Oldsmobile broke new ground when it released the Toronado in 1966. It represented America’s first front-wheel-drive model since the demise of Cord, remaining in continuous production across four generations until the last one left the factory in 1992. This 1988 Toronado is the range-topping Trofeo variant, loaded with the luxury features buyers expected for their money. It presents impressively, which is unsurprising considering its low odometer reading. I must say a big thank you to Barn Finder Curvette for spotting the Toronado listed here on eBay in Walled Lake, Michigan. The seller set their price at $15,900 with the option to make an offer.
Oldsmobile introduced its Fourth Generation Toronado in 1986, producing a vehicle that was significantly smaller than its predecessor. It was also considered more modern, with the company adopting unibody construction to reduce weight and production costs. Sales were far below expectations, with the company releasing the sporty Trofeo variant in 1987. This Trofeo left the line in 1988, featuring the newly available Black Monochromatic paint that makes a startling and classy visual statement. The presentation is all that you would rightly expect from a low-mile survivor that has been treated respectfully. The paint looks deep enough to walk into, reflecting its surroundings like a mirror. It is an excellent shade for exposing panel imperfections, but this car looks as straight as an arrow. The trim and plastic are in good order, the glass is clear, and the Olds rolls on its factory 15″ alloy wheels that formed part of the Trofeo package.
Selecting the Trofeo package didn’t bring a boost in engine performance, with the 3.8-liter V6 sending 165hp to the front wheels via a four-speed automatic transmission. Power assistance for the steering and brakes was standard, though the Trofeo benefited from the FE3 suspension package for better handling. This upgrade made the Toronado a more sure-footed driver’s car, a fact that earned it praise in contemporary road tests. The seller indicates that this Olds has been meticulously maintained. They don’t mention evidence verifying the mileage claim, but if the deal includes service records, that may be enough to satisfy potential buyers. The car runs and drives well, and can be considered a turnkey proposition.
Oldsmobile left nothing off the table with the Trofeo, loading its interior with an enormous array of creature comforts. Buyers received leather trim as standard equipment. Also included were climate-controlled air conditioning, power windows, power locks, power front seats, power mirrors, power trunk release, a rear defogger, cruise control, a funky digital gauge cluster, and a premium AM/FM radio and cassette player. This car’s first owner selected rich Red interior trim, accentuating the Trofeo’s luxury leanings. Faulting the appearance is virtually impossible. The leather has accumulated the typical age wrinkles, but no significant wear. The carpet is clean, the dash and pad are excellent, and there is no cracked plastic or evidence of aftermarket additions. The seller’s comprehensive image gallery confirms that the gauge cluster works as it should.
It is often said that timing is everything in the automotive world. If a manufacturer gets it right, they will smell like roses. Getting it wrong results in a distinctly less attractive fragrance. The Fourth Generation Toronado failed on two fronts. Its introduction brought a dramatically increased sticker price, which potential buyers found hard to swallow. Oldsmobile also significantly downsized its latest offering in the face of predicted spiralling fuel costs. Those increases weren’t as bad as expected, with both factors impacting overall sales. The company introduced the Trofeo variant to bolster sales. Still, the harsh reality was that the Toronado, a badge that had been groundbreaking when introduced, could no longer justify its existence. This 1988 example is a beauty, but it needs to be, given the BIN figure. The listing statistics indicate that interest has been weak, but it only takes one person to find this Olds a new home. Do you think that will happen?
Dr Olds hauled out the old school GM horseshoe shifter for the Trofèo. 👍
If only we could still get red interiors. Certainly beats boring black that’s in every vehicle today!
There are a good number of new cars that offer red interiors on the market right now.
Good analysis and write-up Adam. I liked the crisp look of these downsized Toronados, but perhaps they simply weren’t a fit for the shifting market. This one looks good. And I’m all for more color in the interior of today’s vehicles.
This car is everything that was wrong at GM in the 80s. Lost was Oldsmobile individuality. GM wasn’t fooling anyone with the badge engineering. Same car as the Buick as the Pontiac etc etc. My guess is some fresh out of college came in to Oldsmobile knew they had a problem and with knee jerk reaction came up with the name. You have to ask yourself when did you ever hear someone say they wanted a Trofeo?? The ones that sold were virtually a mistake as someone going to the dealer and running into one. I am sure it was a good car in an appliance kind of way. Today with few examples would certainly get a nod at cars and coffee. But don’t try to get specific parts for it. They left the ground at cash for clunkers.
My ex BIL had a Trofeo. Brand new, and it was incredibly futuristic inside, but was basically a 2 seat coupe. That back seat was a torture chamber, unless you had little kids. Not sporty, for sure. But just what a middle manager on his way up, drove. Until the Mercedes.
Worked at a Chev-Olds dealer as a teen in 1990. I liked these and thought they were really futuristic. Drove a few and they drove nice. Would own one like this today, it was rare back then and pretty unique today.