When the Oldsmobile Toronado debuted in 1966, it was the first production U.S. car with front-wheel-drive since the Cord 810/812 of the late 1930s. The Cadillac Eldorado would follow in 1967. This fourth-year Toronado looks to have been sitting under a standalone carport for many years, so Mother Nature and the passage of time have taken their toll. Located in Gravette, Arkansas, this personal luxury muscle car is available here on Facebook Marketplace for $1,500 OBO.
New to the Toronado in 1969 was Oldsmobile’s “Rocket” version of the new 455 cubic inch V8, replacing the prior 430. The car remained reasonably popular with sales of nearly 28,500 units in ’69. Supporting that beefy V8 was GM’s transaxle version of the Turbo-Hydramatic transmission. No history is provided on this big barge, but since the title is MIA, the car was probably parked years ago and left to fend for itself.
We’re told the 455 is original, incomplete, and not running. Perhaps it could be rebuilt for use in this Olds if one were a mind to, or dropped into a 442 or other Oldsmobile muscle car. The body could be worse considering its exposure, but there is some rust, and the paint has outlived its usefulness. The passenger side window is gone, leaving the interior open to small woodland creatures.
Speaking of the interior, it looks pretty rough. Its lack of care might translate to damage in the electrical system of the car, which would be a pain to sort out if it’s damaged. Whether you decide to restore this machine or use it for parts, at least the asking price is not up in the stratosphere somewhere. A thumbs up to “Zappenduster” for the tip.
When a sellers main selling point is that it’s a parts car, believe them. This car is rough, doesn’t run, needs interior and an indeterminate amount of rust repair and body work. It’s also located in a state other than what’s on its license plate without a title.
Steve R
Steve, according to the rear license plate it was last licensed in Iowa in 1979. It was listed September 26th @ 11:00MDT. Very odd history to me.
The 68 was the first year for the 455 which replaced the 425 used in 66 and 67. These were awesome cars. It’s a shame to see one mistreated this badly.
My parents had a ’69 and it was awesome. It’s a massive car but the drivetrain just exudes power. Not particularly quick or nimble but it gave you the feeling of invincibility when you drove it. Sadly the days of 11mpg cruising are in the distant past, but it was a real privilege to have participated.
You got 11mpg with yours!?
Owned a 1969 in silver with black interior, bought it off a guy in Houston, TX, in fair condition with 42K miles. Later nut & bolt restored it, then ill health took over and sold it to a guy in Sweden who’s still driving it. Wish I still owned it but at 10 miles per gallon?
if this was not a 3k mile round trip to get this i would be all over it. motor alone is worth 1500.00 + anything else that could be salvaged. i sold 1 of these motors 3yrs ago for 3k. good deal here and i bet 1k buys it.
To me it looks like it’s been standing- outside- the carport for many years.