Here at Barn Finds, we see our fair share of oddballs, unusual customs, Restomods, and the like. However, I’m not sure we’ve ever run across an Oldsmobile Toronado that has undergone such a radical transformation. Actually, it was reader T.J. who first spotted this one and sent in the tip, so we’d like to thank him for bringing this funky six-wheeler to our attention! We’ll break this creation down in a moment, but if you’re feeling love at first sight, this one-of-a-kind Olds is available here on Facebook Marketplace in Lansing, Wisconsin. The posted asking price is $22,000, but it wouldn’t surprise me if the seller is willing to negotiate.
It seems commonplace that many sellers who post a custom auto for sale don’t know much about its background, but this one has some history and a story, and a good one at that. The seller’s grandfather owned a race car of some sort and decided he wanted something eye-catching to haul it around with, so he took a 1973 Toronado and attached the back portion of a 1969 El Camino to it, with the result being what we’re seeing here. This was all done during the late seventies and early eighties, but the paint and bodywork are said to be holding up decently, although some Bondo waves can be seen along the quarters. I’m digging the subtleness of the flames that complement the hood and sides, which are not too pronounced, yet visible enough for spectators to realize they’re present.
A sole engine offering powered the ’73 Toronado, a 455 V8 with a net horsepower rating of 250. This one’s gotten an upgrade of an Offenhauser dual-quad intake with a pair of 650s sticking through the modified hood, and the front-wheel-drive system has been retained, meaning that the 4 wheels in the back are just rollers. The motor is stated to start right up, with the automatic transmission said to shift great, making the seller have enough confidence in the reliability to believe this one can still be driven anywhere.
The interior photos are a bit sparse, but from what I can tell, things inside appear to remain fairly stock. A rip in the driver’s seat has been concealed by a covering that matches the red materials pretty well, with a couple of additional tears visible in the top area. Other components are looking better, with the power windows and door locks stated as still operating properly. It’s easy to believe that the seller is accurate when he says that this one is a major conversation piece that attracts attention wherever it goes, and while the cool-factor here is high, I’m not sure a very large number of potential buyers will be competing to bring this fabrication home. Any thoughts on this joining of a 1973 Oldsmobile Toronado and ’69 Chevrolet El Camino?
My first thought was, “What kind of race car could Grandpa have been hauling in that El Camino bed?” Something like in the attached photo?
Wonder if the good Dr Olds approves💁♂️
Well, I’m not sure about the rear suspension, but this was the basis for the GMC motorhomes that had air ride rear and Toronado front drive. I doubt anyone would want dual quads on one, however, thus reducing the already dismal mpg to gpm. This? Not sure about a head turner, unless of course, the back was a hot tub with scantily clad super models in it. I’m not sure who would want this, and it’s in Lansing, Mich., not Wis., and former home to Oldsmobile, so could very well be a real “one piece at a time”.
Yes, Howard, it is “…a head turner:” I turned my head/face away from this mash-up. No hot tub, nothing to see here, move along….
Why….why was this atrocity performed on this once fine automobile? This guy must have had a fascination with centipedes and Frankenstein movies.
Just because you can……
Doesn’t mean you should….
Dang, I was trying to think if I made this in Photoshop or not, but it’s real!
You mean I’m not dreaming?
The bed is smaller than the bonnet…
How did that old commercial go ” Don’t buy no ugly truck”
How many of us simply moaned when we saw the first photo?
Cool…I would throw more stupid money at this. Hood needs a cowl intake scope, a little shaping work on the rear wheel openings, a little more height on the rear quarters (integrate/63 Cadillac fin points), back up lights in the bumper, re-do the bed cover (subtle rear coffin noise to tie the upper brake lights together, add Lincoln Blackwood mechanism to open), do some work on the bed (probably unfinished)…what the heck!
You should definitely buy it and do that.
No hot tub in the back? I am out.
Toranadodo……………
No, Torino!
I’m looking for over 5 minutes now and I can’t see any hint of El Camino anywhere? The rear 4 wheels look like something that would have been hard to install. I imagine he used it to tow a light racecar like a sprint car? Toranodos creep me out to this very day. I worked at a Gulf full service gas station in the early 80s and the owners brother was obsessed with Toranados. He bought, sold, fixed, and dealt them in every way imaginable. He always took the Saturday morning cruise in one of them to a nearby town and back. One Saturday morning I was doing a tire change and answering the bell to pump gas when our fire whistle blew. Fire trucks, an ambulance and police came flying past the station. It was him! He hit a tree square on in one of his favorite Toranados, got trapped under the dash and burned alive 😳 people at the scene said he was conscious and screaming for help. Nobody could get near. This is what Toranados remind me of unfortunately. RIP Billy Chobany
The rear fenders and tail lights are from a Cadillac. The rear bed door and bed may be from an El Camino, but there’s no way to tell. Why are there no photos of the bed? Does the cover have to be lifted up and off? If so, that would a tough job for one person to do. Why doesn’t the hood have a scoop over the carb breathers? That in itself makes it an ugly mod job. The weight of the mod job with anything in the bed would make that engine suck gasoline like flushing a toilet. I don’t see anyone jumping on this franken-toronado offer anytime soon.
I don’t like it- but I get it. That era of Toronados are about as popular as the measles- hey I’ve got the rear section of an El Camino… 🤔
OMG 😲 😱. I do believe this TOR OH NO holds the record for the most Bizarre vehicle ever to be seen here in The BARN. Hey Angel 👋 get a look at THIS. GLWTS! They say there’s a 🍭 born every minute!
Just Why?
Requires a customized garage too.
Put some helper springs or air bags on the rear suspension drop a hot tub in the back take it to Vegas and flip it
where are the guys with the big shoes and red noses and curly multicolored hair because that what this now is a clown wagon. what a shame
It’s actually in Lansing Michigan, (not Lansing Wisconsin as stated) home of the now defunct Oldsmobile Division of GM.
Man, y’all sure are hard on this, this … ok, y’all are right. It’s Torrendous.
Well, looks like a “Twin Screw Toronado”, but is actually a Single Axle with a Pair of Tags. Callin’ it like it is…
It’s been reduced to the bargain price of 20K.
Ahh yes. Reminds me of my long gone ’73 Eldo-Camino. Always was a favorite at the car shows, but not too many wanted to own it. sigh! It was fun while it lasted!
Head turner? Yeah, more like a stomach turner! Probably needs half a block just to turn around.
I’d be embarrassed to be seen driving this POS.