1991 GMC Syclone Pickup

The word “legendary” is bantered about a lot these days, particularly in the realm of performance vehicles. But if you define “legend” as something about which there are numerous stories, then the GMC Syclone fits the bill. The September 1991 issue of Car & Driver describes an impromptu matchup between a Syclone and a new Ferrari 348ts, and guess who wins. This limited production, rules bending hot rod, brought the hardware to lay claim as the fastest production vehicle of 1991, the only year it was produced, (although some sources say 3 were built in 1992). A turbocharged 4.3L V6 at 280 horsepower, was bigger and more powerful than that in the Buick Grand National. It also has a Garrett water/air intercooler. This vehicle was ahead of its time! It ran through a 700R4 automatic. Smart move, as a clutch would likely have a short life with this much power and the tenacious grip of all-wheel drive. Today, one of the “legends” of production performance, the Dodge Demon, is only available with an automatic. This truck is not for rock climbing. The Borg-Warner transfer case is tuned to send 65% of the torque to the rear axle, and 35% to the front. The suspension has been set up for superior handling too. The Syclone package comes with a unique front facia and ground effects, graphics and a dedicated interior package with red piping. People caught on to the fast truck concept and so there are more Typhoons, which were produced later. But the Syclone is lighter, and it’s the original. It’s collectible. Even Jay Leno has owned one.