Vehicle Description
Don't discount the appeal of a third-gen Camaro, because cars like
this slick 1989 Chevrolet Camaro IROC Z/28 ragtop offer a ton of
performance for not a lot of cash. And because they've always been
so affordable, the ones still on the road and unmodified are the
proverbial "cream puffs" that have led easy lives. You want to
relive the '80s, this is the ideal way to do it!
This really was the top of the food chain back in the late '80s and
early '90s, a bright red Z/28 ragtop. Sure, the Corvettes might
have been faster but a 'Vette was your dad's car. No, this Camaro
had it going on in 1988 and if you owned one, you were truly The
Man. This one is pretty darned nice, including the sizzling Bright
Red paint which is the car's original shade and factory
application. Sure, it's no longer showroom-new and there are signs
of minor use throughout, but take a half-step back and you'll
easily admire this Camaro's killer curb appeal. Updated ground
effects kept the Z's identity intact but smoothed things out a bit,
and that deep chin spoiler has a few scuffs accrued through the
years, but it hasn't been abused by tall curbs or steep driveways
that ate it up. Fit and finish in the late '80s were decent (after
all, they'd been making these cars for nearly a decade at that
point) and this car still attracts attention on the street. Black
and silver stripes are used to great effect without being
over-done, and the convertible also received a subtle ducktail rear
spoiler that's ideal with the long rear deck offered by the
convertible body style.
The gray vinyl and cloth interior is likewise in great shape and
remains comfortable and user-friendly. As with the exterior, the
interior shows only minor wear and signs of age on the upholstery
and the seats still feel as firm as they did in the showroom. In
1988 airbags were not yet standard equipment, so the dash and
steering wheel still have a very vintage feel, and it's very easy
to get comfortable in the convertible - with grippy fabric and a
leather-wrapped wheel that are certainly appropriate for a car that
can corner like this one. IROCs came loaded with features, but this
one also includes options like R134a A/C, power windows and locks,
a tilt steering column, an original AM/FM/cassette stereo, and the
coolest part of the car is in the middle console: the 8-ball topped
shifter for the 5-speed manual transmission. The gauges show big
white markings that give the Camaro a unique look from behind the
wheel, and the 145MPH speedometer practically begs you tests the
limits. A black canvas convertible top fits neatly and while the
trunk is not exactly spacious, it's usefully shaped for overnight
bags on a road trip.
The 5.0-liter Tuned-Port Injection LB9 V8 was standard equipment in
the Z/28 and when paired with the 5-speed manual transmission, it
makes for a spirited car with a factory-rated 220 horsepower. Drive
it gently, and it's happy to trundle through traffic without a
complaint. But stomp on the loud pedal and it reacts with a stout
torque curve that can light up the tires almost at will. The engine
bay is quite stock, a rarity on one of the most modifiable cars
ever created, and it has been properly maintained so no worries
about a car that has been laid up for decades needing major
service. The underside is very clean and it's quite unlikely that
this car has ever seen weather more severe than a spring shower. A
newer exhaust system still features a catalytic converter, so it
should be legal in all 50 states and the sporty suspension with its
code G92 performance axle ratio isn't as harsh as you remember;
it's a nice cruiser. Power steering certainly helps with that great
handling as well, and with power 4-wheel disc brakes, stopping on a
dime is no problem. Machine-finished optional 16-inch alloy wheels
were part of the package (redesigned in 1988 with two lines in each
spoke and silver center caps) and they wear grippy BFGoodrich T/A
radials all around.
Go ahead and try to find a fresher 3rd generation Camaro
convertible. This is a great find, already outfitted just the way
you would have ordered yours back in 1988. Offered with its
original owner's manual, original warranty card, and original
window sticker, this is the IROC to have if you're looking for
originality. Call today!
