1991 GMC Marlboro Syclone | International SyTy Registry

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THE HOTTEST TRUCK IN THE WORLD

The 1991 GMC Syclone Marlboro Editions are considered among owners as the ultimate collectible variations of the Syclone trucks. With its bright red paint, custom graphics, and uniquely styled targa top roof, the Marlboro Syclones have always commanded top-tier pricing and been considered one of the pinnacle trucks to own within the Sportmachines trio by many owners, collectors, and enthusiasts.

June 1, 1992, Car Craft Magazine - Marlboro Promotion Foldout

A surprising fact to most is that the Marlboro Syclones were part of the 2995 unit-built production Syclones in 1991. General Motors had no affiliation nor were involved in the the creation process and production of the Marlboro Syclone other than the sale of the ten trucks to Phillip Morris Inc. that were to be converted.

ENTER TO WIN

The Marlboro Racing ‘92 Contest held was held mid 1992 and was a sweepstakes entry in which ten lucky people would be chosen to win the grand prize - one of ten 1991 GMC Syclone Marlboro Edition trucks. Entry to the sweepstakes was simple: fill out a form with your contact information, answer four questions, and write a brief essay in 20 words or less on why you would be fast enough for the Marlboro Championship Team. You then would send it back to Phillip Morris in hopes your entry would be chosen. The entry form was found in many popular magazines such as Car & Driver, Hot Rod, Outdoor Life, Playboy, Rolling Stone, and many more.

The sweepstakes was open to anyone over the age of 21 and didn't require the use of "Marlboro Miles." For those unfamiliar with Marlboro Miles, this was Marlboro's famed marketing tactic where one would save their empty Marlboro cigarette packs to use as proof of purchase towards miles, which was traded in to acquire official Marlboro gear. The more you smoked, the more miles you were able to gain. Marlboro ceased its Marlboro Miles campaign in 1998 due to the Master Tobacco Settlement was set into place.

Winners of the contest were notified in September of that year. A letter that was sent to the winners claimed more than 85,000 entries were received, which was much lower than previous giveaway contests (Camaro and Corvette). Due to a drop in entries, the promotion was never repeated. All ten of the Marlboro Syclones were claimed by the winners. Interestingly, out of the ten original winners chosen, there was one person who was chosen as an alternate winner. This was due to the original winning person not being able to attend the VIP ceremony due to a schedule conflict with his wedding. This ultimately forced him to forfeit his winning spot. Because of this, Phillip Morris was forced to choose an alternate winner for the grand prize so that all ten would be in attendance for the giveaway event planned.

VIP ACCESS

The ten grand prize winners of the Marlboro Giveaway Sweepstakes not only won a brand new 1991 GMC Syclone Marlboro Edition but were also treated to an all-expenses paid 4-day, 3-night trip to enjoy a weekend of racing alongside the Indy racing team and pit crew. Winners were treated with VIP access and tours, pit passes, a photo session with the Marlboro Indy team, and a prize pack full of various Marlboro apparel. Unfortunately, during the VIP event with the sweepstake winners, there was a camera malfunction and no official photos were released by Phillip Morris. Only a handful of photos currently are known to exist taken by either the winners themselves or attendees.

At the VIP event, only one Marlboro (VIN 2992, Marlboro #1) was present and used. There are pictures that show a custom orange light bar setup on the truck. This light bar was not included with the trucks and was on loan and only used for display and the parade lap at the event.

Marlboro Syclone #1 (#2992 VIN) on display at Pennsylvania International Raceway, October 3, 1992.

After the raffle had taken place and the trucks claimed by the winners, Phillip Morris had each truck delivered to an allocated dealership nearest to each winner's residence. It is documented with Phillip Morris that dealer delivery change orders on some trucks had to be made due to a change of address with some of the winners. Once the truck had been delivered, at least two of the ten Marlboro Syclones were immediately sold due to the luxury taxes and fees each winner was responsible for upon delivery. Over the years, all ten of the Marlboro Syclones have been sold privately or have been auctioned through well-known auctioneers Barrett Jackson and Mecum. Each truck has seen multiple owners with none of the ten original sweepstakes winners still currently owning a truck.

THE BUILD DATA

The Marlboro Syclone custom features include:

ASC converted the roof to a targa-style roof panel with storage mounts in the bed
C.R. Laurence PowerLite slide-down rear window assembly
Guidon locking fiberglass tonneau cover
Boyd Coddington “Cobra” wheels with Marlboro emblem center caps & Goodyear Eagle GS-C tires
PPG Industries “Hot Licks” Red paint with white "vibe stripes"
Marlboro windshield decal & Marlboro door/tailgate emblems provided by Graphik Concepts
Recaro leather seats with Simpson 5-Point racing harness
Custom Momo “Evolution” steering wheel
Sony sound system
PROMPaq performance chip
Borla stainless steel exhaust, "Turbo Extractor Design"
Belltech Rear Suspension (rear leaf springs and blocks) lowered 3 inches

The ten Syclones used were randomly selected and started as standard black stock production trucks. Of the ten trucks, one was bought and titled to Phillip Morris Inc. The remaining nine trucks were purchased at an agreed price of $10,000 each and left with open titles so that they were easily transferred to the winners.

All ten trucks were delivered to American Sunroof Corporation (ASC) for conversion. With the help of Larry Shinoda Design Associates, Inc. – the designer behind the Corvette Stingray and Boss Mustang, and in conjunction with Phillip Morris, Inc., each of the ten Syclones was then customized and transformed into the "Marlboro Syclone" for the planned contest giveaway.

ASC contributed the most significant and most eye-catching physical alteration - converting the cab to a one-piece targa-style roof cover with a T-brace reinforcement. With the roof cover removed, you can see the exposed T-brace which keeps rigidity in the cab. This roof panel can be stowed away and locked into a specialized mounting frame that is located in the bed of the truck. Of course, if you are going to have a removable targa-style roof, then being able to roll down every window in the truck becomes a stylish move to make. The C.R. Laurence Company provided a PowerLite retractable sliding rear window which moves in a downward motion hiding itself between the rear cab wall and seats with a push of a button.

The 1991 Marlboro Syclone with targa style roof cover removed showing the reinforced T-brace design.

Inside the interior, a Momo Evolution steering wheel with a raised Marlboro logo insignia replaced the stock unit. Leather Recaro seats with cam lock five-point Simpson racing harnesses were installed to keep you planted securely and safely, but not comfortably. The seats are not plush and have a tough feel to them. A Sony sound system installed by Pacific Audio & Alarm was set into the dash, and customized door panels to hold the speakers rounded out the mods to an otherwise stock Syclone interior.

Marlboro Syclone interior with Momo steering wheel, leather Recaro seats, 5-point Simpson seat belts, and custom speaker door panels.

Being this was a Phillip Morris giveaway, the 10 trucks were stripped of their factory's menacing black paint scheme and PPG supplied the “Hot Licks” DBC Concept 2000 paint (Marlboro red if you will) and Concept 2020 clear for that deep shine. To keep the flow and sleek look of the truck, Guidon provided the lockable fiberglass hard tonneau cover, which was also paint-matched to the body and replaced the standard soft black tonneau cover. An interesting paint detail with all ten Marlboro trucks is they all still have the original black paint on the firewall and behind the door panels. Also, with the hood opened, some trucks have bad red overspray on the underside of the hood and the hood hinges.

Offsetting the red, Shinoda designed the Marlboro Syclone to have custom vinyl graphics on the windshield, hood, and doors to mimic Marlboro's famed red and white advertising look. Called "Vibe Stripes" by Shinoda, the silver pearl vinyl was set on the truck and buried in clear. Graphik Concepts Inc. who printed the production Syclone and Typhoon graphics also provided the graphics package for the Marlboro trucks too. Custom "bubble" Marlboro Racing decals can be found on the doors and tailgate with a Shinoda Design decal located below the Marlboro decal also on the tailgate.

The Marlboro Syclone's custom white vinyl graphics sets off the PPG Hot Licks red paint.

SPREADING THE VIBE (STRIPES)

The red and white design scheme used on the Marlboro isn't unique to only the Syclone as it was also used by Shinda on a previous Penske-Marlboro project using a 1990 ZR1 Corvette known as the RM-1, the RM standing for famed Indy Car World Champion, Rick Mears. Also known as the Rick Mears Special Edition, the RM-1 Penske Corvette was sold in a Barrett Jackson auction in 2008 and is currently known to reside in the Lingenfelter Collection and can sometimes be seen in pictures during displays. It is rumored that three Marlboro-style RM Editions were built, and one may still exist in Japan. However, we have never been able to confirm this information with documentation.

1990 Rick Mears Special Edition (RM-1) Corvette designed by Larry Shinoda.

HOT PERFORMANCE

While the Marlboro Syclones didn't receive any direct motor modifications and to add a bit of performance over stock, the trucks received a stainless Borla exhaust, a Prompaq Adaptive Technologies security and performance computer system which was mounted on the passenger’s side kick panel. For its lowered stance, a Belltech 3-inch-drop kit consisting of lowered leaf springs and drop blocks was used under the rear while the front was cranked down via the stock suspension torsion bars. No internal or bolt-on performance motor modifications were made and all Marlboros retain the same standard 4.3 turbo power-plant as the production Syclones.

Even with the minor modifications for added power, the appearance modifications the trucks got with the roof, wheels, and heavy fiberglass tonneau, the Marlboros were much heavier than stock production trucks and notably slower in the quarter mile. Stock production trucks easily run into the low 13-second range, while the Marlboros consistently run a full second slower in the mid to high 14-second range with a lower mph trap time. This has been documented by both original owners in 1992 and also in 1999 when 2 Marlboros raced in front of a crowd at Kansas City International Raceway at the 2nd Annual SyTy Nationals and again in 2002 at the 5th Annual SyTy Nationals at Great Lakes Raceway.

There is no evidence the ten trucks bought to be converted to Marlboro Syclones had any specialty equipment or features beyond the standard manufacturing of the Syclone. All ten trucks used were standard production units that were available to purchase by Phillip Morris. Out of the ten trucks, documentation shows that nine trucks were purchased at $10,000 and left untitled, coming directly from GMC. The first Marlboro to be built (VIN #2992) was titled, and Phillip Morris Inc. is listed as the first owner. There is documentation that notates this sale as "purchased on our own" from Phillip Morris.

The first Marlboro to be built would be used for all of the official promotional pictures, advertisements for the giveaway, and ultimately used during the winner's VIP event where Rick Mears would drive a parade lap at the Marlboro Challenge CART Indy Car race in Nazareth, Pennsylvania on October 3, 1992. After the promotion was over, Phillip Morris would handle the transfer of the title on this truck independently while the other nine trucks with open titles were delivered, processed, and titled through the closest dealerships to the winners upon pickup.

THE SIGNATURE

Once the trucks had transferred ownership to all of the winners, Marlboro #1 would eventually be sold by the original winner to its second owner, Lou Roberts. During Lou's ownership, he was able to meet with Rick Mears in California at an event where he had the glove box door signed by Rick. This is a distinguishing feature of Marlboro #1, as none of the other Marlboro Syclones have a signed glove box door.

A PACK-A-DAY HABIT

Over 30 years, the value of the Marlboro Syclones has been a somewhat open discussion, with many weighing in with opinions on exactly what the trucks are worth. All ten trucks have been sold at least once, and many of the same trucks have been sold numerous times, either privately or through an auction platform.

The Marlboro Syclones did not instantly catch the attention of collectors nor were they considered a collectible vehicle at the time. Even with the successful production of the Syclone and the new release of the Typhoon, the trucks never seemed to get recognition for being collectible, and most only appealed to the niche group of owners and enthusiasts who could afford a $27,000-32,000 truck that couldn't be used as a truck. Many opinionated comments have been made that the Marlboro theme is a turn-off in terms of collectability due to the ever-growing public anti-tobacco campaigns. A truck that advertises an addictive and deadly habit is not one that most want to embrace. Given how popular the "Marlboro Livery" was in motorsports, it's hard to believe this would be a major factor in terms of value and collectability.

The Marlboro Syclones that were sold after the winners took ownership were priced in the mid to low $20,000 range. From that point, prices would increase into the $30-50k range. Information given by a previous owner reveals that, at the time, a gentleman's agreement was made to boost value. If a truck was to be put up for sale, it would be set for $100,000.

Over the years, Marlboro Syclones have sold between the $50,000-80,000 price range. Many times it has been the same truck with different selling prices each time.

With today's market now much more aware and educated on the history and significance of the GMC Syclone and Typhoon, recent sales of trucks have been hitting an all-time high. There has been a significant increase in the value of the Marlboro trucks that have recently sold, with prices going well above the $100,000 mark. We can assume that prices will continue to increase as it is now public knowledge that not all ten trucks still exist. With one truck destroyed in the 2018 Malibu fires, another abandoned in Northern Europe, and one truck that has seemingly been missing with no current owner or history since 1992, only seven trucks can be currently accounted for in private collections.

MARLBORO SYCLONE DIECASTS

The popularity of the Marlboro Syclone has increased so much over the years that even Johnny Lightning, makers of 1:64 diecast models picked up the design and released a few versions using their existing GMC Syclone casting. As part of JL's Xtreme 90s Muscle Series, there are two variations available: one being the standard red colorway and a reversed colorway where the body is white and the decals are red.

In 2020, Hot Wheels released their 1:64 version of the GMC Syclone and included a Marlboro version in their Premium "Car Culture Power Trip" collection. It is Number 5 of 5 in the series which also includes an 87 Buick Regal GNX, Plymouth Barracuda Hemi, Custom 72 Chevy Luv, and 2018 Dodge Challenger SRT Demon. Collectors have been able to find them in various stores such as Walmart, Target, and Dollar General.

Both the JL and Hotwheels diecasts do not carry any of the Marlboro insignia logos. It is safe to assume this is due to both licensing and today's strict policy against the marketing of tobacco products to children. Regardless of your age, it's hard to deny that these are some of the coolest diecasts available on the market, plus they are much more affordable than the full-scale version!

INDIVIDUAL TRUCK HISTORY

The following VINs are documented as 1991 GMC Marlboro Syclone Editions. The trucks are listed in order of sequencial VIN number along with the associated build number from Shinoda/ASC.

#2871 - Marlboro No. 4
Current Condition: CURRENTLY ABANDONED
Original Sweepstakes Winner: Frank Paciello
Previous Owners: Jozsef Prisztas - not certified, deceased (2), Crisztian Taylor (3), Current (?)
Truck Info: Although Frank Paciello is listed as a sweepstakes winner, he was actually an alternate winner as the person who originally won was unable to schedule and be there to pick up the truck due to his wedding. Due to the conflict of scheduling that could not be resolved, the winner forfeited his spot and Mr. Paciello was then contacted and chosen as an alternate winner.Frank took ownership of the truck in 1993, enjoyed putting a few miles on it and raced it several times at Homestead Raceway in Miami before ultimately trading it in at a local dealership for a brand new Corvette. Frank has noted that shortly after selling the truck, he was contacted by Ziggy Marley with interest to buy the truck not knowing Frank had already sold it.After sitting in a dealer holding lot the truck was sold in 1994 and Marlboro #2871 was exported from Miami to Germany and relocated to Hungary. At one point, it has been said to be owned by József Prisztás who was murdered in 1996 (unconfirmed information as of Feb 2021). Truck was sold and driven on a regular basis by Crisztian Taylor until 2014 when he sold it. From this point, the truck seemingly went missing again until it popped up on Facebook where it was found in a state of neglect in Estonia. Several attempts have been made to contact the current owner.
PLEASE NOTE:
SyTy Registry is well aware that Marlboro #4 it is located in northern Estonia and is currently in a neglected state. The SyTy Registry is continually working to keep current information on the truck's condition and is routinely checked on in hopes of rescuing or see the truck back to a restored condition. The exact location of the truck is known and will remain undisclosed with limited information being released.
Due to the growing interest this truck has brought across the internet, the SyTy Registry has opted to not detail this information as not to compromise and to protect the efforts and time that have been put into the ongoing research and resourcing information on the truck to save it.
With the help of a local owner - the truck is located in a secured area and not accessible to the public. The property in which the truck is on and the people who currently have access are well aware of what the truck is, its value, and DO NOT welcome or allow visitors to see the truck. We ask that you respect this information as it does not help the chance to potentially save this truck.It is believed that #2871 is the highest-mile truck with over 40k miles. Many of the original winner's packet items, the original rare VIP event pictures, and documentation were donated to the SyTy Registry by Mr. Paciello. We are grateful for this gesture and these items will be shared and on display at any show we attend for everyone to view.
#2872 - Marlboro No. 6
Current Condition: PRIVATE COLLECTION
Original Sweepstakes Winner: William Rhodes
Previous Owners: Woody Howard (2), Chris Pearson (3), Tom Argue (4), John Parsons (5), Current owner (?)

Owned by Chris Pearson, Tom Argue, and John Parsons. Marlboro 2872 is one of the more notable and recognized trucks as it features a red powder-coated intake and intercooler system which is not a stock feature of the Marlboro. It has been featured in many online articles (Road & Track, Car & Driver, Bring-A-Trailer) when it was listed on eBay in 2015 for $80k out of Reno, NV with 3,435 miles.
Sold By Desert Auto Sports in Reno, NV. Currently located in Jalisco, Mexico area.
#2873 - Marlboro No. 9
Current Condition: PRIVATE COLLECTION
Original Sweepstakes Winner: Lynn Poole
Previous Owners: Ray Moore (2) deceased, (3)Shane K.
Privately owned and located in California. Documented with 389.5 miles as of 5/2022. This is currently the lowest mile Marlboro Syclone out of the known remaining.
#2879 - Marlboro No. 8
Current Condition: PRIVATE COLLECTION
Original Sweepstakes Winner: Scott W Joerger
Previous Owners: Tom Steiger (2), Les (3), Marty McGuire (4), Eli (5)

Now privately owned by Eli in Maryland.
#2884 - Marlboro No. 7
Current Condition: PRIVATE COLLECTION
Original Sweepstakes Winner: Ralph Esposito
Previous Owners: David/Mike Lee (2), John Parsons (3), Rob Meding (4)
Listed on Ebay 2.23.02 at a starting bid of $85k with buy it now set at $150k (368 miles). Relisted on eBay on 3.21.02 with a $50k starting bid. Sold at the Mecum Kissimmee (2018) classic car auction on Jan 13, 2018, for $56,100 (not including fees). 426 miles at the time of sale. Currently located in Maryland owned by Rob Meding.
#2885 - Marlboro No. 2
Current Condition: DESTROYED
Original Sweepstakes Winner: Sidnal Hill
Previous Owners: Paul Davis (2), Vince Thoumey (3)

The "Plumber's Marlboro". Destroyed in the 2018 Malibu fires.
#2888 - Marlboro No. 3
Current Condition: PRIVATE COLLECTION
Original Sweepstakes Winner: Robert Stack
Residence at the time of winning: Lebanon, TN
Previous Owners: Nate Brower (?), Current Owner (?)
Marlboro #2888 was sold 6 months after Robert Stack took ownership. It is reported that Robert filled out his winning sweepstake entry from Cycle World Magazine.
Listed on Ebay 10.16.10 with ending bid at $55,101 - Reserve not met.
#2891 - Marlboro No. 10
Current Condition: PRIVATE COLLECTION
Original Sweepstakes Winner: Mark S. Knuth.
Previous Owners: Marvin S (2), ? (3), Ron Bailey (4)
Listed on eBay on 12.26.03 with an ending price of $30,000. The truck was NOT sold and kept. Privately sold on Feb 14, 2021, out of PA from owner since 1994. Currently owned by Ron Bailey in North Carolina (also owner of #2992 Marlboro). The truck has 915 miles.
Update 1/20/22 - Marlboro #10 has been sold for an undisclosed price and is now located in California. Documented with 1000 miles on it at the time of sale.
#2927 - Marlboro No. 5
Current Condition: UNKNOWN
Original Sweepstakes Winner: Robert Cole
Previous Owners: (?), Current Owner (?)
The missing Marlboro. No information has been obtained on this truck and the current owner and whereabouts are unknown. Last known report 12/30/1992, Carbondale, IL - This is where the truck was delivered to the dealership for Robert Cole. If you have information on the whereabouts of Marlboro #2927 (No. 5), please contact us immediately.
#2992 Marlboro No. 1
Current Condition: PRIVATE COLLECTION
Original Sweepstakes Winner: Ray Haslam Jr.
Previous Owners: Phillip Morris, Inc (1), Ray Haslam Jr. (2) Lou Roberts (3) deceased, John Parsons (4), - Dessert Auto - Arif Shaikh (5), Alan Woodall (6), Ron Bailey (7) New Owner, California (8)

The #1 of 10 Marlboro, as it was the first truck to be built by ASC. It was also used for the artwork and promotional photography for the Marlboro giveaway sweepstakes while the other 9 trucks were built. The Number 1 Marlboro was used as the parade lap truck at the Marlboro Challenge CART Indy Car race in Nazareth, Pennsylvania, in October 1992. The most notable feature of Marlboro #1 is the Rick Mears signature on the glovebox door.
Bought and owned by Phillip Morris originally, Ray Haslam Jr. put 700 miles on the truck before selling it. The 3rd owner was Lou Robert (deceased). The 4th owner was John Parsons and part of his vast collection of SyTys which included 4 Marlboros. The collection was later sold off. The 5th owner was Arif Shaikh. Allen Woodall was the 6th owner and the truck was listed in Columbus, GA for sale at $85k with 9,245 miles. In 2021, #2992 was sold privately and was located in North Carolina owned by Ron Bailey.
Featured in Hemmings Muscle Machines Magazine, Jan. 2006.
Update 1/20/22 - GMC Syclone Marlboro #1 has been sold for an undisclosed price and is now currently located in California. (same owner as #10)

DISCLAIMER: All information displayed on this page has been documented and checked for accuracy from both previous and current owners, DMV information, carfax data, and GM/Phillip Morris/ASC/Shinoda paperwork. Some information has been purposely excluded and/or abbreviated to protect the personal data of both past and current owners. If you have information regarding any of the Marlboro Syclones not listed here, please contact us. Documented proof in the form of pictures or paperwork will be required to ensure the validity and accuracy before being submitted to display on this page.

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