The vehicle manufacturing industry is probably evolving faster today than at any time in its history. Advances in electronics and battery technology have led to a rise in viable hybrid and electric cars, though it is worth looking to the past for some notable vehicle developments. The First Generation Oldsmobile Toronado demonstrates a moment when a marque threw caution to the wind, introducing a ground-breaking model that had an industry-wide impact. It demonstrated that front-wheel-drive wasn’t the preserve of the underpowered, and that sending the ponies from a V8 to Planet Earth was viable. This 1966 Toronado presents extremely well as a survivor and has 89,000 miles showing on its odometer. I must say a big thank you to Barn Finder Curvette for spotting it listed here on eBay in Sumner, Iowa, with a BIN of $27,500 and the option to make an offer.
The Personal Luxury Car market segment exploded in the 1960s as manufacturers sought a slice of what promised to be a lucrative pie. Ford got the ball rolling in 1955 when it launched the Thunderbird. Studebaker followed in 1962 with the Avanti, and Buick joined the party the following year with the Riviera. Oldsmobile was a latecomer, releasing the Toronado in 1966. Styled by Bill Mitchell, its fastback body drew positive praise, and was later compared to the Second Generation Pontiac Firebird from some angles. The seller claims this first-year example is a survivor, with only a minor touch-up to the left rear quarter panel. Its Autumn Bronze paint shines warmly, with no major flaws or defects. The panels are as straight as an arrow, and there is no evidence of rust. The trim and the glass are in good condition. Although stylish, the Toronado’s appearance wasn’t radical. We must delve below the surface to discover this classic’s party trick.
A 425ci V8, a three-speed automatic transmission, and power assistance for the steering and brakes. The mechanical configuration doesn’t sound extraordinary, but looks are sometimes deceptive. Oldsmobile sought to maximize interior space when designing the Toronado, and transmission tunnels are invariably intrusive. The company spent seven years developing what it termed its Unitized Power Package (UPP). It used a three-speed TH-425 transmission to power the front wheels. It was a marvel of packaging efficiency, with Oldsmobile squeezing everything into what was a pretty conventional engine bay. One of the biggest obstacles was torque steer, which was why power steering was standard on the Toronado. Even with electronically controlled differentials and traction control, modern manufacturers tend to avoid sending more than 250hp to the front wheels. Oldsmobile played hardball, with the factory quoting power and torque figures of 385hp and 475 ft/lbs for its V8. Surprisingly, given its mechanical configuration, the Toronado effectively delivered its power to the road, losing little to the opposition in performance or acceleration. The seller quotes an odometer reading of 89,000 original miles for this Olds, without mentioning verifying evidence. The car’s condition supports the claim, and this YouTube video confirms that the V8 sounds as sweet as a nut. Potential buyers can consider this a turnkey classic that can be enjoyed immediately.
Apart from a new carpet set, this Toronado’s interior is original and unmolested. Its condition further supports my belief that the car has led a sheltered life. The seats look virtually perfect, while there are no issues with the dash or pad. This photo demonstrates why Oldsmobile trod the mechanical path it did, because the floors are dead flat. The rear parcel tray cover doesn’t hide any nasty surprises, and the headliner appears perfect. A design highlight is the “rolling barrel” speedometer, while this car also features vintage air conditioning and an AM radio.
This 1966 Oldsmobile Toronado presents exceptionally well for a survivor-grade classic with six decades of action under its belt. It carries the hallmarks of a vehicle that has always been treated respectfully, and if the odometer reading is verifiable, the BIN figure is realistic. It won’t appeal to everyone, but no classic has ever achieved that goal. However, this survivor has generated enough interest to suggest that people like what they see. I believe it will find a new home, but are you tempted to make it yours?
Initially, we didn’t know if the “a” was long or short. Toronaydo, Toronahdo? Leave it to GM, this car was as unusual as the Corvair was, and had lukewarm results. People like my old man, who poo-pooed the Corvair, were just as appalled by this. Front drive? Get out. It was a tough sell, but as far as front drive, GM did their homework. The UPP was accomplished by using a Hy-Vo chain drive to the transmission. This unit was also used in the GMC motorhomes. I remember Firestone made a tire specifically for the Toronado, 8.85-15 “TFD”, Toronado Front Drive, with a stiffer sidewall, and being pre-radial, handling was a concern. I read, GM sold about 41,000 Toronados the 1st year, but in ’67, sales dipped considerably. At close to $5grand, it was almost $1500 more than a Dynamic 88, and what people wanted anyway.
I had a friend who came to the US from Yugoslavia in the 60s. His father got a good job as a gearcutter( he called it a “jeercutter”) and to celebrate, bought a like new ’66 Toronado, that apparently the original owner didn’t like. Coming from Europe, it was the only American car he could find with FWD, what he was used to. Sadly, he got sick, and died, his mom never drove, and that car sat for 30 years in their garage, it had less than 20K miles my friend said. I remember seeing through the windows, but wasn’t interested. They sold the house, and not sure what happened to the car. Pretty amazing how FWD took off from these humble, poorly received beginnings.
Love the tid bit about the tire. I had a 69 Tbird and the spare in the trunk was original. Brought it my old time mechanic to get it swapped onto a different rim, and he explained to me exactly what year, make, and model the tire came from. He said the tire was put on these cars exclusively, but, they were pulled off the market when Goodyear realized people were getting 50k miles off these tires. He told me he could get me 200 dollars for the tire… SOLD…
Unique and interesting when new, and still unique and interesting. A testament to GM’s design, engineering, and styling prowess. The internal discussions when it was being conceived must have been fascinating, and I presume, heated and intense. All these years later, we’re still impressed with the result. This example looks good.
Just read an article on how this motor was the most powerful at the time. Very impressive numbers. Decent price for this gem.
NEVER MIND THE OLDS! WHAT ABOUT THE 58/59 GMC w/ the NAPCO KIT!!!