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Affordable Classic: 1968 Oldsmobile Toronado

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Thanks to reader Charles H., we have here a remarkably original looking, claimed rust-free 1968 Oldsmobile Toronado that isn’t going for a ridiculous price. It’s advertised here in Hemmings Motor News for $7,750 and is located in Columbus, Ohio. I personally prefer the earlier cars, but perhaps the condition of this one outweighs anything else!

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By 1968, the Toronado had started to soften a bit from it’s original “GT” intentions. The facelift for the front end was less radical than the original styling, and now you had to order the W-34 option to get the stiffness of the original 1966 Toronado suspension. But the car was still quite capable of covering huge distances almost soundlessly and easily. 1968 was the first year for the 455 cubic inch V8, so torque is certainly not an issue! The vinyl top looks to be in great condition in these pictures, and the single repaint appears to have been a high quality one.

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Shut lines look pretty decent for this car considering the heavy doors, and the only thing that really detracts from the side views is the ill-fitting aftermarket side mirrors. I was able to find reproduction mirrors here for only $65 each, so it wouldn’t take too much to make these look right as long as the mirror holes will be covered by the bases.

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Apparently these unusual combination fabric/vinyl seats are original for the car, although looking at some online makes me wonder if part of the cloth has been replaced with vinyl on the outside panels of the seats. Either way, even with a black interior the factory air conditioning and tinted glass will keep you cool in the summer, and the power steering and brakes will make your trip down the road quite easy. Is that a flasher unit I see hanging down from the dash? The other wire loop has me wondering, too, but there might be a good reason for both of them.

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Here’s that 455 (assuming it is the original engine). That may be the longest upper radiator hose I’ve ever seen! The transmission and engine are known for long life as long as they haven’t been abused, and I’m hoping since this car has been kept inside by a collector that it’s in decent mechanical shape as well. Is it worth checking out? I think so if you like these large front wheel drive cruisers–let us know what you think!

Comments

  1. Avatar Vegas vic

    Check out for sure
    Intelligent styling, cruising, torquey engine, add a new stereo with disc n ports for iPod, U have a fun beast
    Vinyl top!

    Like 0
  2. Avatar Ed P

    I have always liked the bulging wheel openings. They make the car look like a good handling car. The speedo is not to my liking, but that is small potatoes. Nice find!!

    Like 1
  3. Avatar mikeG

    My Grandmother had this car, one of my favorite cars ever made. My Grandfather owned a few car lots and he would give her cars and then one day they’d disappear. Pissed her off to no end! The whole family was angry when this one was gone. It was very novel back then to smoke the front tires, which this car did very easily.

    Like 0
  4. Avatar Roselandpete

    Love those old Toros.

    Like 0
  5. Avatar Van

    Doesn’t a1968 come with a 425 engine?

    Like 0
  6. Avatar Utes

    @ Van…….
    ’67 was the final 425.

    Like 0
  7. Avatar Steve Schafer

    I remember riding in my girlfriend’s Toro,quick,agile and the ultimate cruiser. That car was so quiet at 75 MPH that you could hear everyone in the backseat talking. Unfortunately, she didn’t like my job or my politics and you can guess the rest. I still miss that beast.

    Like 0

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