1991 GMC Syclone, Formerly Owned by Ted Nugent, For Sale with 37,200 Miles, High Bid Nearing $29,000
A rare and exceptionally cool 1991 GMC Syclone, formerly owned by rock icon Ted Nugent, is currently up for sale on Cars & Bids with just 37,200 miles on the odometer. This low-mileage example of the legendary high-performance pickup, finished in its signature black, remains almost entirely unmodified, featuring only a removable hood deflector. Known for its Ferrari-beating performance, the Syclone’s 4.3-liter turbocharged V6 engine produces 280 horsepower and 350 lb-ft of torque, coupled with an all-wheel-drive system. While current bids are approaching $29,000, recent sales of low-mileage Syclones have seen prices climb as high as $81,000 to $130,000, underscoring its significant value as a cult classic and potential investment.
The Syclone: A Cult Classic’s Return
The GMC Syclone burst onto the scene in 1991, quickly establishing itself as a performance icon.
- Rare Production: With under 3,000 examples produced between 1991 and 1992, the Syclone is a true rarity.
- Performance Heritage: It combined a compact, two-door pickup truck design with “incredible turbocharged V6 power,” shocking the world with its ability to “destroy a number of high-end sports cars at the time.”
- Legendary Drag Race: Famously, a 1991 Car and Driver drag race saw the Syclone out-sprint a Ferrari 348ts, clearing the quarter-mile in 14.1 seconds (four-tenths quicker than the Ferrari) and achieving 0-60 mph in 5.3 seconds.
- Famous Previous Owner: This particular 1991 model, finished in black, was originally purchased by Ted Nugent in May 1991.
Vehicle Details: Low Miles, High Performance
This specific Syclone offers a compelling package of low mileage and potent performance.
- Mileage: It has only covered 37,200 miles in its lifetime.
- Engine: Powered by a 4.3-liter turbocharged V6 engine, delivering 280 horsepower and 350 lb-ft of torque.
- Drivetrain: Features an all-wheel-drive system that could direct up to 65 percent of the torque to the rear wheels.
- Transmission: Equipped with a four-speed automatic transmission.
- Firsts: It was the “first production trick with four-wheel anti-lock brakes.”
- Condition: Described as “accident-free and almost completely unmodified,” with only a removable hood deflector as a modification.
- Features: Comes with 16-inch wheels, a tonneau cover, sports seats, air conditioning, and a Kenwood subwoofer amp.
- Known Flaws: Minor flaws include some pitting on the wheels, old tires, and a faulty lumbar support adjustor for the driver’s seat. The engine oil and filter were recently changed.
Investment Potential and Market Value
The Syclone’s rarity and desirability have driven its market value significantly higher than its original price.
- Current Bid: At the time of writing, the high bid stood at $29,000, but this is expected to rise.
- Historical Sales:
- A new Syclone cost around $26,000 in 1991.
- A 6,000-mile example recently sold for $81,000.
- Another with just 380 miles sold for a “jaw-dropping $130,000” in May.
- Multiple other examples on Bring A Trailer have sold for over $50,000.
- Investment Potential: Experts suggest that for “anything under $50,000,” this low-mileage, well-preserved Syclone could be “a great investment,” as these trucks are becoming increasingly difficult to find.
Final Thoughts
This 1991 GMC Syclone, with its low mileage and unique provenance from rock legend Ted Nugent, represents a fantastic opportunity to own a piece of automotive history. Its blend of unassuming pickup truck looks with supercar-baiting performance makes it one of the “coolest trucks ever built.” Given the escalating prices of well-preserved examples, the current bid offers a tantalizing entry point into a vehicle that is not only a thrill to drive but also a likely appreciating asset. For enthusiasts and collectors, this Syclone is more than just a truck; it’s a testament to a bygone era of audacious automotive engineering.
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