Fluffy’s 400-Mile IROC-Z Hits the Road

A Fresh Time Capsule Rolls Into Leno’s Garage

Collector car fever remains strong, especially for low-mile survivors. Gabriel “Fluffy” Iglesias is happily fueling that trend. The comedian has a knack for finding near-new classics, and he loves sharing them with fans. Recently, he arrived at Jay Leno’s Garage with a showroom-fresh 1989 Chevrolet Camaro IROC-Z showing roughly 400 miles.

Previously, Iglesias turned heads with a sub-1,000-mile 1996 Chevrolet Impala SS. This time, he upped the nostalgia factor with a third-generation IROC-Z that looks like it just left the dealer lot. Moreover, the car invites a simple question: preserve it or drive it? Iglesias already knows his answer. He wants the memories, and he plans to build them on the road.

The IROC-Z Legacy and What Made It Special

The IROC-Z name came from the International Race of Champions, a series that brought top drivers together across disciplines. Chevrolet introduced the IROC-Z in 1985 as the performance flagship of the Camaro line. It arrived with a low stance, aggressive ground effects, hood louvers, and distinctive badging. Additionally, engineers strengthened the hardware to match the look.

Up front, the car adopted a revised MacPherson strut setup with added caster for sharper steering. Delco/Bilstein shocks and a larger rear stabilizer bar improved balance and grip. As a result, the IROC-Z delivered confident handling in period tests. It also signaled that muscle could meet refinement. Today, that mix keeps the model desirable among drivers and collectors alike.

Fluffy’s Low-Mile Find and Its Backstory

Iglesias’ example comes from the final stretch of the IROC-Z run, which ended after the 1990 model year. According to its history, a dealership in Ohio sold the car new. A collector secured it last year, and Iglesias acquired it soon after. Therefore, the odometer stayed frozen for decades, protected from the wear that most cars accumulate.

Like many enthusiasts, Iglesias buys the machines he dreamed about as a kid. Now, his stand-up success gives him the opportunity to do that at a high level. Furthermore, he looks for originality and condition, which this car has in spades. The IROC-Z still feels like a time capsule, right down to the way the doors close with a factory-fresh thunk.

Subtle Spec, Big Personality

Many IROC-Zs wore bold side graphics. This one does not. The “stripe-delete” configuration tones down the profile and lets the lines shine. Moreover, the paint color—Dark Red Metallic—adds warmth and depth without shouting. The result looks sophisticated and muscular at once.

One detail proves wisely updated. The car no longer rides on its original Goodyear Eagle tires. That change matters because tires age, even in storage, and old rubber can be unsafe. Instead, the Camaro now uses fresh rubber, ready for the miles ahead. Meanwhile, the heart remains true to the era: a fuel-injected 5.7-liter V8 rated at 230 horsepower. It sounds mellow at idle, then barks with authority when the throttle opens.

Jay Leno’s Shake-Down and the Joy of Driving

Before Iglesias adds miles himself, Jay Leno did what he does best. He climbed in, fired the engine, and gave the IROC-Z a proper shake-down. Then, a few strong presses of the right pedal woke the V8 and filled the road with a throaty roar. The car felt tight, composed, and eager, like a brand-new machine from 1989.

Leno’s drive offered more than entertainment. It showed how a low-mile classic can still deliver old-school feel with new-car crispness. Additionally, the test confirmed that careful preservation does not have to equal permanent hibernation. With the right maintenance, a time-capsule car can be both collectible and usable.

Preserve It or Drive It? Why Not Both

Debate follows cars like this. Some argue that every extra mile chips away at value and rarity. Others believe that cars should move, breathe, and create stories. Ultimately, Iglesias lands in the second camp. He respects the car’s condition, yet he also wants the smiles that come from the driver’s seat.

Moreover, that choice honors why these machines exist. They were engineered to turn fuel and air into sound and speed. Therefore, careful driving can be as much preservation as parking is. Keep up with fluids and tires, and keep the miles meaningful. In short, the IROC-Z can remain a prize while doing exactly what it was built to do—be driven and enjoyed.