This 1993 GMC Typhoon perfectly demonstrates the evolution of the automobile industry and changing buyer taste. High-performance models during the 1960s and 1970s had been almost exclusively muscle and pony car territory. However, as buyers embraced Pickups and SUVs as mainstream models, companies like GMC released vehicles that combined versatility with performance. This Typhoon is an unfinished project build, but completion looks to be a straightforward process. The auction action has been relatively subdued, but I won’t be surprised if it intensifies as the end draws near. The Typhoon is listed here on eBay in Plymouth, Massachusetts. Bidding sits below the reserve at $5,605, but there is a BIN option of $20,000 for those who view this classic as an automotive “must-have.”

GMC produced the Typhoon for two model years. Released in 1992, the last vehicles rolled off the lot in 1993. The original owner ordered this beauty in Apple Red, and I believe that some of the supplied photos were taken during the build. The exception might be the last image in this article because it shows the vehicle in a show display wearing the same aftermarket wheels that are visible when it is little more than a rolling frame. However, there is some confusion because the seller uses the terms “restored” and “unrestored” in their listing. They have been its custodian since 1995, stripping the vehicle to a bare chassis eight years ago. That process has left the Typhoon rock-solid and rust-free. The paint is fresh, and the plastic is present and in good order. Small details require attention, like replacing the screws in the roof rack, correctly reattaching some trim items, and attending to the headlight adjusters and fog lights. The list isn’t extensive, and I believe the tasks will involve more time than money.

The Typhoon is more than a pretty face, with GMC providing the muscle to back its good looks. It offered a single drivetrain configuration, with buyers receiving a 4.3-liter V6 that sends its power to the road via a four-speed 4L60 transmission and a Borg Warner 4472 transfer case. That combination doesn’t sound staggering, but the V6 features a host of internal upgrades, a Mitsubishi TD06-17C turbocharger, and a Garret air/water intercooler. Those changes gave drivers access to 285hp and 350 ft/lbs of torque, with the transfer case allowing the Typhoon to apply it effectively to the road. GMC quoted an official ¼-mile ET of 15.2 seconds, although contemporary road tests consistently produced significantly lower figures. The seller claims the engine and rear differential in this Typhoon have clocked no miles since receiving a complete rebuild. The vehicle runs and drives well, but it does stumble at idle when cold. It seems they haven’t investigated the issue, leaving it to the winning bidder to find a solution.

GMC ensured Typhoon owners felt comfortable behind the wheel, equipping the interior with leather upholstery, air conditioning, power windows, power locks, a leather-wrapped tilt wheel and shifter knob, and an AM/FM radio/cassette player. This vehicle’s interior is in generally good order, with no signs of abuse, neglect, or UV damage. The leather on the driver’s seat is slightly stretched, and a couple of plastic trim pieces are discolored, but a quick coat of plastic dye should return them to a pristine state. There are no aftermarket additions or other changes.

This 1993 GMC Typhoon shows promise as a project candidate, and if the image above indicates its current condition, it will undoubtedly turn heads. The remaining tasks to complete the build don’t look complicated, and most could be performed in a home workshop for mere pennies. The only surprise for me is the subdued bidding, with only three submitted to this point. I expect the action to intensify, but are you tempted to add to the total?