1985 Chevrolet Camaro Z28 IROC-Z Is a Red and Gold Teenage Dirtbag Beauty

None of the available specs were particularly fast, one might say. Even the Z28 could only muster 145 horsepower via its 5.0-liter V8, although a 165 hp variant was available too. Of course, most people liked them because of their styling and how well they handled – these were among the coolest rides you could have back in the 1980s.

So cool, in fact, that a Camaro Z28 was designated as the pace car for the 1982 Indianapolis 500 race, with over 6,000 such replicas finding new homes courtesy of Chevrolet. Of course, this car’s success wasn’t necessarily predicated on various special editions, but rather the overall package itself. Besides, the Z28 spec was plenty cool just as it was.

It features a slightly different nose design, to go with a three-piece rear spoiler, black accents and much more. For the 1985 model year, which is relevant for the purposes of this story, Chevy introduced the IROC-Z as an optional package for the third-gen Z28 Camaro, resulting in an upgraded suspension, lowered ride height, new shocks, decals, new wheels, and thankfully, more power.

Right now, you’re looking at one such car (2,495 units made for the 1985MY), up for grabs to the highest bidder through Bring a Trailer. Its 305 ci 5.0-liter V8 engine was rated at 215 horsepower when new, working alongside 275 lb-ft of torque and a four-speed automatic transmission. Mind you, this is not a heavy car, so while it may not feel particularly fast overall, it can feel somewhat quick through various parts of the rev range.

Visually, you can see that the car boasts a red exterior with black and gold accents, body-color ground effects, removable glass T-top roof panels, hood louvers, IROC-Z graphics, tinted windows, a rear spoiler and 16-inch IROC alloy wheels with gold recesses.

Inside, you’ll find Saddle cloth bucket seats, manual windows (hey, remember those?), an AM/FM radio, a heater, console-mounted analog clock, and a sporty three-spoke steering wheel with an already iconic design.

According to the ad, the car has only done about 16,700 miles, which is a pretty healthy number – no wonder it’s in such good shape.

Speaking of numbers, when new (options included), the 1985 Camaro Z28 IROC-Z cost $15,449, which ironically is probably what it’s going to sell for this week – the highest bid right now is $15,000 with just one day left to go in the process. Also, if we adjust for inflation, when this was new, it sold for the equivalent of just under $41,000 by 2023 standards. Pretty great for a flagship spec Camaro.