1991 GMC Syclone

When the subject of fast, late-model street machines comes up, Vettes, Vipers, Buicks and F-bodies will be named and even a few Fords are bound to be included as contenders. Those are the obvious choices, but how often do GMC Syclones and Typhoons get mentioned? That depends on the crowd. There is no doubt their all-wheel drive configuration and boosted V-6 powerplant combined for a potent combination from the factory, but that was more than ten years ago. Total production for both trucks never even reached 10,000 units and they are an even rarer sight now. Besides, their aerodynamically challenged bodies and aging drivetrain are no match for Detroit’s current offerings, right?

Due to the performance aspects of the Syclone, the majority of these trucks saw spirited driving, as well as track time and perhaps even some street racing. It is extremely rare to find such an incredible example, and like many of the other low-production ’80s and ’90s performance vehicles, they are becoming increasingly popular and their value is starting to rise, making this a great opportunity and example to add to any collection.

The centerpiece of this plan was a 4.3-liter Bowtie block, which was bored .030 over and enhanced by a 72mm Garrett turbo, which produces 26 pounds of boost. Strezo packed the block with stout internals to handle both the massive boost and subsequent abuse Doc would throw at it. This list includes an odd fire steel billet crank, JE pistons, Oliver connecting rods, Comp pushrods and a custom-ground cam that Dan didn’t want to discuss at all, other than to say he got it from Comp.

This 1991 GMC Syclone is black and features pronounced badging and a special black cloth interior with red piping accents. The exterior of this truck looks superb. The cloth interior of the truck looks clean—especially the carpets and dashboard—while comfort options include cruise control, power windows and power locks.

Think of it as a two-seat sports car with room — lots of room. No need to pack light for a weekend jaunt, no need to buy just one bag of groceries. The GMC Syclone was the solution to the age-old problem of postage-stamp trunk space in two-seater sports cars. “But it’s a pickup truck,” you say. No more than a Ferrari FF is a 2-door station wagon.

So, in ’91, this was a truck that could equal the road race even against a Ferrari. Reason enough to call it a classic, isn’t it?