How’s this for a barn find? This dusty 1978 Oldsmobile Toronado XS can be found posted here on craigslist in the Spokane, Washington area, and they’re asking $21,500. I always wonder what the extra $500 is for, negotiation? It’ll take more than that for someone to pounce on this Toronado, cool rear window glass or not. Here is the original listing, and thanks to Curvette for the tip!
Unlike me, this Toronado cleans up pretty well, eh? Wait, which end is the front? Oh yeah, on the left. There’s a future Photoshop exercise there, I think. Oldsmobile made the second-generation Toronado beginning in 1970 for the 1971 model year, until the end of 1978. They were the really big Toronados, big and square, much longer and heavier than the iconic first-gen cars, and weren’t as fast or fuel efficient at a time when things were sometimes bleak, as far as gas availability and prices went. Here’s a 1978 Oldsmobile brochure to peruse…
We’ve seen a few hot-wire bent-glass rear window XS Toronados here at Barn Finds, and they’re the most interesting model, in my opinion. I always thought a Bill Blass Bent Glass version would have been kick ___! The seller says this car was part of a large vehicle collection in eastern Washington state and was there for 28 years before recently being pulled out and brought back to life. It looks almost like new, having been protected from the sun and other weather over the years.
The interior looks almost perfect from what we can see; there doesn’t appear to be much sagging or other wear on the driver’s seat. They list the mileage at 42,500, and if it was stored for 28 years out of the 48 years it’s been around, that would be 20 years of use, and an average of 2,125 miles a year. Are you still awake? They’re still detailing this car, or they were as the photos were being taken, so they say it hadn’t even been vacuumed when this photo was taken. There is no photo of the back seat, unfortunately, but it has to look like new.
The seller included two engine photos in a craigslist ad! This is Oldsmobile’s 403-cu.in. V8, having replaced the 455 a year ago as the only engine for the Toronado. This one has 190 horsepower and 325-lb-ft of torque rolling through a THM-425 automatic sending power to the front wheels and they say it runs great, but the tires are 30 years old, so they need to be replaced. Expect about 10 mpg and a 10-second 0-60 time. Neither is ideal, but then again, look at the general condition and the unique rear window, and that makes it all good. Any thoughts on this Toronado?
First, I want to say thank you Scotty for the brochure link. ( Look at those sideburns!!!) I actually had a ’77 Delta 88 Royale, and my older brother had a ’78 Ninety Eight 2 door. Black with burgundy crushed velour interior, beautiful car. So that brought back memories. You are oh, so, accurate describing these as large and heavy. I’ve ridden in several mid 70’s Eldorados, and I can imagine the Olds is probably very close. I think some scientists were on the scene when they first pulled this out of storage……. Apparently a rare species of Sabre Toothed Dust Mites were discovered on the car!!! Just kidding. ( I’ve used that joke before here sorry). It really cleaned up great. I think this looks like a legit low mileage car too. Once again Curvette found a nice one ( with complete bumper fillers) and Scotty for the write up too. Now Scotty, about that photoshop version???? I’d like to see that.
That first picture, the one with all the dust, is almost…. artistic??? In a different world, perhaps one could have… cleaned the glass, then clear coated the rest? Thus, following the theme of certain rusty old trucks? Maybe a fresh new trend?
Good job SG.
People are really doing that with rust? Clearcoating over it?
Well, JDC, they sand it first.
I can’t believe it’s the same car from the initial few photos. It really cleaned up nicely. It looks like a really nice place to spend a few hundred miles on the road and that back window is just too cool. Great find.
Toronado…comfort and luxury spring to mind.
Some years ago, a prominent Chevy dealer in Columbus was reducing some of his extensive collection of basically zero-mile GM cars. Mecum held a big auction at the dealership.
I recall a 1978 Toro in the collection, mint condition with less than 5K miles and a factory CB radio. The car was like new. The hammer price was $7000.
I remember when these were new, thinking that the tag “XS” was perfctly suited to its…XS-iveness…
A fascinating find. After a.long week end of wash, wax and detailing the oooo’s and ahhh’s and stares are gonna be well worth the gas millage. I’d still be horrified if the rear window would break amd try to find one. Being old school i’d love to find an original shop manual and get to know the Misar system that’s running the 403
It may be a molasses slow 0-60, but it will be a luxurious journey!