How do you ascertain the proper price to pay for a project that has the potential to rise in value? That’s one of the tricker elements of being a car enthusiast. We see vehicles we know to be special yet need work. The seller is aware of the vehicle’s collectability and doesn’t want to lose money on the deal. However, when it comes to vehicles like this 1993 GMC Typhoon listed here on Facebook Marketplace for $22,000 with a handful of issues, it’s a tough call as to whether this is a fair deal or too much money. Thanks to Barn Finds reader PRA4SNW for the tip.
The Typhoon has been a collector’s item almost since its introduction. A limited production specimen with terrific provenance thanks to its “Wow, they actually built that?” veneer, the turbocharged SUV and its sibling pickup truck have long captivated the hearts and minds of both lifelong GMC fans and import drivers alike. Ever since Car & Driver showcased just how blistering the out-of-the-box performance was by stacking it up against a Ferrari, the turbocharged trucks from GMC have always had a loyal fan base – but that doesn’t mean they don’t occasionally end up neglected.
At the end of the day, it’s a 90s GM product. There will be loose-fitting interior panels, body gaps, and general assembly quality that leaves a lot to be desired. I can imagine someone who is captivated by the nostalgia of the truck could find it somewhat underwhelming to drive given how ridiculous the performance benchmarks are today for your average family sedan; if you’ve been driving a Tesla Model S as a daily, the Typhoon will feel like an absolute dinosaur (there is no commentary here on which is more enjoyable to drive, just noting how fast your average commuter car has gotten.) Therefore, is the $22,000 ask too ambitious for a Typhoon in this sort of condition?
The turbocharged and intercooled V6 kicks out an impressive 285 horsepower and 350 lb-ft of torque. The seller notes his truck seems to have a slight hesitation issue where it feels like it wants to stall but then holds on and keeps running. He admits that while it has made a 50-mile round-trip drive, it was somewhat of a nail biter, an experience many of us can relate to. It does come with the rarely seen ASC sunroof option, and the white paint is a refreshing change of pace from black over gray. Looking at popular auction sites, I see project-grade trucks and salvage-titled examples selling for just below the seller’s ask, so he’s likely not off by much – but $19,500 may help someone on the fence make the jump.
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