The Anti SUV: 1993 GMC Typhoon – SOLD!

March 4, 2021 Update – we confirmed the seller of this rare Typhoon “Classifind” deleted their listing, so we’re now able to call this one “SOLD!” While this one got away, please reach out either by email or call Rudy directly if you’d like to be informed when we come across something similar.

When it comes to vehicles that truly defined rad ideology, the GMC Typhoon and Syclone are perfect examples of what an awesome era the early 90s were. The performance was coming back to the lineups of domestic manufacturers, with the likes of the Corvette ZR1 and Northstar-powered Cadillacs filling dealer lots. But perhaps the most bonkers creation was the turbocharged GMC duo, like this Jimmy-bodied 1993 Typhoon listed here on Craigslist in Massapequa, New York  (Long Island) for $16,900.  Comparing this price against the Hagerty Insurance Online Valuation Tool confirms this private seller has priced the truck fairly, as a “Concours”-grade model is valued at $41,000 and drops down to $17,900 for a “Good” condition example. There are some minor cosmetic flaws, but it otherwise seems clean. 

To me, one of the clearest indications that car enthusiasts are running the asylum is seen when performance trucks start getting added to vehicle lineups. While I love high-performance vehicles that make less and less sense as their horsepower ratings climb upwards, the idea of a fast pickup truck still remains a bit misunderstood today. To combat this confusion, GMC decided to give its Ferrari-besting Syclone a companion: the Typhoon, wearing the much sexier duds of what was previously a soccer mom favorite, the Jimmy. The Typhoon added all the testosterone-injected hardware of the Syclone, but in a package that made much more sense: you could haul passengers and their stuff, while the turbocharged pickup could do little more than haul its driver and solitary passenger in the single cab.

Today, they are considered quite collectible, even though a few photos circulated during the dark days of Cash for Clunkers showed owners sending their turbocharged GMCs to the scrap heap with poisoned powertrains. Fortunately, most owners recognize that these are special beasts, both for the hardware that came standard and performance capabilities that remain quite impressive today. Four-wheel-drive, limited-slip, huge brakes, flared fenders – the list goes on. This example is a driver-quality specimen for sure, with some cosmetic flaws caused by paint checking and lack of originality owning to the air conditioning having been deleted and an aftermarket coil-over suspension. The seller also notes that the ECU has been modified, along with an upgrade to 80-pound injectors. It’s not stock, but it’s not overly-modified, either – and that should make this Typhoon a treat to drive. Good luck with the purchase if you take this turbocharged truck home.

Here’s the seller’s description:

“1993 GMC Typhoon 76k original miles Turbo tweak chip E85 80lb injectors Cold air induction, new tires, qa1 coil overs AC deleted ( have all the parts to reinstall ) new scanmaster and boost gauge. Excellent driver quality truck. Fast and fun. Hood has typical checking. The rest of the paint is nice. Cladding is in good shape. Clean carfax no accidents 5 prev owners. Clear title Please no low ball nonsense. Thanks ! 16900$“

Do you have a GMC Typhoon story you’d like to share?  Comment below and let us know!