I have a feeling I’ve seen this GMC Typhoon before appear on craigslist as a surprisingly affordable opportunity to get into one of these desirable muscle trucks. The seller admits this is a project, but given the rarity of the Typhoon and the added bonus of an uncommon color scheme, my sense is that this is a potentially smart buy at $16,500 or best offer. Of course, you have to wonder: what all does it need to be worth $30,000 again? You’ll have to lay your hands on it to find out, but in the meantime, it’s listed here on craigslist near Porter Ranch in California.
The pictures aren’t great which is usually the first tell-tale sign that this GMC is a potentially risky buy. Of course, anything that is openly described as a project can be risky, but even more so when we’re talking about a high-performance vehicle built in very limited production numbers. The seller doesn’t go into great detail about what the issues are but the interior doesn’t appear to be a concern, especially since the seller describes it as “perfect” with no rips or tears. As a California vehicle, I would assume it is mostly rust-free, and the seller notes he has already replaced the sometimes finicky side body cladding.
Given the cladding needed to be tracked down and replaced, it makes me wonder if the GMC previously looked a lot worse than it does not (and it really doesn’t look that bad.) The OEM alloy wheels have definitely lost some of their luster, which is typical of a polished design that isn’t kept up with or otherwise sits exposed to the elements for months at a time. The missing cladding could be indicative of this Typhoon just not being cared for, assuming the original panels fell off and were never replaced. The seller doesn’t provide any insight into the Typhoon’s history, but we’d love to know if he found this as a neglected garage find.
It may be that despite the opportunity to get into a Typhoon at a lower price, there are still too many unknowns for a buyer to pull the trigger. The seller references running issues that are tied to vacuum leak issues that plagued trucks like this and many others in the early 90s. The seller alludes to it needing a “tune-up” but that’s as far as he goes for a diagnosis. This is the sort of project that will still cost real money to buy, so you’ll want to be sure this is worth the price of admission if a needy Typhoon is on your radar as a potentially smart investment. Do you think the asking price is fair?
Given that this “needs a tune-up” and is located in California, I suspect that one of its issues may be that it won’t pass CA smog check in its current condition. Fault diagnosis on pre-OBDII emission controlled vehicles like this can be a real pain.
No doubt a special machine. However, the market value is sharply commensurate based on mileage and unmolested condition for Sy/Tys. I’m afraid the seller is a little optimistic on how much equity would be built in to a “restoration”. To purchase and properly sort this Ty at seller’s asking price would certainly put you over the $30k mark and above the current market value for a high mile, thoroughly enjoyed “mechanic’s special.” The reality is the asking price is about double what it’s worth.
I have always liked these and wanted to have one. A good friend has had several of the Cyclone Trucks and I have driven them a lot and it is a super fun ride. I think the Typhoon body style is more desirable. However I think you could get upside down in this car very quickly. There are just too many unknowns that could pop and be very pricey.
The Cyclone or Typhoon’s are only a tenth of a second slower than a new Explore St (400 hp)
130k miles on this factory hot rod. I’ll bet it needs everything mechanical!