Completed Cars

 Terry's IROC-Z

Mid-eighties muscle cars are often criticized as hokey, performance wannabes that were mere shadows of their former 60s and 70s counterparts; as machines that merely banked on the investment of their predecessors. In reality, they were products of their time, a time that reflected changing performance trends, styling ethos and evolving government and industry build standards, just like their forbearers did. And just like them, it's their style, personality and impact on the people that grew up with them, that make them just as worthy of vehicles to crave and customize as the legends they followed. Our case in point: Terry Kirven's 1985 IROC-Z.

The 3rd Generation F-Body was widely heralded in its day as a performance pinnacle and engineering feat. They handled well, had great horsepower per cubic inch at a time when it was measured in SAE vs Gross standards and packed creature comforts reserved for only the most expensive luxury cars less two decades before them. Sure, years later, we can see where they show their age and how they could be better, but to say these cars made an impression in their time is an understatement, which is why Greening Auto Company was commissioned to create an idealized version of not just what this platform could be, but what its owner always imagined it to be.

To that end, Greening began by making the most out of what has become an iconic Camaro body style. They did this by accentuating its sleek, flowing and muscular lines with body mods designed to complement its early aero-era looks. This includes reworked front and rear fascia, well-integrated ground effects and decklid spoiler as well as a trick hood louver treatment that riffs off the original louvered design but that actually utilizes it for improved engine airflow. Speaking of the engine, this IROC rolls hard with a 600+ horsepower Don Hardy built LS and Bowler-built transmission.

Building on its handling prowess, GAC ratcheted up its corner-carving capabilities using key suspension pieces from Detroit Speed and Engineering, its own in-house designed and built wheels and sticky Michelin Pilot gummies.

Inside, the modern-retro work continues with an interior that pays homage to its original design sensibilities but that now cradles its occupants in quality and creature comforts that matches today's most civilized rides.

Whether or not the treatment GAC applied to this generation Camaro makes you want one for yourself or not, its attention to thoughtful design and custom-crafted details make it worthy of your respect. The way it makes its owner smile every time he sees and drives it, makes it as worthy as to customize as any Camaro ever built, from any era.
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