1989 IROC 344 original miles
#51
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Re: 1989 IROC 344 original miles
I had to build a small bridge to get it out of the ravine. I had to take materials to get the car safely off of a slope from the garage where it was stored. This is an issue since rain and erosion has changed the angle of approach to the paved driveway surface so much that I had to bridge it with heavy plywood and dunnage type materials in several places to get the car out and off the slope without damage.
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Car: 89 GTA ASC Conv., Prev: 89 GTA 6.3L
Engine: 5.7L L98 TPI
Transmission: 700r4 Automatic
Axle/Gears: 3.27:1 w/ JG1 Options:B2L, N10, U1A
Re: 1989 IROC 344 original miles
interesting, and in for the rest of the story.
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Car: 1989 IROC-Z. Original owner
Engine: LB9. Dual Cats. Big Cam
Transmission: World Class T-5
Axle/Gears: BW 3.45
Re: 1989 IROC 344 original miles
Can't wait for more pics and story, Phil!
#60
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Re: 1989 IROC 344 original miles
As to the back story there really is not much of one other than the guy purchased the car at age 37 and got busy with life and parked it. He started it 6 times a year and changed the oil every 3 years.
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Car: 1988 IROC Z Convertible
Engine: 305 TPI (LB9)
Transmission: 700 R4
Axle/Gears: G80 GU2
Re: 1989 IROC 344 original miles
Looks great! I don’t understand how someone buys that car and life stops them from driving it barely a single mile.. I guess at some point the guy must have decided to just keep miles off it.. So strange.. I feel
like I barely drive my car and probably put 800 miles on it this year..
Its a one of a kind find, that’s for sure..
like I barely drive my car and probably put 800 miles on it this year..
Its a one of a kind find, that’s for sure..
#67
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Car: 1989 IROC-Z. Original owner
Engine: LB9. Dual Cats. Big Cam
Transmission: World Class T-5
Axle/Gears: BW 3.45
Re: 1989 IROC 344 original miles
Tell us the story of how you found it, Phil.
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Car: 89 Firebird
Engine: 355 TBI
Transmission: 700R4
Axle/Gears: 10 Bolt.Posi-3.73s
Re: 1989 IROC 344 original miles
I know its super low miles but I myself would be racking a few up on that ole girl! Gorgeous car.
#70
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Re: 1989 IROC 344 original miles
After posting here and not really getting a good feel for the car's value I have decided to consign the car to Barrett Jackson Scottsdale 2019 at - no reserve. So... I am going to risk it all to see exactly what a properly presented car can bring in today's market.
Any guess as to what the car will bid to?
https://www.barrett-jackson.com/Even...OC-Z/28-224975
Any guess as to what the car will bid to?
https://www.barrett-jackson.com/Even...OC-Z/28-224975
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Car: 87 Trans Am
Engine: 5.0
Re: 1989 IROC 344 original miles
After posting here and not really getting a good feel for the car's value I have decided to consign the car to Barrett Jackson Scottsdale 2019 at - no reserve. So... I am going to risk it all to see exactly what a properly presented car can bring in today's market.
Any guess as to what the car will bid to?
https://www.barrett-jackson.com/Even...OC-Z/28-224975
Any guess as to what the car will bid to?
https://www.barrett-jackson.com/Even...OC-Z/28-224975
just depends on the condition. I'm sure it will sell.
#73
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Re: 1989 IROC 344 original miles
I wasn't originally but the car got what I viewed as a Luke warm reception with only one of you even jumping as far to say $30... back on page one.
Here is what I think: I think these cars are seriously undervalued. This sale will be instructive as to what the true value is.
Here is what I think: I think these cars are seriously undervalued. This sale will be instructive as to what the true value is.
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Car: 87 Trans Am
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Re: 1989 IROC 344 original miles
I wasn't originally but the car got what I viewed as a Luke warm reception with only one of you even jumping as far to say $30... back on page one.
Here is what I think: I think these cars are seriously undervalued. This sale will be instructive as to what the true value is.
Here is what I think: I think these cars are seriously undervalued. This sale will be instructive as to what the true value is.
An extremely low mile original that is practically impossible to find another one with similar or fewer miles. It will bring a "one-off" price
not typical to other low mile IROC's with say 2,000 to 10,000 miles - IMO, you would do better selling it at the Dana Mecum Kissimmee Auction in January.
I think that venue has more third gen buyers then the BJ auction. GLWS, I will be interested to see what it sells for !!
#75
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Re: 1989 IROC 344 original miles
Ok, fair enough.... for the sake of speculation lets say Vangard is selling this car.... now what is He gonna ask right after he tells us "--and the top does not go down"?
#78
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Re: 1989 IROC 344 original miles
It'll be really interesting to see what it brings. .....I think it might almost bring MORE money with a few more miles. With SO few miles, you may limit your potential buyers. While I personally LOVE the car, and LOVE seeing them out there, I know it's not for me. Many of us can afford these toys of our youth now, but a lot of us want a driver, not a collectible. Should be interesting.
#79
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Re: 1989 IROC 344 original miles
....as a fan of Medium Beechwood interior, it's rare to see a the gold wheels without Beechwood. I've seen a few 85-87 Yellow Irocs with gold wheel/decals and black interior, but can't recall another color, or any 88-90 with gold wheels/decals and another color interior. Without the decals, it really works!
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Car: 1988 IROC Z Convertible
Engine: 305 TPI (LB9)
Transmission: 700 R4
Axle/Gears: G80 GU2
Re: 1989 IROC 344 original miles
It'll be really interesting to see what it brings. .....I think it might almost bring MORE money with a few more miles. With SO few miles, you may limit your potential buyers. While I personally LOVE the car, and LOVE seeing them out there, I know it's not for me. Many of us can afford these toys of our youth now, but a lot of us want a driver, not a collectible. Should be interesting.
I’d think $40k-ish would be possible for Barrett Jackson..
I would never buy a car like this because driving it would be like flushing money down the toilet and keeping it in a climate controlled showroom would be a waste of one’s life to not be able to romp around a brand new 5.7 IROC..
#82
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Re: 1989 IROC 344 original miles
....as a fan of Medium Beechwood interior, it's rare to see a the gold wheels without Beechwood. I've seen a few 85-87 Yellow Irocs with gold wheel/decals and black interior, but can't recall another color, or any 88-90 with gold wheels/decals and another color interior. Without the decals, it really works!
#83
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Re: 1989 IROC 344 original miles
After posting here and not really getting a good feel for the car's value I have decided to consign the car to Barrett Jackson Scottsdale 2019 at - no reserve. So... I am going to risk it all to see exactly what a properly presented car can bring in today's market.
Any guess as to what the car will bid to?
https://www.barrett-jackson.com/Even...OC-Z/28-224975
Any guess as to what the car will bid to?
https://www.barrett-jackson.com/Even...OC-Z/28-224975
#87
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Re: 1989 IROC 344 original miles
I think that because these cars are still underappreciated, now is not the time to sell. Now is the time to buy in anticipation of a booming market.
DX3 is cool to us, but to the random Joe Dork, they want an Iroc that's an IROCZ.
It could sell well under what it should sell for.
DX3 is cool to us, but to the random Joe Dork, they want an Iroc that's an IROCZ.
It could sell well under what it should sell for.
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Car: 1988 IROC Z Convertible
Engine: 305 TPI (LB9)
Transmission: 700 R4
Axle/Gears: G80 GU2
Re: 1989 IROC 344 original miles
I think that because these cars are still underappreciated, now is not the time to sell. Now is the time to buy in anticipation of a booming market.
DX3 is cool to us, but to the random Joe Dork, they want an Iroc that's an IROCZ.
It could sell well under what it should sell for.
DX3 is cool to us, but to the random Joe Dork, they want an Iroc that's an IROCZ.
It could sell well under what it should sell for.
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Car: 1989 IROC-Z. Original owner
Engine: LB9. Dual Cats. Big Cam
Transmission: World Class T-5
Axle/Gears: BW 3.45
Re: 1989 IROC 344 original miles
I think that because these cars are still underappreciated, now is not the time to sell. Now is the time to buy in anticipation of a booming market.
DX3 is cool to us, but to the random Joe Dork, they want an Iroc that's an IROCZ.
It could sell well under what it should sell for.
DX3 is cool to us, but to the random Joe Dork, they want an Iroc that's an IROCZ.
It could sell well under what it should sell for.
1) It's an RS.
2) It's a "Police Package"
3) It was repainted and I never put the decals back on.
#90
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Re: 1989 IROC 344 original miles
I agree, the DX3 option may end up really hurting the value of this car. People want it to say IROC.
#91
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Re: 1989 IROC 344 original miles
Great discussion! I appreciate the comments and the points of view. Craig Jackson believes that the time for the 80's cars is - right now.
Here: https://www.thirdgen.org/forums/hist...t-jackson.html
Here: https://www.thirdgen.org/forums/hist...t-jackson.html
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Re: 1989 IROC 344 original miles
Great discussion! I appreciate the comments and the points of view. Craig Jackson believes that the time for the 80's cars is - right now.
Here: https://www.thirdgen.org/forums/hist...t-jackson.html
Here: https://www.thirdgen.org/forums/hist...t-jackson.html
with all the others, wait a while and you may do better with it, I hope you are not disappointed with your choice to list it at no reserve,
not sure why your doing that?
#94
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Re: 1989 IROC 344 original miles
A collector looked at the car after I acquired it and said that the car looked “prestigious” without the decals.
I pressed him on why he felt that way in light of the fact that he loves my 87 with the decals.
How He replied is interesting. He told me that the decal position change on the door looked out of place and the wheel design change gave the car an overall busy look to the eyes that on a sensory level was a distraction starting in 1988.
He followed up by stating that by 88 through a 90 IROC with full decals was like a lady wearing too much make up. He said “that’s why the IROC has a so called “ trashy” reputation with some people”. After 1987 it was not the car it was the combination of the appearance package that turned some people off.
I pressed him on why he felt that way in light of the fact that he loves my 87 with the decals.
How He replied is interesting. He told me that the decal position change on the door looked out of place and the wheel design change gave the car an overall busy look to the eyes that on a sensory level was a distraction starting in 1988.
He followed up by stating that by 88 through a 90 IROC with full decals was like a lady wearing too much make up. He said “that’s why the IROC has a so called “ trashy” reputation with some people”. After 1987 it was not the car it was the combination of the appearance package that turned some people off.
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Car: 1989 IROC-Z. Original owner
Engine: LB9. Dual Cats. Big Cam
Transmission: World Class T-5
Axle/Gears: BW 3.45
Re: 1989 IROC 344 original miles
A collector looked at the car after I acquired it and said that the car looked “prestigious” without the decals.
I pressed him on why he felt that way in light of the fact that he loves my 87 with the decals.
How He replied is interesting. He told me that the decal position change on the door looked out of place and the wheel design change gave the car an overall busy look to the eyes that on a sensory level was a distraction starting in 1988.
He followed up by stating that by 88 through a 90 IROC with full decals was like a lady wearing too much make up. He said “that’s why the IROC has a so called “ trashy” reputation with some people”. After 1987 it was not the car it was the combination of the appearance package that turned some people off.
I pressed him on why he felt that way in light of the fact that he loves my 87 with the decals.
How He replied is interesting. He told me that the decal position change on the door looked out of place and the wheel design change gave the car an overall busy look to the eyes that on a sensory level was a distraction starting in 1988.
He followed up by stating that by 88 through a 90 IROC with full decals was like a lady wearing too much make up. He said “that’s why the IROC has a so called “ trashy” reputation with some people”. After 1987 it was not the car it was the combination of the appearance package that turned some people off.
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#96
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Re: 1989 IROC 344 original miles
This collector also has an eye for design. He also explained the decal was likely moved to the rear of the door due to the fact that having it directly above the ground effects where it already had a name plate that said IROC-Z was an attempt to look less obvious that you were duplicating the option announcement.
#97
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Re: 1989 IROC 344 original miles
This shows that the guys with the big dollar collections can understand why a car falls into a certain historical context. He has over 5 million in cars and owned 5 IROCS when they were new. He should know, and I respect his opinion.
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Re: 1989 IROC 344 original miles
He told me that the decal position change on the door looked out of place and the wheel design change gave the car an overall busy look to the eyes that on a sensory level was a distraction starting in 1988.
I agree with the above observations, but not the conclusions. I like the 88-90 better, for those reasons.
--I think the door decal placement looks as if it flows better with the lines. Perpendicular lines. Decal left to right, door gap and B pillar are up and down. Towards the front clashes with the windshield's angle too much.
--The wheels do look busier, but I also think that adds to a more "higher end" look. More option model and less base. ...although to be clear, that's splitting hairs as I love both styles, and wouldn't hesitate to run either wheel.
-- What I REALLY like best though is the switch in pinstripes. The gap between the colors and the black on TOP, instead of on bottom. To me this is the best visual change. I think the black pin on the 85-87 blends in with the natural body line of the gfx. It doesn't look pronounced enough.
Ultimately it's up to the individual of course. I think the busier look is the natural evolution. Some think it's too much. I think the 85-87 wasn't busy enough (when compared to 88-90). Some people are reading this thinking what the heck are you guys talking about!!!! LOL. I can pick out an IROC from any other thirdgen Camaro at a glance, without even thinking about it. Takes a harder look to determine the year range. I think GM succeeded in their design through ALL the years, and while it's a fun discussion, I think the year will NOT be what determines the value of this car.
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Car: 1988 IROC Z Convertible
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Re: 1989 IROC 344 original miles
A collector looked at the car after I acquired it and said that the car looked “prestigious” without the decals.
I pressed him on why he felt that way in light of the fact that he loves my 87 with the decals.
How He replied is interesting. He told me that the decal position change on the door looked out of place and the wheel design change gave the car an overall busy look to the eyes that on a sensory level was a distraction starting in 1988.
He followed up by stating that by 88 through a 90 IROC with full decals was like a lady wearing too much make up. He said “that’s why the IROC has a so called “ trashy” reputation with some people”. After 1987 it was not the car it was the combination of the appearance package that turned some people off.
I pressed him on why he felt that way in light of the fact that he loves my 87 with the decals.
How He replied is interesting. He told me that the decal position change on the door looked out of place and the wheel design change gave the car an overall busy look to the eyes that on a sensory level was a distraction starting in 1988.
He followed up by stating that by 88 through a 90 IROC with full decals was like a lady wearing too much make up. He said “that’s why the IROC has a so called “ trashy” reputation with some people”. After 1987 it was not the car it was the combination of the appearance package that turned some people off.
There is a lot of that when a model changes people tend to trash talk the new model because they just bought a new car and then less than a year later a newer, updated one was driving around and it sort of pisses them off.. Most negative views on the 88-90 differences I’d say come from owners of 85-87s..
I don’t think the trashy reputation comes from the decals, rims and emblems. Most average people don’t notice the difference between an 87 and 89 unless I point it out. Linson has a good reply on a post saying the Camaro in general inherited a “trashy” reputation from the 70s that carried into the 80s. I also thought once the cars were on the used market, it was the people that could now afford them that made “trashy” mods to them that gave them the reputation. I remember when IROCs were brand new and expensive it seemed people in my area thought of them as similar to Corvettes. In the 90s when they were cheap and beat they got made fun of.
As as far as prices.. I think there is an artificial spike in asking prices started by dealers that has moved the market, but this is definitely not the ceiling on thirdgen prices. I think that car will go up in value and some collector will store it and have no fun with it while it makes him $1000/year in value.
I think to the right person Decal Delete is prestigious but to Johnny Hawaiian shirt who wants to buy a cool 80s car right now, he probably wants the stickers..
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Car: 1989 IROC-Z. Original owner
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Transmission: World Class T-5
Axle/Gears: BW 3.45
Re: 1989 IROC 344 original miles
Did he order a DX3? I don't necessarily disagree. I thought the graphics were tacky back in the day and if no DX3, I would have simply removed them. But as mentioned, non-enthusiast buyers, expect to see those graphics today.