TJ turned us on to this 1978 Olds Toronado, stored almost long enough to make it middle-aged in people years. That’s 34 years in lockup, for you exacting types. This means it has been slumbering since 1988. Now here it is on craigslist with the biggest pillow-topped seats you’ve ever seen and an asking price of $5000. You’ll have to get to Yukon to grab it. Relax. Not THE Yukon, but Yukon, Oklahoma.
The Toronado came out in 1966 and bowed out in 1992. The second generation, stretching from 1971-78, is where this car falls in, a more squared-off body style its distinguishing feature as compared to the first-gen run. Early in this run, the standard engine was a 455-CID that got double digit gas mileage on good days going downhill with a tailwind. OK, slightly exaggerated, but ratings came in at about ten mpg. This car, if it holds true to history, has a 403-CID engine with under 200 hp but 325 foot-pounds of torque, which is what you feel. The seller doesn’t specify engine displacement, but there is an indication of the miles: 52,283. So what happened in 1988 to confine this one to the garage? If it was mechanical work, the buyer is going to be the one inheriting that problem.
If ever a car was named correctly, it is this Excess model. I mean XS, but it sounds the same. This trim level was introduced in 1977. And just look: huge leather tufted pillows for seats. Armrests both front and back. That weirdly but interestingly done rear greenhouse, called a “bent-glass” rear window (the XS feature). This particular model has come back from slumber pretty well. Nice to see the dusty photos of when/how it was found. The gleaming paint it still has is, one believes, original. And nice!
So what do you do? For that price, if you have any interest in the car, or a history with the model and marque, you buy it. What’s the worst that can happen? You end up putting it back on the same sales site and get your money back, nearly get your money back, or even, maybe, you turn a profit. But if you do decide to drive the car, remember that a shiny top side doesn’t make the woes of a three-decade slumber go away: this needs the fuel system renewed, a look at the cooling system, the brakes attended to, likely heater hoses, and other attention.
(IMO) Toronados’ by this edition had really bloated into “excess”! That rear window would surely be unobtanium if broken! Very nice looking interior. GLWTS!! :-)
When these were new, I worked as a detailer at a very successful Olds/Mazda dealer in State College, Pa. The owner’s wife had a white one. She insisted I clean it about once a week. What a boat. So comfortable. The owner’s son’s wife had a red one. That back window is insane. These cars had the 403 engine. You will never see anything built like this again. Heck, there are no cars being built anymore, just stupid, ugly SUVs.
It’s been stored for all those years because nobody could afford to fill the tank, and now is not the time to try to put it back on the road with the cost of gasoline climbing higher than ever before.
1988, Gas still floated around a buck per gallon bout the same as when this boat was new. Doubt that’s what dry docked her.
Those seats look much more comfy than my memory crap mattress.
Rip Van Winkle should be a bidder.
Won’t be bought as a daily driver, so forget gas mileage. They’re a pleasure to drive.
I actually bought two of these last year, sold one to a friend, the ultimate in luxury and unique with that huge back window. I so far am the only one that shows up at car cruises and shows. Most people don’t even know what they are. Gas prices, they are what they are, not going to stop me from driving it, my Eldorados, Town Car and Deville from the 70’s, 80’s and 90’s. If you can afford it drive it, if you can’t just enjoy their beauty.