A Chevrolet Camaro IROC-Z convertible that spent nearly three decades tucked away has resurfaced, drawing attention not only for its condition but for the racing heritage tied to its name. The car was uncovered by YouTuber Dylan McCool as part of a three-vehicle barn find that also included a propane-powered Chevrolet K10 and a 1979 Pontiac Trans Am.
The IROC-Z badge traces its origins to the International Race of Champions, a series created to pit elite drivers from various motorsports against one another in identical machinery. The concept relied on skill rather than equipment, with figures such as Mario Andretti and Dale Earnhardt Sr. among the participants. Porsche supplied the cars for the first season in 1974, but the Camaro took over beginning in 1975 and remained the platform for the series through 1989.
Chevrolet introduced the IROC-Z package in 1985 as part of the third-generation Camaro lineup. The option added performance-minded equipment, including a lowered suspension and Delco-Bilstein shocks. It also gave Chevrolet a more direct answer to the Ford Mustang during a period when the muscle car rivalry was heating up again. The two brands had been rebuilding momentum after the fuel shortages of the 1970s pushed performance to the background. The IROC-Z nameplate was discontinued after the 1990 model year, ending its link with the racing series shortly before Dodge replaced Chevrolet as the spec-car supplier.
While exact production numbers are not known, industry estimates suggest that convertible IROC-Z models were produced in much smaller quantities than coupes. The soft-top version was available only with a 305 cubic-inch V8 rated at roughly 215 horsepower, whereas the coupe offered an optional 350 cubic-inch V8.
McCool’s newly uncovered example appears structurally sound but coated in a heavy layer of dust after years of inactivity. A box of spark plugs dated 2003 hints that someone previously attempted to bring the car back to life but didn’t complete the effort. McCool intends to begin his restoration work with the Camaro before moving on to the other two classics, giving the long-dormant convertible another chance on the road.
