There was once a time when high performance was the preserve of muscle and pony cars. However, GMC proved that there were alternatives when it released the Syclone. It offered the versatility of a Pickup with acceleration that put some Ferraris of the era to shame. This 1991 Syclone needs love, but it could be ideal for someone seeking a muscle truck project. The seller has listed it here on eBay in Orlando, Florida. Bidding sits below the reserve at $12,500, but there is a BIN option of $30,000 for those who view this GMC as an automotive must-have.

Technically, GMC produced the Syclone for two model years. However, with only three vehicles emerging in 1992 versus the 2,995 that rolled off the line the previous year, the ones that hit the market today are exclusively from 1991. This Syclone’s Black paint shows its age, with fading and flaws requiring attention. The roof exhibits the worst deterioration, and repainting that area alone would lift this truck’s appearance markedly. A previous owner fitted an aftermarket hood that I would probably “lose” during any cosmetic refresh. The remaining original plastic additions are intact and appear to be in good order. It appears that this classic is rust-free, meaning that any restoration should be relatively straightforward. The wheels were recently polished, and the glass is clear.

Traditional muscle cars, with notable exceptions like Buick’s Grand National and GNX, featured a V8 under the hood. GMC followed a different path with the Syclone, bolting in a 4.3-liter V6. That doesn’t sound like a recipe for excitement, but by the time the company had finished with this engine, it was something genuinely special. With fuel injection, a Garret intercooler, and a Mitsubishi TD-06 turbocharger, power rose from 160hp to 280hp. Of course, there is no point having mountains of power if they can’t be effectively applied to Planet Earth. GMC bolted a four-speed automatic transmission and a sophisticated all-wheel-drive system behind the V6, adding anti-lock brakes to improve safety. Was the Syclone fast? Its ability to storm the ¼-mile in 13.7 seconds confirms the fact beyond doubt. The seller purchased this GMC a few years ago, with its engine misfiring on arrival. An inspection and diagnosis confirmed low compression on one cylinder. They planned a transplant, but this never happened. They suggest bolting in another motor, but I believe that a classic of this caliber probably deserves to retain its original powerplant, if possible.

This Syclone’s interior is surprisingly tidy, with only minor wear on the cloth seatcovers. The dash is in good order, there’s no cracked or crumbling plastic, and the carpet appears to be clean and serviceable. Someone added an aftermarket gauge pod and a modern stereo, but swapping out those items would be easy if the buyer focuses on a faithful restoration. GMC ensured that life aboard a Syclone was comfortable, equipping the interior with air conditioning, power windows, power locks, cruise control, a leather-wrapped tilt wheel, and a sports gauge cluster.

This 1991 GMC Cyclone needs work, but the twenty-nine bids submitted so far suggest that people are willing to rise to the challenge. The seller’s BIN is optimistic because it is possible to find presentable and roadworthy examples in the market for a similar figure. However, if the new owner is hands-on in their approach and returns the Pickup to its original form, a value beyond $40,000 is feasible without the financial viability becoming questionable. It deserves a second chance at life, but are you tempted to provide it?