55K Miles: 1966 Oldsmobile Toronado

Think of all the new cars that were introduced in 1965: the Mustang, a completely new GM full-size line for all brands, new full-size Chrysler products, new big Fords, a new Corvair. It’s a long list. Therefore, it’s no surprise that 1966 was a little quieter on the introduction front, so one car got almost all the media’s attention that year, earning the Motor Trend “Car of the Year” award and being featured on just about every magazine cover—it was the Oldsmobile Toronado. With beautiful, unique styling and a novel front-wheel-drive setup, it was bound to hog the spotlight in 1966, and it’s still a showstopper today. Barn Finder T.J. thought enough of this 55,462-mile example to send it in for our perusal, and it’s up for sale here on eBay in Lewiston, Idaho. The asking price is $25,000 or best offer.

Oldsmobile threw all their engineering might at the Toronado (almost—the brakes were widely heralded as being completely inadequate for the car’s size and power). The engine was the hottest version of Oldsmobile’s big 425-cubic-inch V8, which produced 385 horsepower and 475 lb-ft of torque. All this might was transmitted through a Hy-Vo silent chain into the Turbo Hydra-Matic 425 transmission, which was nestled alongside the engine. Finally, it made its way to the drive axles through a 3.21:1 gear ratio whose differential action was provided by a “planetary gear design.” This Toronado “runs very nice and drives well,” but the engine isn’t painted the correct “Slate Blue.” Other Oldsmobile engines were painted gold, but all Toronados were born blue, so to speak. The big 425 did a creditable job of powering this two-and-a-half-ton knockout. Magazine road tests generally quoted quarter-mile times in the 16 to 17 second range, but upper-range power was beefy; some tests listed a 135-mph top speed.

This seems like a well-optioned Toronado, with air conditioning, power windows, tilt/telescoping steering column, and AM/FM radio. None of these features were standard on the Oldsmobile’s top-of-the-line coupe; magazines of the time speculated that so much money was spent upon the drivetrain that costs needed to be cut in other areas. This interior looks very nice, which is good, because trim parts are difficult to find. The seller, who is representing this car for a friend’s father’s estate (that gentleman owned the car for 46 years), mentions that the power windows aren’t working correctly and the power brakes are “touchy.” However, all the lights work inside and out.

I always like to pause at the instrument cluster, which is almost as dazzlingly styled as the exterior. The “rotating drum” speedometer is the obvious party trick, but I like the little details such as the round clock that mirrors the vent for the air conditioner, and the climate controls that mirror the radio.

Whoever buys this gorgeous Oldsmobile will have some tinkering to do; it had a major service done in 2015 but has only been driven 151 miles since. At the very least, the tires will need changing, and while you’re at it, you can install some narrower whitewalls. The paint (it looks like the Toronado signature color “Dubonnet,” although the seller says it’s “Maroon Star”) was redone in 2008 and is in fine condition.

I’ve mentioned many times on Barn Finds that the ’66 Toronado is one of the few cars on my “favorites” list that I don’t own. This one is clear across the country from me and, frankly, a little spendy for my budget. Toronados have been going up in price for a while, however, so it might not be too far out of line. What would a fair offer be?