1988 IROC-Z Convertible, 5.0 tpi, 5 spd, stock

April 17, 2008

Last fall, my 26 year old son asked me if he and his bride to be , a delightful young lady from St. Pete, could leave their wedding reception in the Roc. When he suggested the Roc to his fiancé’ she had inquired why – his response was “it’s a part of me”. My son’s answer lies in the history of this great ride.

In June of 1988, after test driving every sports car that was affordable, I fell head over heals for IROCs. Too late in the model year to order one, I searched everywhere in the southeast and found what I wanted in Texas: a red convertible, 5.0 tpi, 5 spd. After flying to TX and buying the Camaro, I had the ride of my life; 12 fantastic hours to Florida. When I arrived home, waiting in the driveway were two ecstatic boys, my sons, ages 6 & 4.

The boys loved riding in the IROC through childhood and adolescence and when my oldest turned 17, I gave him my IROC. He drove her from midway in his junior year of high school through the 1st semester of his sophomore year at the Univ. of Florida. He took extremely good care of the Roc; enjoying her fully while taking great pride in her (her nickname had become “the Roc” to friend and family alike).

The Roc returned to the garage and a life of comfort, random cruising and shade. In 2004 Hurricane Ivan hit, doing a number on our house and our psyche as well. Through moving out of our home, construction and turmoil, the Roc was trapped in the garage. When my son asked to use her for the wedding, she had not been started for nearly 4 years and she sat on nearly flat tires; mind you she still looked damn good.

I had her towed on a flat bed to my mechanic and she spent nearly a month there - dropped and drained fuel tank, fuel pump, wires, pugs, sensors, hoses, flushings, tires, battery, et al. Then came convertible frame repair, new top, and a custom made driver’s seat cover to match the existing leather/cloth seats (an incredible match).

My wife and I were very pleased that the wedding was here and at our family’s church The Roc looked and drove great – she was ready for the wedding and she “shined” to the delight of us all; turning heads and receiving praise from those who knew her as a part of the family, and those who had just met her.

The Roc is youthful and healthy - we are going to keep that way!

Attached are some pics from the wedding (the photographers, Cook Images, were superb; highest recs to them).

ADDITIONAL PHOTOS TAKEN 4/26/09

ORIGINAL THIRD GEN MEET 4/25/09