The 1991 PPG Syclone Pace Truck is a one-of-a-kind conversion truck featuring a vibrant, multicolored paint scheme and built-in roof lights. Originally, the PPG Syclone was a standard production truck produced in the sinister lamp black color, but it was chosen among three trucks to be converted into an Indy Syclone used as a pace vehicle for the renowned Indianapolis 500 race.
The two remaining Indy Syclones would keep their black color and Indy Pace vinyl graphics, but the PPG Syclone (truck number #2268) underwent a transformation to become the striking truck we see today. This is the only PPG Syclone ever produced.
90s STYLING
The PPG Syclone has one of the more outrageous and flashy paint jobs of an Indy Pace vehicle and of course is the most outstanding feature of the truck. Using PPG Deltron enamel, the base coat of silver foil was laid down and accented with magenta, aqua with a purple tinted clear on top. The paint scheme does follow into the door jambs and across the customized tonneau cover. Even the stock rims got paint treatment with the insert openings being painted to match the corresponding highlight color of the side it was on. Lifting the hood does expose where the truck was not painted on the firewall, inner fenders, and hood. This is also the same when the tailgate is opened to reveal the original black paint job all production Syclones were given.
Another outstanding feature of the PPG Syclone is its customized roof with raised integrated amber pace lights that contour and roll back into the cab. The rear seam along the top of the cab above the back window has been filled smooth and an antenna mount sits between the two amber lights.
Under the hood is the standard 4.3L turbocharged/intercooled V6 that the Syclone was produced with. There are no outstanding modifications done to the engine other than the relocation of the stock battery and the addition of battery cable from the alternator to junction box. The one major modification done was the addition of water cooled brakes. While stock brakes are adequate for standard street use, the water cooled brakes were an added safety feature to be able to pull track duty that comes with being a pace vehicle.
Moving to the rear of the truck, the tailgate handle has been shaved. The only access point to lift the tailgate is by using a release lever hidden between the tailgate and bumper. When unlatched, the tailgate does not fold downward like a traditional gate, rather it follows a custom made track built into the bed. This allows the tailgate to be lifted and stay in the upright position on the rail system, then once above the bed, it can be pushed forward towards the cab where the multi-piece tonneau cover folds along the rail system. Once opened, the fuel cell, water fill tube (for the water cooled brake system), halon bottle mounts with feedlines, and batteries are exposed. With halon ceasing production around 1994, the bottles have long been removed from the truck.
