1977 Chevrolet Camaro IROC Coupe

This vehicle is the #3, Lilac IROC Series Camaro Z28. The IROC Series was a true World Series of Racing, pitting the invited Champions of Formula One, NASCAR, and Indycar, in identical cars from 1974 to 2006. This car competed at the height of the Series, before Formula One drivers were banned from participating.

This 1977 Chevrolet IROC Camaro is number 14 of the 15 vehicles built for the 2nd series of the International Race of Champions. This 'Body in White' was delivered to Banjo Mathews, who developed the chassis, and then to Penske Racing for fabrication and assembly. It was his 20th in that series for Roger Penske.

Fifteen cars were built with more added to replace those damaged in accidents.

These cars were raced for five years and then retired. This 1977 Chevrolet Camaro IROC Race Car is powered by a 350 cubic-inch V8 engine capable of producing an estimated 500 horsepower. There is a Super T-10 four-speed transmission, IROC spec racing suspension, and four-wheel disc brakes. Its pilot was Bobby Allison, an individual who was voted NASCAR's most popular driver six times, named one of NASCARs '50 Greatest Drivers', and was honored with NASCAR's 'Award of Excellence' in 1989. Allison's career reached beyond just NASCAR, including the IROC championship series and more.

In 1980 Allison won the IROC VII race at the Atlanta Motor Speedway. This was accomplished with this 1977 Camaro. A total of fifteen cars had been constructed with this example being the fourteenth constructed for IROC (International Race of Champions) racing. Banjo Matthews in Ashville, North Carolina was responsible for preparing the chassis; after this it was sent to Penske Racing in Reading, Pennsylvania.

Many other famous drivers were given the opportunity to get behind the wheel of this car. It was driven by A.J. Foyt, Mario Andretti, Bobby and Al Unser, Emerson Fittipalid, Donnie Allison and Peter Gregg. Tracks include Michigan International, Riverside International, and Atlanta Motor Speedway.

This car was raced in the IROC Series V, VI, and V11, from 1978 to 1980.

Since its racing career, this car has been treated to a complete restoration. The body was repaired or replaced where necessary, given a re-spray in its lavender racing color, and all the period correct sponsor markings were re-applied. The engine and most other mechanical components were rebuilt and finished to new condition. It was brought to the 2005 Amelia Island Concours d'Elegance in Florida, where Bobby Allison was in attendance and signed the winning number 3 Camaro on the roof and dash.

In 2007 it was brought to the Monterey Sports & Classic Car Auction presented by RM Auctions, where it had an estimated value of $75,000 - $95,000. It was offered without reserve, which worked well for the buyer who purchased the car for $49,500, including the buyer's premium.