Usually when I think of a “project” car, an Oldsmobile Toronado doesn’t float to the top of the list – the two just seem incongruous. Regardless, today Tony P. has found a 1969 Toronado that doesn’t show that badly. The seller is giving us the old “ran when parked” routine but it looks like there is something here with which to work. Hooper, Nebraska is where this full-size front-wheel-driver makes its home and it’s available, here on craigslist for $1,650.
Oldsmobile’s famous Toronado was in its fourth year of manufacture in ’69 but had not really changed much from the original 1966 incarnation though sales had decreased to 28K units from the inagural year’s volume of 40K copies. Research indicates that just a single trim level was available but I haven’t been able to verify that entirely. The included images are lousy so it’s tough to glean much about this car’s condition and the listing discloses little. What I do see is the application of a lot of red primer and the vinyl top appears as if it has been painted to match the body color and now the applied finish is rubbing off. The few images that are included don’t reveal any rust-through or body damage but I’d like to know what’s under the primer.
There is no engine image included (the second no engine image faux pas that I have encountered this week) but it should be a 375 gross HP, 455 CI V8 engine spinning a unique Turbo-Hydramatic 425 transaxle. The seller claims that this Toronado has only experienced 33K miles of use but now, “Motor not turning over“. So, is it stuck or is it a starter/electrical problem? Who knows.
The interior is claimed to be “not bad” but it needs a headliner. From what can be seen of the tan vinyl upholstery, it shows pretty well as does the dash pad and instrument panel – though the steering wheel either has a bad case of mung or the finish is peeling off. The carpet is covered with a black industrial-grade mat so the carpet condition is not determinable.
The seller suggests, “Great project for a mechanic” and that may be true – at least to get the engine started but I imagine someone with body and metal working skills may be a better fit. This Olds is cheap at its price point, but I have to imagine that there is some underlying mayhem lurking – at least more than initially meets the eye. So, what do you think, for $1,650 is this one worth investigating further?
When I was a kid our neighbor got one of these when they first came out in ‘66. Really cool car for its time. My dad was an Olds guy and always wanted one. Really nice low mileage examples that don’t need much come along fairly often and are reasonably priced. I’d go that route instead of a project of this magnitude unless you’re able to do most of the work yourself. Otherwise it would become not viable financially in a hurry.
This was the businessman’s suburban supercar of the day. A Tornado mean’t success and that you were a guy willing to take a chance. Its when cars actually defined who we are as a society. The Oldsmobile brand was all about detail of quality and having the best road worthy and most powerful cars. You can’t go wrong here. Great project car and your neices and nephews will freak at the living room space in this space age boat. Or should I say Rockett 88?
jv -smash palace
At that price especially of COURSE it’s worth investigating further. That’s not even a question. It looks like there’s 2-3 times that dollar amount worth of usable parts on that car, so even in the worst case it can help some other cars live on. But it looks like it’s probably salvageable itself. And that price almost certainly worth doing so.
All the shows on Motortrend channel would pass on this one at any price
Not so sure Derek Bieri of Roadworthy Rescues would pass this up. He’d put in a new starter,sparkalators, glue a $9 Mexican blanket to the roof and drive the hell out of it.
And dont forget….. A battery with the “To Go Handle” on it lol.
My favorite VGG episode was his 71 Riviera rescue
I would float that boat
A bargain for a unique car. The body appears excellent. The biggest plus as body parts are your enemy here as few are lying about to be picked from.
Mechanics are easy. The biggest horror to most is the front drive transmission, but it is nothing but a 400 th with a chain and removal is very easy compared to many. Clean the fuel system, go through the brakes. Fire it up and go from there. If this were close to me, this would be right in my hoard. Transportation expense is a good deterrent to keep some insanities in check….ha, ha. A great unit here for a entering car head. cavernous interior. Front wheel burnouts that can be impressive, not a complete slouch, hideaway lights. I had several but again gravitated back to an Eldorado to which in this GM Era a 67 is tops to me.
Could be a big hole in floor under the mats. we used to burn the front wheels on them til the motor locked that might be the problem with this one
Now that’s my kind of price..lol! Don’t matter what it needs, because most it if not all of it is there…and workable. I miss those days either driving down the street or walking about and seeing a car like this with a for sale sign or not even a sign sometimes…walking up and asking about it with the owner..and probably driving it home or calling a buddy asking for a “pull” back home.
Ahhh…the ole days…lol!
I believe it is absolutely worth the asking price. Perhaps, much more?
I’m sure the motor has sat until the rings stuck to the cylinder walls.
So what, ‘seized up’ from sitting too long isn’t the same as ‘blown up’ with parts of your engine sticking out through the oil pan?
Sometimes, with luck, you can remove the plugs and spray PB Blaster into the cylinders and break it loose that way?
I really don’t see the body being in really bad shape? I don’t like the original color, but that’s how it is?
If I was looking for a vehicle like this, I would definitely be a buyer. ASAP, before someone else gets it!
Just my oponion!
I love the looks of the ’68 and ’69 models. The issue with restoring and driving these cars once restored is many of the peripheral parts are unobtanium. So if you are fortunate enough to find one that doesn’t need anything, you wouldn’t want to drive it much. Failure of parts or a minor fender bender could be a major problem. I looked at a ’68, and the unique climate control system was seized.
Its hard for me to tell 100 percent for sure, but it sure looks like its all there, all the hard to find parts. And even if the wheel arches started to rust a bit its not a deal breaker to fix. The interior is all there including my most favorite, the largest gas pedal of all time installed in any passenger car that was used on the 65 to 70 full size Oldsmobiles. The sound of a 455 Olds V8 from this era is my absolute favorite sound. Olds 455s are very robust, and I agree with what Ashtray said above, soak the cylinders in PB blaster or Marvel Mystery Oil and get a breaker bar after soaking and see of the rings get unstuck.
I know the roof looks shabby not having the vinyl top but thats a plus to see the actual condition of the roof. Personally, Id buy it and restore it. Its worth it.
I don’t think a few blemishes on what we an incredible daily would be acceptable.
Of course, seeing it as it was the day it delivered wouldn’t hurt my feelings either!
If you’re not a restorer with experience then I suggest you stay away, if you are a restorer, this thing would be worth the effort.
I owned a new one for a couple of years as a traveling salesman. Truly a delight to drive, especially great in the snow we enjoy in Michigan. Was on the “Mighty Mac” Mackinac bridge as the last vehicle before it was closed due to a raging blizzard! Wish I had the funds – would love to own this.