Our look at performance trucks on sale at Mecum Auctions’ upcoming Indianapolis event (May 13-May 21) continues with Lot W116, an original 1992 GMC Typhoon that is scheduled to cross the block on Wednesday, May 18.
Two years behind Chevy’s 1990 Silverado 454 SS, the first factory-built performance pickup of the modern era, Typhoon versions of GMC’s 1992 S-15 Jimmy similarly pioneered sports-car-like acceleration and handling in the SUV space. Yes, it’s a little-known fact to younger enthusiasts, but this turbocharged, all-wheel-drive sport-utility had the streets to itself, and ruled them, several years before Chevy’s Trailblazer SS, SRT versions of Dodge and Jeep’s utility rigs, and aftermarket-designed (Roush, Saleen) Ford Explorers and Expeditions.
Tune in to your television (MotorTrend TV) and streaming (MotorTrend+) outlets—broadcast dates are May 18-May 21—to watch four days of buy-and-sell action taking place at the Indiana State Fairgrounds. GMC Typhoons in any condition are nearly extinct now. This original survivor definitely is a truck to watch!
1992 GMC Typhoon
Chevrolet never built a hot-rod version of its S-10 pickup truck, or Blazer, the SUV that shared its chassis. In a bit of against-the-grain logistics, General Motors made the call for GMC to establish its presence in the truck-performance space, with turbocharged, intercooled, 4.3-liter V-6-powered, all-wheel-drive derivatives of the S-15 Sonoma/Jimmy platform called Syclone in 1991 (produced until 1993), and Typhoon, which followed in 1992 and had two-year exclusivity.
The example shown here is the only Typhoon that will cross the block at Mecum Auctions’ Indianapolis bid-a-thon. It’s all-original, and a one-owner truck. And, given how rare it is at this point, a big payday could be in the seller’s future.
Black Leather
Just as red was the only available interior color for the full-size 1990-1993 Chevy Silverado 454 SS, 1992-1993 Typhoons could only be had with black as the primary cockpit color, complemented with gray on the dash, doors, etc. Ironically, while black is the SUV’s popular exterior color, it also was available in nine other body hues. Typhoons’ passenger area was highlighted by a sporty leather-wrapped four-spoke steering wheel and similarly covered seats.
Up Front
Although there’s nothing sleek about GMC’s S-15 Jimmy, the Typhoon’s stance and monochrome paint give the SUV a menacing look.
Mini-Muscle
It’s hard to believe Typhoon’s turbocharged, intercooled 4.3-liter V-6 engine pumps out 280 horsepower and 350 lb-ft of torque. The output is right up there with the 1990-1993 Silverado SS’s 454ci powerplant (230hp/385 lb-ft), despite their displacement difference. There’s a four-speed automatic transmission behind the engine, but full-time four-wheel drive is the feature that solidifies this rig’s performance chops.
Stance
It’s hard to not like a 1992-1993 GMC Typhoon’s stance, which is lowered with a miniscule front rake. Signature aluminum wheels hold Firestone 245/50VR16 performance tires. The hopped-up Jimmy received upgraded suspension pieces as well as big anti-lock front disc brakes and rear drums.
Critical Data
While it’s somewhat tough to see, mileage on this one-owner, unrestored, 30-year-old truck is only 45,391 miles.
2022 Mecum Auctions Schedule on MotorTrend
Here are the remaining 2022 Mecum Auctions that can be viewed on MotorTrend+ streaming service and MotorTrend TV:
- May 18-21: Indianapolis, Indiana
- June 10-11: Tulsa, Oklahoma
- July 28-30: Harrisburg, Pennsylvania
- August 19-20: Monterey, California
- September 8-10: Dallas, Texas
- October 14-15: Chicago, Illinois
- November 11-12: Las Vegas, Nevada
Keyword: Nearly Extinct, This Turbocharged 1992 GMC Typhoon Is Ready for Its Moment