Description
A fantastically unashamed 5. 0 litre V8 American 1980s muscle car... The iconic Chevrolet Camaro.
At a glance:
- 1987 third generation Chevrolet Camaro
- Top spec Z28 IROC-Z trim level
- Fuel injected 5. 0 Litre (305 ci) V8
- Automatic transmission
- 113, 923 Miles
- MOT until July 2021
- Stunning GM 'Bright Blue Metallic' paintwork
The Model:
The original Chevrolet Camaro first arrived on September 29, 1966, for the 1967 model year as a competition to the Ford Mustang. The car shared platform and major components with the Pontiac Firebird, also introduced for 1967. Four distinct generations of the Camaro were developed before production ended in 2002. The name was later revived on a concept that evolved into the 5th generation Camaro which arrived in 2009 and continues to this day. In total, over 5 million Camaros have been sold. The third-generation Camaro was produced from 1981 (for the 1982 model year) to 1992. The cars were nearly 500 pounds (227 kg) lighter than the second generation model. The Third-Generation Camaro was released for sale in December, 1981, beginning production on October 12, 1981. The 1982 model introduced the first Camaros with a hatchback body style. The Camaro Z28 was Motor Trend magazine's Car of the Year for 1982. Three models were available: Sport Coupe, Berlinetta, and Z28. In the first full year of production, 173, 000 Camaros were sold in the United States in 1982. 12% of buyers took the four-cylinder, 37% the V6, while 51% opted (correctly!) for the V8.
The specification:
The IROC-Z model of the Chevrolet Camaro made its first public appearance in 1985 as an add-on option to the Camaro Z-28, but its origin really comes from the world of car racing. IROC stands for International Race of Champions, a competition similar to Nascar. IROC began in 1974 by racing Porsches, but the cost of maintaining them was prohibitive, so the series turned to the Chevy Camaro in 1975. In 1985, the automotive company entered into an agreement with the racing series’s sanctioning body to use the IROC name on its production Camaros. The Camaro IROC-Z was produced until early 1991, when the license expired, and the Z28 was reintroduced as the performance car in the Camaro series. This particular Camaro is presented in the stunning GM Bright Blue Metallic (paint code 8751) with gold decals and two tone silver & gold wheels, with light tan velour interior and beige carpets. First registered in the UK in 1992, so presumably imported to the UK when only 5 years old. It looks to have been garaged for much if of its life, as it doesn't appear to have endured too many rubbish British winters. It has had plenty of care and expenditure over the years, and there's a huge file of bills and receipts, but there's no comprehensive or definitive list of every service or maintenance. This car comes with all of the 80s charm you would expect, with super cool velour and vinyl interior. Very retro period features indeed. It has the 5. 0 litre 305ci engine, plus 4 speed automatic transmission. The car has 'IROC-Z' side script decals, but if they are not to your liking they are only vinyl, so easily removed if not to your taste. Personally, I like them. Or you might want flames on the side. Your call. This car is not a shrinking violet - it's USA all the way. As regards technology and modern gizmos, there aren't really any. It has just enough equipment to perform, using old fashioned American mechanical brute-force.
On the Road:
I absolutely adore driving this Camaro, it’s excellent fun with immense charm and character, and it gives you a wonderful sense of hot-rod-drag-strip-cool every time you climb inside. The Camaro starts with a smooth V8 burble, it surges eagerly under acceleration, starts, stops and does what you would expect. It really pulls well, with bags of grunt and torque and is capable of huge pulling power, if and whenever required. I have driven a number of American cars, vans and trucks, and this one is one of my favourite. It's an addictive driving experience, handles well and puts a huge smile on my face every time I get behind the wheel. Just need an excuse...
Engine:
The Chevrolet small-block engine was a series of V8 engines used by Chevrolet between 1954 and 2003. The small block family spanned 4. 3 litres to 6. 6 litres. Yes, in the USA 6. 6 litres was considered the SMALL engine..! The Chevrolet 305 is considered to be a reliable, fuel efficient V8 engine, easily capable of 200, 000 miles if maintained. Introduced in 1976 models, it had a displacement of 305 cu in (5. 0 L). It was intended to fill the gap where the venerable 283 and 307 had been. This new engine family would provide better fuel economy than the 350, share its basic architecture and many parts with the 350 (thus reducing production costs). During the early 1980s, when GM was streamlining their engine lineups, the Chevrolet 305 would rise to prominence as General Motors' "corporate" engine, signified by being the standard (and often only) V8 in many GM vehicles. Through much of the 80's, the 305 became General Motors' most common V8, followed closely by Oldsmobile's 307. The 305 also became the standard V8 in GM's C/ K truck series, and was even used in the Corvette for California in 1980. In all, over 100, 000, 000 small-blocks have been built and subsequently honoured as one of the 10 best engines of the 20th Century by Ward's Autoworld. In February 2008 a Wisconsin businessman reported that his 1991 Chevrolet C1500 pickup had logged over 1 million miles without any major repairs to its small block V8 engine. This particular version is the later fuel injected tuned port injection version, offering significant performance advantages, and increased reliability, over the earlier carburettor models. The LB9 "Tuned Port Injection 5. 0L" was introduced in 1985. At its core was the stout L69 short block and it used the same aggressive L69 camshaft profile. The induction system was unlike any system used previously by GM. It featured a large plenum made of cast aluminium, with individual runners made of tubular aluminium, feeding air to each cylinder. And each cylinder had its own fuel injector fed by a fuel rail mounted above each bank. In 1985, this engine was optional only in the Camaro Z28, IROC-Z and Trans Am equipped with the WS6 performance suspension. The LB9 was also available in the '87-92 GTA and Firebird Formula.
MOT:
The long MOT runs until the 21st July 2021.
Condition:
As you can probably see from the pictures, this Camaro is in excellent condition for its 33 year age, but it is not perfect. If you are looking for showroom-fresh perfection, you may need to look elsewhere, whilst upping your budget. But if you are looking for an very usable example of a 'proper' V8 muscle car at a super-low price, guaranteed to snap necks every time you venture out, your search ends here. Cars from the 1980s (especially muscle cars) always have a little room for improvement, and there will always be a 'to do' list, but also that's part of the old-school charm. Please feel free to give me a call to discuss the pros and cons of this vehicle, but the best way to get an idea if this is the right car for you would be to come to view and decide if you'd like to be the next custodian of this awesome 80s muscle car. I’m confident that anybody with realistic expectations will be delighted to own and enjoy this awesome beast. Come and have a look, as this is not like buying a 3 year old Honda Civic - you need to see it, touch it, feel and hear it. I'm also pretty confident this is by far and away the best example you will find at this price point, leaving plenty over to invest in a pair of Levis and a cowboy hat...
Pricing:
The general value range for a proper V8, 3rd generation Camaro in decent, road-going and presentable condition with long MOT is normally £7, 000 - £12, 000 with immaculate examples occasionally priced considerably higher. This Camaro is offered to sell swiftly at a very tempting £7450. American cars seem to hold their value very well, whilst some makes and models have risen dramatically in both popularity and price in recent years, and this is an ideal opportunity to buy a sensibly priced, full-blooded proper American V8 muscle car.
American car ownership:
If this is your first US vehicle, or you are unfamiliar with American car ownership, here are a few common questions answered...
Insurance?
Easy to find, although it is not always competitive from the obvious 'mainstream' insurers. If you search via Quotezone or Google for American car insurance, you will find a number of specialist insurers who can normally offer cover which is no more expensive than British vehicle equivalents.
Big engines = big car tax?
Not necessarily. Any vehicle pre 2001 will have the same car tax (currently £265 per year) whether it is 2. 7 litres or 7. 2 litres.
MPG - are all US cars awful?
Don't be put off by MPG figures, as most quoted figures for US vehicles are listed in US gallons - which are smaller than 'our' gallons. So if it says it does 30mpg in US gallons that's actually 36. 03 mpg in UK/ EU gallons. That's quite a big difference! Also, fuel economy is not the only cost to bear in mind. If you have a car which does 30 to the gallon and costs you £700 extra in fuel each year, but doesn't depreciate (as many older US vehicles hold their value well, or appreciate) it would be financially better than a newer European car which does 50+ to the gallon, which could save you that £700 per year in fuel back, but still depreciate by £2000 per year... However, if fuel economy is the most important thing on your wish list, a 5. 0 litre V8 Yank probably isn't the car for you...
Will extinction rebellion target me and my big-engined car?
Unlikely, and if they did, you can explain the virtues of running a classic car, as opposed to the far larger global impact of buying a brand new hybrid or EV, shipping batteries halfway around the globe and the huge energy used in new vehicle production. 'Recycle' an old yank and waft about with a clear conscience.
What about parts?
There's actually a lot of specialists in the UK who supply parts for American vehicles, so many parts are available from UK suppliers, and also there are companies like Rock Auto in the USA which can get parts here incredibly quickly, sometimes as fast as UK suppliers. American car parts also tend to be a lot cheaper than premium European cars. Rock Auto is well known as the 'go to' place for many UK based US car owners. You may pay import duty, but its still a tiny fraction of going to your local BMW or Mercedes dealer for parts..!
Is left hand drive an issue?
Not really, once you get used to it. Road positioning is easy, once you are up to speed. Only time you may need a handy stick is to push the button to enter a barrier controlled car park!
Other benefits:
- There is a large and vibrant American car club scene in the UK, with various shows and event throughout the year.
- You are driving something a bit different, and interesting, compared to the normal humdrum cars.
- You'll always be able to find it in a car park.
- There is a huge amount of information, help and resources online for American cars
- They tend to be relatively simple mechanically, and parts tend to be far cheaper than the European (especially German) counterparts.
- They have more character and charm, in my opinion, than so many other normal/ modern/ boring vehicles.
Conclusion:
This is a hugely entertaining vehicle, with impressive performance, and one of the most awesome looking cars I've ever dealt with, thanks to the stunning colour scheme. It’s sure to put a smile on your face with every mile. I can't quite put my finger on exactly why, but I'm a huge fan of this in-your-face Camaro. I've driven some quicker cars over the years, the majority of which are highly complex machines with the emphasis on scalpel-like precision and sophisticated feedback. This, on the other hand, is an absolute sledgehammer of a car. I'll be painfully honest; I really don't want it to sell. I want it to be here for as long as possible, and I may be tearful if and when it leaves. Therefore, it will take a really sensible offer to pry the keys out of my clenched fingers, and painfully low offers we be both welcomed (and ignored) content that I have yet another another skinny reason to keep it for myself. It is the automotive equivalent of a bull in a china shop, and no crockery will escape wanton destruction, all for less than a ten year old Audi diesel estate. What's not to like? If you are looking for something different & interesting to liven up your garage, I'm quite sure you'll love it - I know I do. It's hard to sum it up in words, but the sound of the V8 is all the convincing I ever need...
