When the GMC Syclone and Typhoon were introduced, they caused a massive stir in the domestic car and truck scene. Yes, both markets were impacted because few cars, much less trucks, packed the kind of performance and desirability that these turbocharged rigs offered, besting some of the most recognized supercars of the era. Hiding in the shadows of these 90s stalwarts was the GMC Sonoma GT, a sort of Syclone at a discount offering, with all of the looks and still respectable performance despite not offering turbocharging and all-wheel drive. Check out this lightly modified example here on eBay and offered for $39,900 or best offer.
The Sonoma GT is a rare bird, and I’d wager we see fewer of these come up for sale on an annual basis compared to the Syclone. The same body kit was carried over, along with a variety of eye-catching color combos. This Sonona wears the elusive “Bright Teal with Gray” combo, of which fewer than 60 were said to have been made. This puts it in an exclusive category of truly rare vehicles. The Sonoma GT offered significant upgrades to the factory suspension in addition to the appearance package, which included Bilstein shocks, power brakes, and meaty tires. The wheels on this Sonoma have been upgraded to Typhoon specifications with the color-matched coves.
The interior got the bucket seats from the Syclone as well, giving you a sense of how extensive the upgrades were as part of the Sonoma GT package. Visually, this example is set apart with an interesting decal kit to give it a bit of a 90s Miami Vice vibe, while the GT wore standard-issue styled steel wheels in factory dress. The seller has altered the truck a bit, but seemingly all for the better. The price tag? Well, that’s a question mark for me, as there’s no denying the rarity, but it will take a special buyer who appreciates how hard it is to find a Sonoma GT as clean as this one. Impossible to find that buyer? No, but it may take a while.
The Sonoma GT may not have been turbocharged, but it still packed a powerful 4.3L V6 with 195 horsepower and 260 ft. lb. of torque. The sport truck era of the early 90s was one of the most enjoyable moments in my automotive life, as it combined styling that we’ll likely never see again with 2WD pickups that have all but disappeared from the landscape. I just met an enthusiast with a collection including the S-10 variant of this truck along with a heavily modified Mazda B-Series, and I was reminded that these are great looking rigs with lots of utility in stock form. This rare Sonoma GT, however, should be spared from trips to the dump and Home Depot.
Jeff….. Umm…. 1992 just called….. They want their truck back!!! Just kidding. This is absolutely stunning. I remember colors like this being all the rage in the 80’s and 90’s. Truth be told I liked it then and still like it now. I’m perfectly happy with the “regular ” 4.3 V6, they had a lot of snot in a light 2WD truck like this. Its an eye watering price. But truth be told, its VERY rare, and where are you going to find another one like this? All it takes is one buyer to make an offer from the right buyer to buy this one. Great write up and find Jeff, thank you!!!
Lot of money for lipstick
Very period-correct as to market segment, colors, styling. I like it. Thanks Jeff.
Very cool looking GMC!! I remember these being at the GMC dealers in my town!!
Let’s stay with the black.
Styling cues that didn’t age well. Fancy paint, nice rims and a floorshift likely won’t elevate a $10,000 pickup to $39,900.
Steve R