Fast-forward a few years and out comes the IROC-Z specification, introduced in 1985 as sort of a tribute to the International Race of Champions. The IROC-Z was offered as an option package on the Z28 spec Camaro, featuring an upgraded suspension, lower ride height, different shocks, fresh decals, new wheels, and so on.
Only 2,497 units were reportedly made for this model year, and you’re staring at one right now. However, this isn’t just any old IROC-Z, but rather one with an amazing backstory and 11 original miles on the clock – yes, you read that correctly. This might just be the lowest documented mileage IROC-Z in the world right now, and if you wish to buy it, it’ll cost you $100,000.
This Camaro was pulled from a trailer back in 2009 and featured in Hot Rod Magazine that very same year. Afterwards, it disappeared until somebody made a video about it on YouTube in 2016. As luck would have it, its current owner managed to purchase it for an undisclosed sum, and they’re now willing to let someone else have the privilege of acting as its steward.
“I’m extremely proud to own what’s believed to be the lowest mileage Camaro IROC-Z known to exist in the world,” said Marc Schiliro, the seller. “This car checks so many boxes and is a blue-chip investment. […] I’m comfortable using it as a display piece for the world to see until it’s sold however long that might be. Finding another example like this one will more than likely never happen again.”
You know what, Marc? You might just be right, in which case, $100k doesn’t seem all that unreasonable, especially to a collector that appreciates the third-generation Camaro for what it is.
Storage Wars
This car’s incredible backstory gets even better. Its original owner, a guy named Steve Liesch from Millington, New Jersey, told the dealership he didn’t want the car dealer prepped. He wanted it to have all the original exterior chalk marks, window sticker, various other stickers and plastics in place.
He then placed the vehicle inside a large, enclosed trailer, where it would sit for 24 years until it was released back in 2009. The Camaro then went on to have several other owners, as the mileage grew from 4 original miles to 11. It’s safe to say that nobody actually drove it – but rather they just moved it around from place to place.
According to the ad, this car is in remarkable condition (both the body and paint), although there is some spider hairline cracking on the driver side front plastic bumper, plus some small scuff marks on the lower rear bumper (on the bottom edge). While the paint was recently detailed to bring forward the shine you see, the vehicle was never refurbished.
Everything else is said to work just fine, like the wipers, headlights, parking lights, taillights, brakes, power antenna and so on. Also worth noting is that the original 16-inch silver aluminum wheels were removed for storage and sold (tires too). In their place is a set of NOS wheels with replacement Goodyear Eagle RS-A rubber.
How about that interior?
We’re dealing with an original gray custom cloth interior with everything still in excellent condition, from the dash pad to the gauges, steering wheel, center console, shifter, door panels, seats, pedals and even the carpeting – all the original plastic is there too. Everything is said to work except for the air conditioning, which is understandable since the a/c compressor is frozen from sitting and needs replacing.
Should you do it though? Probably not. This Camaro should never be driven again anyway, and performing these types of repairs where you need to remove original factory parts would surely hurt the overall value of the vehicle.
What’s going on with the engine?
We know that the hood struts were replaced with AC Delco parts, and that the originals are included in the sale. Meanwhile, all of the rubber seals and hoses are still pliable.
As for the power unit, it’s the original 5.0-liter (305 ci) V8 in 4-bbl LG4 configuration, which means it has a factory output of 155 horsepower. Everything gets channeled to the rear wheels via the car’s original 5-speed manual transmission. The seller also claims that the clutch is “really soft and easy to operate”, although I’m not sure how important of a fact that is, seeing as how the car’s next owner will probably and hopefully never drive it.