little go car.
After Buick came out with the Grand National turbo 6 cylinder that embarrassed Chevrolet Corvette and Camaro on the track and street they turned to improve the 350 with the cross fire injection (Corvette) and tune port injection (Camaro)
Only the mullet wearing late Baby boomers are willing or want one these highly disappointing cars made in the dark years for American automobiles.
There was never any time that the Corvette had Cross Fire injection while the Camaro had Tuned Port Injection. The very first year of the C4, 1984, the Corvette still had the C3 ‘Vette’s CF injection engine, then in ’85 it was upgraded to TPI. TPI was then also immediately available in the Camaro Z28 and IROC-Z.
Yosemite Sam mudflaps that say back off and a chain steering wheel and we would have a deal.
It\’s A 305,Not the 350,that Was Avail.in 89,& For a 19,000 ml.Car, Rust Underneath Car on Susp.Links,Indicates More Mls Than Stated.Also Missing the IROC Z Decals,But Might Have Been Removed W/ New Paint Job.Probably Worth CloserTo $21.5 – $23.
Ed Cain, the 350tpi was available in 1987, i ordered a loaded one new.
And this car is worth NO WHERE near what they\’re asking!! That\’s a hillbilly paint job for a mid 80\’s car …. it\’s not a mud 70\’s vehicle.
I SOLD mine with 20,200 original miles and the undercarriage put this pos to shame. It was never in the rain 1 time!
305,Not 350 that Was Avail in 89.For 19,000 ml.Car , Rust on Susp..Links is Pretty Evident.Prob.Worth Closer to $21.5- $22.Akso Missing IROC Z DECALS On Panels,But Could Have Been Left Off Due to New Paint Scheme.
It’s A 305,Not the 350,that Was Avail.in 89,& For a 19,000 ml.Car, Rust Underneath Car on Susp.Links,Indicates More Mls Than Stated.Also Missing the IROC Z Decals,But Might Have Been Removed W/ New Paint Job.Probably Worth CloserTo $21.5 – $23.
It\’s an automatic. An absolute disgrace.
There was an 87 roc with a 350 and A 5 Speed..
Demo of 89.. She was faster then a fart in the wind..
This one is pretty though…
@Clint That car didn\’t exist. There was never a 350 IROC with a 5 SPD. All 5.7L IROCs had automatics.
There was NEVER a 5-speed 350 ever available for the IROC!
Awesome, Radical. What other 80\’s words can we throw at this car. Perfect time capsule of the era, done right with top end parts. The paint is tasteful without a heartbeat zig zag or a F\’n bowtie – stands the test of time.
Performance was what it was, mid 14\’s if it was tuned. The auto trans comment is unwarranted, 5 speeds were only availblae with 305\’s, tpi 350\’s had to have the auto. Low first gear on the 700r4 gave these low rpm engines some life.
Owned a few of this generation mostly GTA\’s and they were great drivers, but no reason to try to go racing with them.
For someone in mid to late 40\’s now this was a dream car as a teen.
I hate to say it but even time capsuled if this car pulled more than 10K I’d be surprised. Nothing against Mr. Santorini but if you’ve never been in one of these cars the dash moves on it’s own, they flex and rattle, and the plastics are dreadful. Even with a stick these things blew the rear ends so if we had to pick a blah dreary example of late 80’s GM this is the poster child. One thing I will give this body style though, they make the sexiest Bonneville cars…….Gale Banks anyone?https://www.bing.com/images/search?view=detailV2&ccid=BONTocyW&id=D78C2353A91EBDA95F8949E331AF606E5DDA6B69&thid=OIP.BONTocyWkJr-LdZD1AlNzAHaEH&mediaurl=http%3a%2f%2fs3.amazonaws.com%2fwp-images.bankspower.com%2fperformance-upgrades%2fwp-content%2fuploads%2f1999%2f12%2fFirebird-Salt-reflect-800×445.jpg&exph=445&expw=800&q=gale+banks+twin+turbo+firebird&simid=608030117857658751&selectedIndex=4&ajaxhist=0
Surprised to see so many beat downs on this car. This is a cool piece of history with no miles. This is what a collector looks for. Most the comments are just about worthless haha. This is not about speed or power. Don\’t look at anything american pre 2010. Especially under 30k because today there\’s way too many sedans and SUV that make the new muscle cars entertaining. This car is bad ass. U want it to sound good. cam and full exhaust. Because for this car it\’s about 1k total. I\’d be excited to park this in my garage. Good find
I agree these weren’t great cars, but there are a whole generation of gear heads that have an emotional attachment to these cars and I bet it goes for near what he is asking.
My first car was a 1979 pinto wagon that my older brothers wouldn\’t drive.so if I had this car either then or now I\’d have a big ass smile from ear 2 ear and be proud to own it.