Vehicle Description
1991 GMC Syclone
The GMC Syclone is a high-performance version of the GMC Sonoma
pickup. Produced in 1991 by GMC along with PAS - the same company
credited with building the famed 1989 Turbo Trans Am. The Sylcone
spawned the 1992-1993 GMC Typhoon based on the Jimmy platform and
retaining the Syclone drivetrain. The Syclone was only available in
black. In total 2,998 Syclones were built. Ten were modified by
Larry Shinoda, painted PPG Hot Licks red, and given away as
Marlboro promotions.
Despite a small but enthusiastic group of owners who have clung
together like a secret band of brothers all these years, Syclones
have recently seen a surge in interest and collectability. Even
this group didn't anticipate the growth in interest and value.
Today finding a stock, unmolested one-owner truck for sale is like
finding a unicorn...and that's what we have for consignment. Coming
to our Hallowed Halls showing a mere 45,922 non verifiable miles as
the title reads exempt, and sporting its correct 4.3 liter
turbocharged V6 and classic good looks, it's time you step up your
mini-truck bucket list and do it in all wheel drive sinister black
style.
Exterior
GM is known for their mediocre paint during this period and this
Syclone does not veer from the reputation. From ten feet, it is
spectacular. Up close it does have a bit of hazing and orange peel
but with a truck this rare, it's more than acceptable. All cladding
is in place...and these pieces are Syclone-specific and
appropriately unpainted. All Syclone decals appear original and are
in the right place, one clue that indicates the truck has not been
wrecked. The black vinyl tonneau is not original but very nice. A
peek under the bed cover shows a cargo area that hasn't seen much
cargo, (they had a 500-pound payload limit!); it has a few minor
scuffs and plenty of dust, but otherwise nice. Machined and natural
finish aluminum alloy wheels fill the wheel openings and are
wrapped in 245/50R16 tires. As is mostly typical for a truck that's
been driven, some minor clear coat checking can be seen on the
wheels. Imperfections in the body include some blemishes and scuffs
on the cladding and some bubbling above the wheel arches.
Interior
With a swing of the door, we are greeted with a blend of colors and
materials; black cloth, charcoal carpeting, charcoal vinyl, and
gray plastic. All of this holds the armrest, power window switch,
and power lock switch. Bucket seats in black velour have a very
wide tuck and roll insert pattern with long smooth bolsters. Red
piping breaks up the sea of black and Syclone is embroidered into
the headrests. These buckets flank a center console that holds an
oversized storage compartment along with the gear selector,
(borrowed from the Corvette), and a pair of cupholders that are
better employed as earbud storage. A two-spoke, Syclone-specific
leather wrapped ergonomic steering wheel fronts a rectangular panel
that holds the gauge layout, (borrowed from the Pontiac Sunbird
Turbo of the era!). Headlight and HVAC controls flank this cluster
and to the right is the factory AM/FM/Cassette player. A common
defect, the headliner is sagging but aftermarket companies produce
a "plug and play" replacement, (or the original can be fixed).
Drivetrain
Crammed into the engine bay is the now legendary 4.3L turbocharged
V6. This engine is fed by EFI and has an air-to-water intercooler
feeding chilled air through a throttle body and into the
Syclone-engraved intake, (to save money, GM used the same manifold
in Typhoons!). All is complete under the hood while showing some
patina on the litany of hoses, wiring, and ducting. The crossflow
air pipe over the radiator is a coveted piece of originality and
it's nice to see it intact and in place. A 4L60E 4-speed automatic,
also swiped from the Corvette, is on the back. This transmission
feeds power through a Borg Warner 4472 transfer case and then to
the front and rear axles which weigh in at a 3.42 ratio with
limited slip. Yes, the Syclone is notably AWD with 65% going to the
back, 35% front.
Undercarriage
Frame, axle, suspension parts all show some advanced surface rust
as do the driveshafts, (both main and short). Independent coil
spring suspension is up front and leaf springs are what softens the
ride along with the original Bilstein shocks, their yellow still
gleaming. The stock exhaust, another Syclone-specific and desirable
remnant, appears to be in good shape. The pinion seal is leaking,
but the oil pan is dry.
Drive-Ability
Known for their grip, Syclones from a "dig" are some of the most
impressive vehicles ever to come out of GM. You'll have to take our
word for it because we babied the truck rather than engage in the
infamous "power braking" the SyTy crowd has mastered. The bucket
seats are comfortable and the cabin itself is cozy. Acceleration
was good as we brought the truck into boost and then it snorts like
a horse when you get off the gas as the wastegate expels pent up
air. Those fat tires help with handling but the truck experiences
some yaw in turns, (again, the aftermarket is your friend and
upgrades are available if that's the direction you want to go). The
automatic transmission shifted firmly, especially 1-2, and all
functions were working as they should, although the air blows warm
and the rear brakes do stick when the brake pedal is released.
Syclones are only getting more valuable and stock examples more
rare. Here's a stock, drivable version, truck #2548 of 2,998 made.
It's a compact little rocket now recognized as the grandfather of
sports trucks, no doubt lending inspiration to the Ford Lightning,
Dodge SRT-10 and a myriad of other "fast" trucks. But none were as
quick as the Syclone from a red light.
1GDCT14Z5M8802548
1-USA
G-General Motors
D-GMC
C-4001 To 5000 GVWR
T-Small Conventional Cab 4X4
1-1/2 Ton
4-2 Door
Z-4.3L V6 Turbo 280hp
5-Check Digit
M-1991
8-Shreveport, LA Assy Plant
802548-Sequential Unit Number
Classic Auto Mall is home to more than 1,000 classic and
collectible vehicles for sale via consignment in a climate
controlled 336,000-square foot showroom (that's more than 8
acres!). The largest single location consignment dealer of classic
and collectible vehicles in the country is located in Morgantown,
Pennsylvania, just 1-hour west of Philadelphia off Exit 298 of the
I-76 Pennsylvania Turnpike. For more information visit
www.classicautomall.com or call us at (888) 227-0914. Contact us
anytime for more information or to come see the vehicle in
person.
With so many great cars, you know we have a lot to talk about, and
we do that each week on the Classic Auto Mall Podcast with host
Stewart Howden. Stewart discusses new inventory as well as trends
in consignments and car prices, while interviewing celebrities and
automotive professionals about amazing cars and their history. Tune
in each week to the Classic Auto Mall Podcast wherever you enjoy
listening. You can also watch on YouTube!