There is always something entertaining when it comes to cars for sale on the internet. In the case of this 1991 GMC Syclone, it is what is mentioned and not shown, and a reasonably high $19,995 asking price that is amusing. Located in Amarillo, Texas, this truck doesn’t have a VIN listed but does have a clean title and a claimed 27,236 miles on the odometer. Thank you, Roger, for the tip. You can find it here on Craigslist.
So, where everything starts to fall apart, and become chuckle-worthy, is the claim that the truck doesn’t run. It is boldly stated in the heading of the listing. As you read further, the listing indicates that the truck is simply a roller and that the seller still has the original engine and transmission. They also indicate that some wiring has been tinkered with and they have the originals if need be. Yet, they know parts are missing on the truck. One thing that is missing is photos of any engine or transmission.
As you can tell in the photos of the inside, there isn’t much amiss about that. There is an aftermarket stereo but everything else appears to be in fantastic original condition. A pile of paperwork, manuals, and brochures are spread out over the passenger seat in one photo, indicating they come with the truck. It is somewhat a bummer that those are intact and come with the truck, and the engine isn’t.
The sellers do mention that the transfer case has been converted to a 4L80E and the front has a 4L80. It is hard to determine what exactly was going on with this truck. What was the goal? What was it’s past? There are a lot of questions that need answers before any money, especially nearly 20 grand, is exchanged. Yes, the body and interior are fantastic, and the truck’s name and legacy are legendary, but make sure the story of this truck is ironed out first.
It sits so high. That could mean Chinese made springs, or improper springs from an ordinary 4×4 Sonoma.
I believe it sits so high due to the engine and transmission are out of the truck, as stated in the write up…
That would explain the front, not the back, being elevated.
This has trouble all over it. Why mess with an unusual vehicle line this?
This would be at least a high $20’s truck with the original drive train. Without it, just another 1990’s pickup shell. Not sure but maybe $10K?
Why do I think that this truck was a theft recovery? Motor and trans out. Plus transfer case switched? For what reason? Then there is the mileage claim. All this done at such low mileage? Just stupid in my opinion.
This makes no sense a 4l80e is a tranny not a transfer case.. and if the engine is missing well that’s what made this truck special so its basically a GMC mini truck that they want way to much money for. Without that sweet turbo engine it ain’t worth near the asking price. But honestly the way it sits the whole truck is way too high front and rear so what gives??
Front height could perhaps be explained by the missing engine as was pointed out above. But the back is also too high, leading me to believe someone stuck in el cheapo springs. What other corners were cut, I wonder? And why does someone go to town like this on a low mileage Syclone?
Adam states that the owner still has original motor and trans. Don’t you people read?
I too believe it is a recovered theft. Who is going to take out a 27K mile engine and leave it out.
20K for a roller? Even when it was new it wouldn’t have brought that.
As mentioned by others, it sits too high both front and rear. My theory is that someone was building a clone using a wrecked Syclone for parts. The missing and incorrect drive train components and the raised suspension cause me to think there are many “what if’s” on an claimed low mileage specialty truck.
I had a guy in my shop recently who owns a couple of these. He has been a big fan of them since they were new and seemed to know a lot about them. Based on what he told me, with the stock springs on them they all appeared to sit too high in the back. One of the first things many people did was drop them down in the rear to give them a level look.
Add says come by for a test drive!!! HA HA
Push it down a hill like a soapbox racer!
Has to be a joke at that asking price.
Has anyone mentioned it’s sitting too high?
I believe that may possibly be due to the current height it is sitting at 🤔
Another non runner for big bucks.
Move along, nothing to see here.
Put it in a Barn
My guess is that it’s a theft recovery that was gutted for it’s desirable parts a long time ago. The “clean” title raises questions though.
First thing I noticed that was amiss is that the wheels are mounted differently on both sides.
None of us knew it at the time, but these things really predicted the future: a) Trucks are more popular than cars (70% of new sales, 2019), b) Small displacement forced-induction powerplants would rule, c) Speed is more determined by traction, hence AWD, than outright power. Pretty ironic in my book.
Run from this thing as fast as you can.
Dashboards were SO ugly back then, like the control panel of an air conditioner or something. Everything gray plastic squares.
Bahahahahaha..20k for a sketchy roller that they can’t even describe parts correctly .. Something like this I’d pay 20k for, not that….
https://classiccars.com/listings/view/1248957/1991-gmc-syclone-for-sale-in-sparks-nevada-89441
It certainly isn’t a syclone without the motor any more!!! So you want me to pay a bunch of money for a shell with some stickers!!!! Not this guy!!!!
I am a GMC Syclone fan, but not this one. I believe that the thief took a very fun test drive that included a jump or two. (Please note the bed to cab gaps on both sides! (wide at the bottom and narrow at the top) Can you say bent frame? I knew you could!
If I remember correctly, these are torsion bars in the front. So front ride height is adjustable. Lower the back end to suit and adjust the front to match.
This whole ad/truck is a joke!