My feeling has always been that big 1960s American cars have no business being front-wheel drive. Why would they need to be when their corporate siblings pushed their power out from the wheels at the back of the car? My mind hasn’t changed, but I’m caught in the snare of this 1968 Oldsmobile Toronado. It’s listed here on ebay for a current bid of $2,900 and the reserve (duh!) not met. If you snag the winning bid, you’ll get a train to South Range, Michigan to collect your prize. (OK, I made that up. Take a truck and trailer.)
The Toronado came out in 1966, and the first generation lasted until 1970. It was, notably, a front-driver, the first such American car since the Cord. Corporate cousins included the RWD Buick Riviera and the FWD Cadillac Eldorado. The car was powered by one of two Rocket V8s, the smaller of which had 425-CID displacement. This mill produced in the upper-300s horsepower (385 to be precise), no lightweight in the muscle era. Its replacement, a 455 which came in the 1968 Toronado, was no slouch, either. Still, buyers didn’t always know what to make of things when their salesperson said, “Yeah, that giant engine powers the front wheels.” The engine in the subject vehicle has traversed 79,000 miles, limited in part because it has been off the road since its last registration in 2008.
Just look at the photos of this car. From the first one, the misty morning barn find shot, to the end, the trunk view, each presents a car beautiful in appearance, no matter where the power is delivered. The chrome window surrounds, full wheel covers, and vinyl roof are making me crazy. If only this were a rear-driver. Actually, who cares? It’s time to bid on this bad boy.
The current owner has held the car for a time frame that’s a bit difficult to sort out from the information provided, but what we do know is that during his ownership, he has renewed things that would have deteriorated due to sitting. That would include fuel system components, braking systems, and the pumps, water and fuel. He offers the Toronado saying that the car needs to be restored, and at the price it now sits on, that would be possible, without going over value. One nice addition to the history is the original bill of sale, which lists options from AC to rear seat speakers. That, to me, is wonderful history. But I still can’t get over those wheel covers. I think I want this car, even though it does drive the wrong wheels.
What a beauty!!! Like many beautiful 55 year olds there are some hidden mysteries, though. Is the paint difference on the LF a retouch, or is the rest of the car? Or was just bad paint originally? The owner said he has owned it for a year and updated many components but wrote he bought it 06/13/2002. Is this guy actually a genius dog named Mr. Peabody with a WayBack Machine or was it something little more disappointing like a mere typo (2002 instead of 2022)?
Regardless of the secrets, this gorgeous sweetheart looks great for the years but still wants a little more lovin’ and hopefully will give it back to a new caring owner.
Funny story…Had one in my city when they first came out and they put the snow tyres on the rear.
Actually, it’s recommended that if you only put winter tires on one end of a fwd, it should be the rear. Twice, I’ve been in fwd’s that only had them on the front and both times the rear end stepped out uncontrollably on a turn. Once, I was driving, the rear end tried to pass the front and I hit a curb. Second time, a novice driver was trying to enter the highway in a driving school car that the instructor was too cheap to put 4 winters on. Again, the back end snapped and we spun across 3 lanes. Fortunately, she only hit a pickup (totalling both vehicles) and missed the semi. I found out later that the woman had never driven in snow before.
Wow. That subtle bronze/brown color looking silky with the mist in the background is doggone art. Just like these gen1 Toronados are.
But holy cow, couldn’t they have moved that SUV out of the background?
Had this exact car only in green. I loved it for a while but the gas bills were killer.
About 10mpg on a good day. Any potential buyer should check the condition of the front drive axles.
When had mine, a bum cv joint meant the whole axle had to be replaced.
Big buckaroos at the time.
The engine, trans and final drive ( differtial) are very stout in these cars. The same drivetrain was used with no modifications in the 73-78 GMC Motorhomes and late 60s to early 70s Revcon Motorhomes. Those Motorhomes weighed 10500 lbs empty not including camping gear. I believe there was a commercial showing a Toranado pulling a railroad boxcar in the early 70s.
Yes the lines on these & all the GM cousins to rob a phrase like the Buick we saw in a gold was just jaw dropping beautiful cars! That Buick I swear was nicer than anything you could buy today. Getting back to this car it doesn’t need much if anything but of course my answer to any motor that might have a drinking problem like me Holley fuel injection & call it a sweet ride!
Can’t go much further north in Michigan than
this vehicle’s location. It’s definitely worth the
journey, if only for a ‘once in a lifetime’ visit.
Drive thru Houghton/Hancock, then explore
Eagle River thru Copper Harbor… beautiful…
Oh, and the Toro is a beauty, as well…
Brian K has obviously never owned a Toronado. For people who encounter slick, icy, snow packed roads, the Toro is unexcelled. You simply drive along and for the most part the car is unstoppable, and the feeling is one of complete security. So either Brian has lived his entire life in FL or Southern CA, or doesn’t drive when conditions are bad. The alternative, a 4whl drive truck, isn’t the cup of tea for everyone, (in the 1960’s era), considering poor economy, ride and lack of any comfort. Having said all that, I would agree that rear wheel drive is preferable, as long as the road is dry, with no snow or ice.
Yes please and thank you! Love this cruiser.
My dad had one. Had a quirky speedo that rolled like a wheel. I remember it hauled butt. Cool car
To me, the barrel speedometer offered in the Riviera and Toronado, was it’s biggest asset. It was ahead of its time as at a glance, the driver could see the number against a fixed red cross bar. Later when digital speeds came into the scene, many complained, but that passed as well. The Olds engineers were daring back then and were tasked with breaking new ground with the hydromatic transmissions, OHV V8 engines, FWD using a Turbo 400 split and driven by a chain drive that withstood 1200 hp in the Hairy Olds drag cars, etc.
I always liked these. Just imagine the engineering that went into these for the time.
Sorry Brian, FWD in those heavy Luxor cruisers were amazing in snow and slippery condition’s. A 66 Tornado won it’s class at Pikes Peak!!!
I learned how to drive on an Olds 98 and a 66 Olds Toronado. Great engineering with the transaxle’s unequal half shafts and NO torque steer whats so ever. Not like today’s FWD cars. I had a 2000 Eldorado that had torque steer, but that came from the transverse engine mounting. The old issue with a 66 Toronado, was the drum brakes and the single cylinder and circuit master brake cylinder that was updraded in 67.
Like them or not I believe these to be the correct wheel covers….
Here we go with some hick putting white letter tires on a Personal luxury car. I’m all about to each his own but not for atrocities like that.
Parent had a white with black top and maroon interior. Loved the speedo and the lack of hump in the center of the car. Man, could that car move.
Funny how the horn worked by squeezing the inside of the steering wheel. One feature I wish they still had in cars today was the foot switch for the brights.