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33K Mile Driver: 1991 GMC Syclone

Have you ever noticed that some cars continue to pick up steam value-wise to the point that we start forgiving cosmetic flaws and otherwise throw big money at less-than-perfect examples? It used to be that a Syclone or Typhoon had to be pretty damn nice to command a bid of over $25,000; now, it seems, that number is just the cost of entry. This Syclone does appear to be a solid truck with low mileage of just 33,400, but I can’t say it’s the nicest one I’ve seen; at the very least, the details don’t seem quite as finished as the low miles might otherwise suggest. Find the truck here on eBay with bids to $25,600 and no reserve.

So, the details I noticed are largely cosmetic in nature. The plastic cladding that covers the fenders and lower portions of the panels isn’t super clean and looks like it’s either faded or in need of some love with a trim restorer product. The tonneau cover is missing off the bed, leaving those exposed slats which looks pretty ungainly. The other details like the windshield banner and what looks like an auxiliary gauge crudely bolted to the cowl panel between the windshield and the hood is just plain odd for such a low-mileage specimen, and while none of this is the end of the world, it’s surprising to see the somewhat devil-may-care approach to the presentation of a collectible performance truck.

But as values shoot upwards, it’s somewhat inevitable that vehicles like these are going to be able to get away with more. It used to be the vehicle in question had to be low-mileage and pristine; now, simply being low-mileage and carrying a clean title seems to suffice. The “Turbo” floor mats are another odd choice for a truck that typically wouldn’t reveal any attempts at personalization with the mileage so low. There are additional gauges mounted inside along the dash, and as we’ll see in the next photo, the engine bay is far from stock – so what details are those additional gauges meant to convey? Has the turbocharged engine been modified to allow for higher levels of boost?

The listing calls the Syclone an “original”, which is clearly the net result of eBay auto-filling some forms when a new listing goes up. This truck is anything but original, but we also don’t know what exactly the modifications are and whether they were installed correctly and set up with a proper tune. These trucks are notorious for being tuned for boost levels that go well beyond what the factory spec’d, so I’d be treading carefully here to make sure I wasn’t buying someone’s abused project truck. Still, with the low miles, it has to be tempting to at least find out what you’re getting into.

Comments

  1. Avatar Claudio

    The motivation from these little trucks under full throttle was downright crazy
    Loved them and still do
    Awd and turbo
    Such a great combination
    I have owned a few s10 truck with this cab
    And cannot stand it anymore
    Its too cramped and small
    But would love the king cab combo with the syclone

    Like 2
  2. Avatar Stan

    Corvette auto shifter from the General’s parts bin 👍

    Like 0
  3. Avatar Pete Grave

    I bought one new for my wife a great truck sold only because cab too small for the German Shepherd to ride in comfortably. The truck was amazing like a rocket in a strait line and handled almost as well a her 68 427 Vette. She now has an Avanti II and a Lincoln Town Car plenty of room for the current Shepherd.

    Like 0
  4. Avatar Joe Haska

    Never owned one, but I had a best friend that always owned one ,he would drive it and then find another one with lower miles and buy it. Over the years I got to drive them quite a bit and they are an E ticket ride!

    Like 0
  5. Avatar Edgar Goodman

    133,000 miles!

    Like 0
  6. Avatar Frank D Member

    I drove one these years ago. The truck is a blast!

    Like 0
  7. Avatar hooligan68

    Low miles, engine mods, crudely added gauge….something tells me this one spent a bunch of weekends at the drag strip.

    Like 3
  8. Avatar Brad460 Member

    I’m having a hard time believing the mileage claim, OR it was a very low mileage example that’s spent a lot of time at the drag strip and wasn’t particularly maintained cosmetically. They are rare, unique and rather cool but for me the condition doesn’t justify the price

    Like 1
  9. Avatar Cadmanls Member

    All those AN fittings and that gauge on the outside is probably fuel pressure. Don’t bring those in the vehicle. My thoughts this truck has been down the 1/4 mile a few times and motor may be a little bit tired. These were cool giant killers.

    Like 0

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