There’s something about semi-exotic or rare vehicles left in decrepit condition. It’s almost like gawking at an accident; you don’t want to, but you can’t help yourself. You just never see that kind of stuff. This rare turbocharged GMC Typhoon was a giant killer back in its day, but after years of exposure to Hawaii’s damp tropical climate and clearly some everyday neglect, it’s a non-runner and has some serious body rot to contend with. Find it here on craigslist for $2,800, and go here if the ad disappears.

Said to have under 100,000 miles and a salvage title due to a minor accident of no real consequence, the Typhoon was an impressive combination of brute force and engineering finesse when new. The Jimmy/Blazer-bodied Typhoons had all-wheel drive with a bias towards the rear wheels, self-leveling rear suspension and close to 300 turbocharged horsepower. Torque was downright monstrous at 350 lb. ft. Despite the rough exterior, the cabin and seats of this Typhoon look surprisingly decent.

Here’s where it gets bad quick. Both corners of the engine bay where the firewall meets the fender have significant structural rust issues. I am no bodyman, but I’m assuming when you get to deep, entrenched rot like this, hiding behind engine components, those parts have to come out before work can begin. And even then, the extent to which the corrosion snakes behind the firewall is an unknown at this point. I’m not sure why these two areas rotted out so bad, other than due to long periods of standing in salt-soaked spray.

As mentioned, both corners of the engine bay need full rust repair, along with this spot long the top of the rear hatch. In looking at clearer pictures online, that’s not a separate tailgate but rather a lower door section and hinged glass; the rust is, again, in the body and will require significant metal repair to correct. While the Typhoon is a legend, its name is a bit of a cruel twist of irony given it looks like it sat outside in a jungle rainstorm every day since new. Is it worthy of rescue?