GMC Suburban "SONY Limited Edition"

[SpaceAge]

So, the other day I walked by this fairly typical-looking 90s GMC Suburban parked at my apartment complex, except I noticed a badge on the c-pillar that read “SONY Limited Edition”. Did some googling, turns out GMC and Sony teamed up to build the ultimate high-tech luxury SUV back in 1997 and only 100 were built. It's anybody's guess how many are still roadworthy 20 years later. Thought this might be interesting to you retro tech guys, here’s an excerpt from a January 2, 1998 Motor Trend article that explains what $72,975 (~$116,000 in 2019 dollars) would get you:

Based on a half-ton, 1500-series four-wheel-drive Suburban, the Sony Limited is powered by the familiar 5.7-liter/255-horsepower, Vortec V-8. To that, GMC adds heated highback leather seats with the Sony logo stitched in, wood accents on the steering wheel, center console, and door panels, as well as GM's own OnStar satellite communications system and a HomeLink transmitter. On the outside, an aggressively styled body kit features an integrated side step and big P275/70R16 tires on six-spoke wheels.

Sony's contribution to the vehicle is every conceivable piece of vehicular entertainment electronics. That includes a 480-watt, eight-speaker sound system, four LCD TV monitors fitted into the seatbacks, one 9-inch TV monitor in the rear of the center console, a VCR, a Playstation game system, a cellular phone, a 10-CD changer with four sets of headphones and 100 CDs, and 24 videos to play and watch. In addition, Sony throws in a set of custom luggage, sports apparel, including two leather jackets, and invitations to special Sony entertainment events.

Motor Trend article: https://www.motortrend.com/news/gmc-...nsive-suburban

And a few pictures of one that was offered for sale a few years ago:







Source of pictures: http://www.2040-cars.com/Chevrolet/S...marcus-841963/