Oldsmobile’s innovative Toronado was the first U.S. production automobile with front-wheel drive since the Cords of the 1930s. First-generation cars would be built from 1966-70, including this Toronado GT. It was differentiated by its W-34 option package that included a cold air induction system for the air cleaner, a performance camshaft within the 455 V8, and a “GT” transmission calibrated for quick and firm up-shifts. This 1970 GT has engine noise and weather-worn paint, so it qualifies as a project for Toronado aficionados. Located in Queen Creek, Arizona, this vehicle is available here on craigslist for $5,000. Thanks to craiger for this tip!
The Toronado was a personal luxury car produced by Oldsmobile from 1966-92 across over four generations. It shared the GM E-platform introduced by the Buick Riviera in 1963 and adopted for the Cadillac Eldorado in 1967, with the Riviera being the only one to use rear-wheel-drive. While the Toronado name had no prior meaning, it was used on a Chevrolet show car in the ‘60s. The GT version with its W-34 would create some excitement when it was added in 1968. The Toronado was never a big seller and the 1970 model saw assemblies of 25,433 total units of which 5,341 would come equipped with the W-34.
This brings us to the seller’s car. This ‘70 Toronado, finished is Aspen Green Metallic, has seen better days, but its original GT engine (which we understand produced an extra 25 hp) is not currently running due to an internal issue. This is a shame as these were powerful cars for their size, capable of doing 0-60 mph in 7.5 seconds and the standing quarter-mile in 15.7 seconds at nearly 90 mph.
We’re not sure about rust, but a couple of the photos provided has hints of it in places. The trunk lid doesn’t match the rest of the car, so it may have been replaced at some point, and the access panel for the gas filler is missing along with the trunk lock. This GM product came with a vinyl top which also looks to be ready for a replacement. No photos are provided of the interior, but the seller is included some new pieces to bring it up to speed, including a new set of carpeting along with branded floor mats, headliner, and upholstery material for the seats.
The buyer will need to bring a trailer to take this FWD beast home as the seller confirms it’s not roadworthy at 95,000 miles. But delivery is also possible, but there surely are parameters on distance. The car is currently registered with the Arizona DMV suggesting it was driven not that long ago. According to Hagerty, a top-notch ’70 Toronado could be a $27,000 car (and perhaps the GT package would add a premium). Does the asking price leave room to fund a decent restoration?
What a muscle car. These cars will fly in comfort. I want a 66 some day. Had an 88 Trofeo, my dad bought it new. I bought it from him in 1996 for $1,500. It had 105,000 miles on it. It was garaged since new. I drove that car until 2006, when a giant deer ran in front of me in New York.The odometer had just turned 200,000 miles on all original drivetrain. That TH 440 is one of the best transmissions GM ever made.True, not a screamer like a 70 GT, but very reliable 3800 when they still had a metal intake. One of the best cars I ever owned. Toronados for ever.
I had the 87’ Trofeo. Car was still like née at 100,000 miles. Highway driving could put you to sleep.
I know where a 66 is the same place I got my 1970 barn find
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Hello, everyone – the above comment is from the owner of this car, Clinton. I reached out to him.
Here is a great article on a 70 GT; even in Jade Green!
https://www.hemmings.com/stories/2013/09/02/driving-impressions-1970-oldsmobile-toronado-gt
The original Toronado was nice looking to me. The restyled front and rear ends just kind of ruined the car for me. YMMV.
At least they are not asking for all the money in the world for this one.
I would like to know where Olds, for ex., got the money to completely restyle & retool the steel front & rear ends of the ’70, & then again, the ’71 Toronados! They were hardly good sellers – compare that to the 2008 thru 2021 Challengers which i believe have no sheetmetal changes & 1 minor change to the plastic grill & tailites! Dodge must be laughing all the way to the bank.
& i bet Chally goes at least another 5 yrs as is.
I am SURE car buyers in the ’50’s & ’60 would not stand for a
car that did not change for 14 yrs!
I love the color.. and the fact they are not asking a ton of money for it.. it is something that can be restored and look amazing again.. I think this grille is definitely not my favorite but still like the car.. Something definitely different and the run of the mill Camaro or Mustang.
Look at the front end of the ’67 Mannix Toronado roadster, by George Barris, and then look at this one.
That was one ugly car on Mannix! Barris dropped the ball that one!
I had one of these cars. It was comfortable at high speeds. Always had issues with front drive shaft failures. Seeing this one makes me want another in spite of the drive shaft issues .
Joe drove a Toronado? Thought he was a MOPAR guy?
During the 1st season, he drove a customized Toro convertible.
I always liked the phone in it, but never fell in live with the car itself. Always hated that giant one-piece red taillight lens thingy…
While I pride(d) myself on knowing every US car made in the 60’s and ’70’s, I can honestly say, I never heard of a “GT” Toronado. Fact is, I still have a hard time thinking one got past me. Toronados got the worst mileage of any US car, a “souped up” version, more so. Toronados were a hard sell, even 4 years after introduction, people like my old man, and there were a bunch of them, never trusted front drive. Rear drive was what God intended ( and their beliefs weren’t that far off) and this front drive foolishness will never fly. I know, it’s always fun proving the old man wrong, but many like him held on to their rear drive cars until they literally couldn’t buy one anymore. I guess the apple doesn’t fall far, and to this day, I won’t buy/drive a front drive car. Sorry, dear old dad was right on that one. I bet if he actually drove one of these, even he would have been impressed. “Chain drive”, these would do wicked, uncontrollable burnouts.
You’re missing out, not least on Minis and 2CVs…
The ‘T’ in the GT emblem is a different font from the ‘T’ in Tornado – so likely a stuck on badge. I looked through the 1970 Tornado brochure, no mention of the GT model, but did mention that a W-34 option for the engine was available.
Most definitely a GT model for 1970. Don’t know who hit on thumbs up on this comment.
My dad had a gold ’66 with black interior. It was all downhill from the original design. I always thought the Muensters should have been driving one.
First time commenting; but I have always admired Toronados and thought that the readers of this great site might be interested in a Canadian Toronado story from 1967. I vividly remember the contest and I dreamt of winning one of these dream cars (“67-X”). I had forgotten about the contest until I saw the front end of the 1970. Enjoy the article.
https://driving.ca/auto-news/news/celebrating-the-sesquicentennial-with-a-rare-67-x-centennial-car/wcm/3996e591-6779-45f8-a125-a994481ee805/amp/
Howard A, I thought you lived in Michigan, where front wheel drive is a God-send. I first drove FWD when I bought a 1971 Toronado. A beautiful car, and would go through snow fanny deep to a giraffe. As a travelling salesman, often on back roads, it made my life much easier. No tire chains or tire studs ever needed. And, as previously mentioned here, a real comfort to drive.
Hi Kenn, was from Wis. moved to Colorado, now am possibly returning to the UP next year, God willing. I’m more of a 4 wheel drive guy, and while there are merits of a FWD, they still require chains on “Traction Days” in the mountains here. 4wd is the rule. Better to have 4wd and not use it, than t’other way ’round, seems to be the mindset.The reason people like my old man were leery, was because, a set of “Town and Country’s” and a couple cinder blocks, RWD always got us to where we needed to go. I think the Toronado was just a beautifully designed car, FWD or not. Just a bit before it’s time, is all.
Educated tonight. Didn’t realize a 1970 Toronado GT even existed. Love the Toronados from the beginning!
i have mentioned it before when these Toronados pop up, i really love the styling, my uncle had one when i was 12/14 years old, they lived in Ecorse Michigan, he was a GM worker his whole life. when i was 18 i wanted to get it after he had passed, it was sitting rusting in my aunts driveway, but it was too far away for a 18 year old in WV to go and get it.
Great cars – ’68 and ’69 had cold air induction, ’70 did not. ’70 was the only year for the GT designation of the W-34 option.The transmission had the unique code OM but the only difference I’m aware of was the higher stall speed torque converter to work with the more aggressive camshaft. The ’70 GT package also included dual exhaust with dual bumper cut-outs not available on non-gt cars that year.
I’ve owned a ’70 GT for 15 years and it’s really a blast to drive. The no charge bucket seat option paired with floor shift and center console really complete the gentelmans musclecar vibe. Great write up!
“with engine noise”?
Lifter? Rod knock? Wonder how bad it is?
Mark I thought exactly the same thing, “engine noise” maybe a little description would be in order? I hear that and I automatically assume it’s a full overhaul and deduct that full amount to what I am willing to pay!
A former employer – hardcore big body high performance car fan – dragged home one of these, in this same color. I was not impressed with these hulking ghetto sleds when new, and no more in 1983, but I did find it interesting that I had never heard of such a sport model before, and if I am not mistaken, his was a 4-speed. ALL his cars were manual trans.
There never was a manual trans Toronado. The transmission in all of them through1978 was the TH425. That was a TH400 that was bent in half. That is, the converter was behind the engine and that was connected by a chain, to the trans input shaft that ran parallel to the engine’s crankshaft but along side of the engine.
“The car is currently registered with the Arizona DMV suggesting it was driven not that long ago.”
Huh? The plate has an expiration sticker of 96. I guess 25 years is not that long ago?
I find the ’70 model best looking of the first five years, cleaning up some of the “fussiness” of the earlier years. One thing I liked about the ’66s were the slotted chrome wheels, exposing the huge finned brake drums. Were the chrome wheels optional after ’66?
‘Cold air induction’ is NOT on this Toro. Only in ’68 was a W34 Toro air induction-equipped, & then just 124 were built. The W34 455 used in all 3 yrs, (’68-’70) was the same motor installed in ’68 Hurst Olds’, though a 10-hp bump (from 390 in ’68) was benefit of free-flowing exhaust manifolds.
Honestly, whoever invented the term “bull$hit” is probably the only guy who ever knew what he was talking about.
There was a GT in 1970 and the letters on the hood are correct. No font issue here. One of the other features of the GT was stripes around the wheel wells above the chrome moldings. This car doesn’t have them but it was probably painted at some point in its life.
I bought this car! Had interior done, and currently having engine and trans rebuilt. Should be on the road in a month or so.