1989 Chevrolet Camaro IROC Z28 Convertible

Description

This 1989 Chevrolet Camaro IROC Z/28 droptop offers a ton of performance for not a lot of cash, wrapped up in an iconic American package. 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 feel like Jon Bon Jovi in his heyday? This IROC is a good start...

This really was the top of the food chain back in the 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 1989 and if you owned one, you were truly The Man. With just 78,587 original miles, this one is pretty darned nice, including the sizzling Bright Red paint which is a 2008 repaint that's probably better than original. Updated ground effects kept the Z's identity intact but smoothed things out a bit, and that deep chin spoiler hasn't been abused by tall curbs or steep driveways and still looks almost new. Fit and finish in '89 were decent (after all, they'd been making these cars for many years 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 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. This Camaro was always babied during its life, so it's a lot easier to get comfortable in the convertible today and the grippy fabric and leather-wrapped wheel are certainly appropriate for a car that can corner like this one. Camaros came loaded with features, and this one also includes options like A/C, power windows and locks, a tilt steering column, and an upgraded Kenwood AM/FM/CD/AUX head unit. The gauges are crisp and cleaner and show big markings that give the Camaro a unique look from behind the wheel. A nice black cloth convertible top fits superbly and while the trunk is not exactly cavernous, it's usefully shaped for overnight bags on a road trip.

The 5.0-liter Tuned Port Injection V8 was standard equipment in the Z/28 and when paired with the 4-speed automatic overdrive transmission, makes for a car with a bit of a split personality. 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, fully stretching out the factory-rated 195HO. 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 clean too and it's quite unlikely that this car has ever seen weather more severe than an occasional spring shower. A newer exhaust system still features a catalytic converter, so it should be legal in all 50 states and the suspension isn't as harsh as you remember; it's a nice cruiser. Machine-finished five-spoke IROC alloy wheels were part of the package and they're wrapped in blackwall radials all around.

Go ahead and try to find a fresher 3rd generation Camaro convertible that looks this darn good. This is a great find, already outfitted just the way you would have ordered yours back in 1989. Call today!