When it comes to collecting cars most people don’t think about the GMC Sonoma. Generally, not paying top dollar for any used Sonoma would be a wise move financially, a wise move unless it has Syclone scrawled across the tailgate. The average Sonoma wasn’t much more than your run-o’-the-mill compact pick-up truck, good for light hauling/towing and the occasional fishing trip. The GMC Syclone, while it looks like a Sonoma, is a much different beast altogether.
The Syclone at first glance looks like a Sonoma with over sized wheels, lowered suspension, and ground effects. What makes a Sonoma a Syclone? How about a turbocharged 4.3L v6 hooked up with full time four wheel drive! Put the pedal to the floor on a standard Sonoma and you’ll be going nowhere fast. The Syclone on the other hand will erase 60 mph in 4.3* seconds and charge onward to a low 13 second quarter mile. In 1991 that was fast enough to embarrass Corvette and Ferrari owners in a drag race.
Roughly 3000 Syclone’s were produced between 1991 and 1992 so if the bragging rights of owning one of the worlds fastest production trucks isn’t enough, their rarity should be enough to push you over edge. With values on clean examples approaching their original MSRP, Sylcone’s are definitely a worthy collectible. Granted, the brash and cheesy styling of this muscle truck isn’t for everyone but I have to admit, watching Fabio in his Ferrari gape at my shrinking tailgate is very appealing. It might even be appealing enough to grow a mullet and start chewing on Slim Jim’s.
The Syclone pictured here is currently for sale in Kirkland WA, close enough that it may warrant a test drive. It’s a one owner and completely stock, with the exception of a tasteful carbon fiber hood. Asking price is under 14k, a fair price for one in such condition. For future investment purposes, bragging rights, and Yankee Doodle… I recommend you buy it before I do.
*Car and drive tested the 1991 GMC Syclone and achieved a 0-60 time of 4.3 seconds and a quarter mile of 13.06.
Mountain High Motoring 