Rare Project: 1993 GMC Typhoon
For many of us, buying an iconic muscle or sports car can be cost prohibitive. Therefore, the path to ownership can require buying a project-grade version of the performance car of their choice, an option I chose when buying a 1986 Mercedes-Benz 190E 2.3-16 Cosworth out of a Pennsylvania salvage yard. That project is nearing its conclusion after five grueling years, and while I wouldn’t necessarily do it again, I can say I’m still glad I chose this path considering the run-up in prices for healthy examples. The same can be said for the GMC Typhoon, a high-performance turbo truck, which has seen its value climb significantly over the last few years. This Typhoon listed here on eBay is in rough shape but certainly not past the point of restoring, and is listed for $9,500 or best offer.
The Typhoon may look worse than it actually is, but the only way you’ll know is to check it out in person. There’s some rust but it’s hard to say just how bad it is. The seller claims it’s limited to the rockers, but the photos show a heavy amount of scaling on the frame. Now, as someone who grew up in the Northeast (and bought not one, but two junkyard projects from Northeast junkyards), I’m not spooked by a scal-y frame. The roll of the dice is whether it has proceeded past the point of just surface-level contamination, which as the photo shows below, it may have.
To me, that looks like some of the floor is giving way. Now, I realize this is an armchair quarterback position, but having seen my fair share of vehicles with floors missing, this at least looks like the start of a potentially slippery slope of rust repair. However, the simple fact remains that this is a rare and desirable truck that sells for upwards of $50,000 in mint condition. You have plenty of space budget-wise to bring this one back. And given the underlying vehicle is your run-of-the-mill GMC Jimmy that can still be found with clean sheetmetal in a multitude of junkyards, finding the necessary repair panels will be a fairly simple affair. On top of those encouraging takes, this Typhoon was also painted one the rarer factory shades of color, making it a 1-of-82 examples painted in Forest Green.
The interior is in tired condition overall, and unfortunately, it looks like this performance truck didn’t have a particularly easy life before ending up here. The body kit is included in the cargo bay, and the seller confirms it runs and drives well enough to be driven onto a trailer but suggests a proper going-through (obviously.) The exhaust has been cut and the Typhoon also carries with it a salvage title due to theft in 2004, which may require a re-assessment of the asking price. While I am confident this project has a fairly long budget runway, the theft title throws all of that into question as it will undoubtedly affect what you can sell it for. However, if you’re looking to get into a Typhoon that you can bring back to life without concerns about future resale, buying this one for $5,000 (or ideally, less) makes sense to me.
Auctions Ending Soon
2006 Ford Mustang Saleen S281 SCBid Now21 hours$15,000
2002 Subaru Impreza WRXBid Now3 days$100
1975 Chevrolet Corvette ConvertibleBid Now3 days$3,000
1964 Ford F-100 Camper CustomBid Now3 days$2,000
2006 Jeep Wrangler SportBid Now5 days$10,500
Comments
come to hellinois..I’ll show u scaly…
Given that these are automatic transmission and contemporary trucks are just as fast, what’s the point? It’s hardly a great looking car or anything. Your 80s Mercedes and my 80s BMWs are at least manual and given one a rear-drive, no traction control driving experience unavailable today, whereas this car is just a B-version of a contemporary truck.
Appears to be setting pretty high for a Typhoon.
To me, this one might only be good for parts, but definitely not at $9500. What a shame.
I can’t see $9,500 from parting this out. The rustbelt ruins more than meets the eye.
if you can get it cheap, the driveline would be perfect for a swap.
I remember seeing one of these on Garage Squad and that one looked like a blast. But this one has too many red flags: salvage title, typical NYC rust bucket, low auto check score. Could be a good donor vehicle because it seems mechanically sound.
I like that ugly Dodge truck in the background.
My wife had a normal 89 GMC S15 Jimmy with a 4.3 V6 and that truck ran forever and was a very good daily driver. If like Jeff said, you could get this for UNDER 5K. It would make a good daily. Yes Jeff. The floor has absolutely got significant holes in that picture which leads to the question of how much more of the floor are you going to have to replace? I still say if you can do the work yourself it would make a great keeper. The all wheel drive is great in the snow with the right tires and taken care of I’m guessing will last forever. Plus clean up the interior and those seats look mighty comfortable. If I had the cash and it wasn’t on the other side of the planet, I would definitely be a player on this one.
After closer inspection, there is definitely a considerable amount of rust repair necessary on the floors. Absolutely have to be able to do this one yourself and not be worried about selling it because you’re going to have to replace quite a few pieces of the floor. Still feel it would be a good buy for a keeper at the right price. Hope the new owner reads Barn Finds for the education.
Yup, these and the syclones where the big boys on block back in the day. They would get stolen no sooner then you made a couple of payments.i would be sure you can do the work yourself buying this one. The metal work alone look at that one body mount,wonder how deep and what else. Good luck
A trailblazer SS would be a better buy at this point , the LS is already in it and the aftermarket support is very high
Seats look nice. Frame? Not so much-
Must have been in a typhoon a lot of rust.