1989 – Going Topless

In 1987, the IROC-Z was making 225 horsepower, good for 0-60 mph in 6.5 seconds. That same year, the Camaro convertible was revived. Also re-introduced was the RS trim, essentially a Camaro Z28 equipped with a V6 engine, but only 2,000 were made for California customers. The slow-selling Berlinetta got the axe in ’87, replaced by an equally unpopular LT model. IROC-Zs were making 230 horsepower in 1989, five more than the speedy Ford Mustang LX 5.0 and GT models. During 1989, Camaros competed in the IMSA Firestone Firehawk racing series, in near production trim, and smart enthusiasts could get one right from the factory by ordering the 1LE option package with a/c delete, heavy-duty components, and a lower gear ratio.