Barrett-Jackson 2009: Final 1993 GMC Typhoon
Click above for a high-res gallery of the very last GMC Typhoon
Back in the early '90s, General Motors proved that it was capable of producing a vehicle that was fully competitive with the best supercars in the world, and it did so, oddly enough, with a compact pickup truck called the Syclone. Later, a midsize SUV bodyshell was used with the same powertrain, namely, a turbocharged and intercooled 4.3L V6 engine that sent power to all four wheels through an automatic transmission. Today at the Barrett-Jackson auction in Scottsdale, AZ, the General brought out the very last Typhoon ever produced in 1993, and it was joined by a 1991 GMC Syclone that was used as a pace truck in the PPG Race Series. First up was the Syclone, which sold for way more than we would have guessed at $66,000 after auction fees. As tempted as we were to bid on the Typhoon, our collective pocketbooks shook in fear as the bidding incrementally crept skyward before passing $40,000 and finally selling for a grand total of $52,800. See the official Barrett-Jackson description for both vehicles after the break.
Photos copyright ©2009 Drew Phillips / Weblogs, Inc.
1991 GMC Syclone PPG Pace Truck:
This PPG Pace Truck saw track usage at many venues and is a great example of the now legendary first super truck, Syclone.
1993 GMC Typhoon:
This one-year-only GMC Typhoon represented a highwater mark for high performance compact sport utility trucks. With its conservatively rated 280hp blown and intercooled V6 and AWD, the Typhoon could easily cover a 1/4 mile in under 14.3 seconds and accelerate from 0-60 in less than 6.0 seconds with little effort and with its specially tuned suspension. it handled as well as it looked. Classy and comfortable, this polite street brawler is the last one built.
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Reader Comments (Page 1 of 3)
Sandeep 4:16PM (1/17/2009)
I'll take 3 RAV4 V6s instead, kthx. I might even be able to survive in the RAV4 if anything bigger than a squirrel hit me (try that one in a Typhoon...)
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Jeff Banks 4:32PM (1/17/2009)
Boy, I don't even know how to respond to this post. Some guy who is proportedly interested in CARS is suggesting that he buy (as an alternative to a very cool, very VERY fast during its time) a Toyota because it is SAFER? When did the chief viewers of this site turn into aging baby boomer mothers?
Pokey 4:34PM (1/17/2009)
Yeah, right, and in 10 years, when those RAV4s are worth about $3,000 a piece, and the Typhoon has gone up in value, you will probably STILL be in denial.
As far as these things being safe. I was in a very bad wreck in a 2WD Jimmy, and it protected everyone quite well. Probably just as safe as any other vehicle of this vintage.
Sandeep 4:36PM (1/17/2009)
Now now, I'm not a safety nut by any means. I'm just saying that the crashtests of this car (and its successors) makes a Brilliance BS6 look like a good idea.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oTbA0fhBark
That, and the fact that a Rav4 has comparable 0-60 times, sans modifications. Handling may have been "improved" in the Typhoon, but I'd still wager a bet that the Toyota actually can take a turn. Seems like a deal to me.
Sandeep 4:39PM (1/17/2009)
And if I actually wanted a roaring fast SUV, I'd take a Grand Cherokee SRT8. 0-60 in 4.2 blows either of these cars out of the water.
1337 4:41PM (1/17/2009)
I'd go for a BMW X5 4.8i and enjoy the heated seats and bluetooth while driving circles around your TurboJimmy.
Pokey 4:48PM (1/17/2009)
"I'd go for a BMW X5 4.8i and enjoy the heated seats and bluetooth while driving circles around your TurboJimmy."
Yeah, and in the meantime, you'd be completely oblivious to all of the people around you who think you're a pretentious prick.
20 years from now, this "Turbo Jimmy" will still be a desirable collectible, and the BMW will just be an old BMW.
Snutz 4:54PM (1/17/2009)
What?
RAV4 V6 4WD 0-60: 7.2 seconds
GMC Typhoon 0-60: 5.3 seconds
Two seconds is a huge difference in 0-60 times. 5.3 seconds in 1993 was practically unheard of, a 1993 Corvette took 5.6 seconds. And a "regular" used Typhoon can be found easily for under $15k.
Snutz 5:00PM (1/17/2009)
Also, that X5 4.8i will take 6.5 seconds to reach 60 mph, almost as bad as the RAV4. I know it can turn better, but this wasn't really made to turn. And the prices they paid are obscenely high for these vehicles.
tankd0g 10:57PM (1/17/2009)
The only way the Typhoon will go up in value is if you laminate it, drive it and it'll depreciate like any other 1993 GMC Jimmy.
tankd0g 10:59PM (1/17/2009)
> And the prices they paid are obscenely high for these vehicles.
Says the guy defending a $66,000 1993 GMC Jimmy.
Sandeep 2:40AM (1/18/2009)
@domestic 6.0 I don't mind being insulted, but at least substantiate your opinions, please.
As for the rest of you, enjoy your imaginary Typhoon. I'll find the strength to live with my Tucson.
bduddy 7:21PM (1/18/2009)
^ To Amorak and whoever voted him up: Can you just... leave? This site, this country... this planet, if at all possible...
nadnarb 4:18PM (1/17/2009)
I used to love this truck. I remember seeing one on the street and being more excited than seeing a Ferarri. The again I used to be a Lambo guy. But I still wonder about getting a used Syclone.
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1337 4:39PM (1/17/2009)
If you see one of these, chances are it's dead and abandoned on the side of the street. On the plus side, you can look at it as long as you like.
firstplace 4:18PM (1/17/2009)
50k for that POS. People should just give me the money and I will give 1/2 back and call it less of a loss...
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poop 4:26PM (1/17/2009)
you my friend no nothing about cars....
Pokey 4:48PM (1/17/2009)
firstplace, you really have no clue, do you.
It's called an investment. This is one of only a handful of cars that were made in the '80s and '90s that can be considered collectible.
POS or not, this baby is only going to go up in value.
firstplace 5:49PM (1/17/2009)
they will look back at there collectible and say fondly... what a POS.
Mazda FTW! 4:54PM (1/17/2009)
I wouldn't worry about these 'I'd rather drive a BMW/Toyota' responses. It's obvious they are simply casual consumers and don't have any idea of vehicles collectibles etc.
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