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Marlboro Syclone History & FAQ
The Marlboro Syclone was the grand prize for ten winners of The Marlboro Racing ‘92 Contest. These were technically part of the production 2998 unit-built Syclones (all start as standard black trucks) built in 1991. The Marlboro contest was held in mid 1992 with the winners notified in September of that year. A letter sent to the winners had claimed more than 85,000 entries were sent in which was much lower than a previous giveaway contests. All 10 Marlboro Syclones were claimed by the winners and still survive today, all privately owned. Due to a drop it entries, the promotion was never repeated.
The 10 stock Syclones were provided to American Sunroof Corporation (ASC) and 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 10 Syclones were then customized and transformed into the "Marlboro Syclone" for the contest giveaway. ASC contributed the most significant and most eye catching physical alteration - converting the cab to a T-top with a fully removable targa cover panel, which can be locked into a specialized frame bolt into the bed and stowed away when you want to enjoy the sunshine on your face while driving. Goodyear Eagle GS-C tires were wrapped around Boyd Coddington “Cobra” billet wheels with black centers, polished lips and a small red and white Marlboro Racing logo in each wheel center. PPG supplied the “Hot Licks” DBC Concept 2000 paint (Marlboro red if you will) and Concept 2020 clear. The C.R. Laurence company provided a PowerLite retractable sliding rear window, and Guidon provided the lockable hard tonneau cover, which replaced the standard soft tonneau cover. Graphik Concepts Inc. provided the white stripe graphics package and lettering. The truck included a stainless Borla exhaust, a BellTech 3-inch-drop kit, and a Prompaq Adaptive Technologies security and performance computer system which was mounted on the passenger’s side kick panel. Inside the interior, a Momo Evolution steering wheel replaced the stock unit, and leather Recaro seats with five-point Simpson racing harnesses where installed to keep you planted security and safely. A Sony sound system installed by Pacific Audio and Alarm rounded out the mods to an otherwise stock Syclone. No motor modifications where made and all Marlboros retain the same standard 4.3 turbo powerplant as the production Syclones.
There is no evidence that these particular 10 trucks had any speciality equipment or features beyond the standard manufacturing of the Syclone BEFORE they were transformed into Marlboros (again, these were stock production trucks), and were just the batch of available trucks that were purchased by Phillip Morris. It is documented that Phillip Morris paid $10,000 to GM per truck, and was listed as the owner for the first Marlboro built, while the remaining 9 were untitled coming directly from GMC. The following VINs are documented as Marlboro Syclones:
Marlboro Price Breakdown
*COMING SOON*
- Pictures
- Marlboro Specific Documentation
- More detailed history on individual Marlboro trucks.
The Marlboro Syclone was the grand prize for ten winners of The Marlboro Racing ‘92 Contest. These were technically part of the production 2998 unit-built Syclones (all start as standard black trucks) built in 1991. The Marlboro contest was held in mid 1992 with the winners notified in September of that year. A letter sent to the winners had claimed more than 85,000 entries were sent in which was much lower than a previous giveaway contests. All 10 Marlboro Syclones were claimed by the winners and still survive today, all privately owned. Due to a drop it entries, the promotion was never repeated.
The 10 stock Syclones were provided to American Sunroof Corporation (ASC) and 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 10 Syclones were then customized and transformed into the "Marlboro Syclone" for the contest giveaway. ASC contributed the most significant and most eye catching physical alteration - converting the cab to a T-top with a fully removable targa cover panel, which can be locked into a specialized frame bolt into the bed and stowed away when you want to enjoy the sunshine on your face while driving. Goodyear Eagle GS-C tires were wrapped around Boyd Coddington “Cobra” billet wheels with black centers, polished lips and a small red and white Marlboro Racing logo in each wheel center. PPG supplied the “Hot Licks” DBC Concept 2000 paint (Marlboro red if you will) and Concept 2020 clear. The C.R. Laurence company provided a PowerLite retractable sliding rear window, and Guidon provided the lockable hard tonneau cover, which replaced the standard soft tonneau cover. Graphik Concepts Inc. provided the white stripe graphics package and lettering. The truck included a stainless Borla exhaust, a BellTech 3-inch-drop kit, and a Prompaq Adaptive Technologies security and performance computer system which was mounted on the passenger’s side kick panel. Inside the interior, a Momo Evolution steering wheel replaced the stock unit, and leather Recaro seats with five-point Simpson racing harnesses where installed to keep you planted security and safely. A Sony sound system installed by Pacific Audio and Alarm rounded out the mods to an otherwise stock Syclone. No motor modifications where made and all Marlboros retain the same standard 4.3 turbo powerplant as the production Syclones.
There is no evidence that these particular 10 trucks had any speciality equipment or features beyond the standard manufacturing of the Syclone BEFORE they were transformed into Marlboros (again, these were stock production trucks), and were just the batch of available trucks that were purchased by Phillip Morris. It is documented that Phillip Morris paid $10,000 to GM per truck, and was listed as the owner for the first Marlboro built, while the remaining 9 were untitled coming directly from GMC. The following VINs are documented as Marlboro Syclones:
- 2871 - Original Sweepstakes Winner: Frank Paciello. Frank was actually an alternate winner as the person who won was unable to schedule and be there to pick up the truck due to his wedding. Mr. Paciello was then chosen as an alternate winner. Sold in 1994, Marlboro #2871 was exported from Miami to Germany and relocated to Hungary. It was driven on a regular basis until around 2014-2015. Currently, it is located in northern Estonia.
- 2872 - #6 of 10, Owned by Chris Pearson, Tom Argue, 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.
- 2873 - Ray Moore previous owner (deceased).
- 2879 - Marty McGuire previously owned (not current owner).
- 2884 - Two previous owners. Under 500 miles (2018). Sold at the Mecum Kissimmee (2018) classic car auction on Jan 13, 2018 for $56,100 (not including fees). Currently located in Maryland owned by Rob Meding.
- 2885 - The "Plumber's Marlboro". Destroyed in the 2018 Malibu fires.
- 2888
- 2891 - Bought privately in 2021, Currently located in North Carolina (also owns Marlboro #2992)
- 2927
- 2992 - The #1 of 10 Marlboro, as it was the first to be built. Used for the artwork and promotional photography for the contest. Owned by Phillip Morris originally, 2nd owner put 700 miles on the truck and was sold. 3rd owner was Lou Robert. Was listed in Columbus, GA for sale at $85k with 9,245 miles. Glove box door is signed by Rick Mears.
5/27/2020 - #2992 listed on Ebay for $125,000. Listed with 9237.9 miles, located in Georgia.
https://www.ebay.com/itm/17429754448...P6o8C1wF8PnDAs
5/29/2020 - Buy it now price on Marl #2992 has been reduced from $125,000 to $100,000 on Ebay. - Bought privately in 2021. Currently located in North Carolina.
- ASC converted the roof to a targa-style roof panel with mounts in the pick-up bed
- ASC installed a slide-down rear window assembly
- Guidon hard tonneau cover
- Boyd Coddington “Cobra” wheels with Marlboro emblem center caps and Goodyear Eagle GS-C tires
- PPG “Hot Licks” Red paint, with white strobe stripes provided by Graphik Concepts
- Recaro leather seats with Simpson 5-Point racing harness
- Custom Momo “Evolution” steering wheel
- Sony sound system
- PROMPaq performance chip and Borla stainless steel exhaust
- Bell Tech suspension dropped 3 inches
Marlboro Price Breakdown
*COMING SOON*
- Pictures
- Marlboro Specific Documentation
- More detailed history on individual Marlboro trucks.
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