SUVs can be seen as bland, and are often viewed as little more than sensible family transport. However, some manufacturers have produced high-performance models to add a splash of Tabasco to the mix. I must say a big thank you to Barn Finder Rocco B. for spotting this 1993 GMC Typhoon listed here on Craigslist in Long Beach, California. Its menacing paintwork sparkles following a recent restoration, but this classic is far more than a looker. The potent V6 under the hood is freshly rebuilt and has covered little more than break-in miles. The seller has set their price at $38,500 for an SUV needing nothing.

GMC already had the runs on the board when it released the Typhoon for the 1992 model year. It based its potent SUV on the previous year’s Syclone, a Pickup with serious performance potential. The big difference was that while the Syclone was strictly a two-seater, the Typhoon increased practicality with its ability to accommodate four. This 1993 example presents superbly following its recent restoration. The Midnight Black paint looks flawless, with the same true of the steel that it cloaks. Its beauty is more than skin-deep because the underside shots reveal that this is a rust-free Californian classic. The seller elected to color-match the original alloy wheels, giving the Typhoon a more menacing appearance. The glass and trim are in excellent condition, and the subtle decals are crisp and clean.

Typhoon buyers in 1993 could choose from seven paint shades, with 1,008 buyers teaming a Midnight Black exterior with Black leather interior trim. That was comfortably the most popular combination and is the one selected by this classic’s original owner. The Typhoon wasn’t a cheap vehicle when new, so GMC loaded it with creature comforts to help justify the price. Buyers received air conditioning, power operation for the windows, locks, mirrors, and driver’s seat, cruise control, a leather-wrapped tilt wheel, and a premium stereo. This Typhoon has all that and more because the interior condition is exceptional for a vehicle of this type and age. The seats exhibit no evidence of wear, the back seat appears to have rarely seen occupants, and plastic components like the dash-top and console haven’t succumbed to UV exposure. As with the exterior, this interior appears to need nothing.

GMC carried the drivetrain components across from the Syclone when it created the Typhoon. It meant that buyers received a turbocharged and intercooled 4.3-liter V6 that churned out an impressive 280hp and 350 ft/lbs of torque by the time this one rolled off the line in 1993. Shifting duties fall to a four-speed 4L60 automatic transmission that feeds the power to the road via a transfer case that splits the distribution with 35% to the front and 65% to the rear. The suspension and brakes were also upgraded to cope with the massive performance gains. Potential buyers shouldn’t be phased by this engine photo, because much has changed since it was taken. The rebuild of the V6 is complete, and it has been bolted into its rightful place. The seller has clocked a mere 1,000 miles since work ended, meaning that this Typhoon is ready to hit the road with its new owner behind the wheel.

I wouldn’t say that GMC was playing for keeps with the Typhoon, but it recognized that some SUV buyers craved excitement not traditionally found in this type of vehicle. Surprisingly, the Typhoon didn’t sell in the projected numbers, with only 4,697 finding buyers during its short two-year production cycle. This 1993 example is a gem, ready to provide its new owner with enjoyment during the upcoming warm weather. If that sounds like a winning recipe, this is a classic that could be worth pursuing.