And now for something from the “Just because you can, doesn’t mean you should” department. The listing is a bit misleading as it describes this Oldsmobile El Camino-like truck as both a ’66 edition and a ’70 – it is the former. I always appreciate an enthusiast with an imagination but we’ll have to examine this Magalia, California creation to determine from whence it came. It’s available here on craigslist for $5,000 and thanks are due to Tony P. for this most unusual discovery.
Offered for the first time in 1966, and only as a two-door hardtop, the Toronado was a front-wheel drive game changer that probably never envisioned pulling dual duty as a pickup truck. At first blush, the transformation appears to have been well facilitated. The seller states, “Modified from stock with pickup bed. Won award in the 70s for custom car. Rear of the car is mostly fiberglass, has some cracks.” Well, I wasn’t counting on fiberglass but I guess that makes sense considering the scope of the job. There aren’t any other details listed so that makes me think the seller acquired this ute as is, and a previous owner pulled off the Abracadabra. Unfortunately, there are many questions, such as understructure, cargo bed wall construction, and rear suspension modifications that should be asked – and answered, but the listing details are light. Interested parties are advised to make inquiries. One interesting note is the condition of the hideaway headlights. The lights work but the doors don’t and they’re closed for now.
A 385 gross HP, 425 CI V8 engine, spinning (literally?) the front wheels, via a Turbo-Hydramatic transaxle provides the giddyup. The seller adds, “Other than the headlight mechanicals for at night, drivable.“Additional mention is made of a rebuilt carburetor and renewed brakes.
Those are some fat seats going on inside and we’re told that they are “custom” pieces. The lone interior image doesn’t provide much clarity though it seems that the carpet is either destroyed or missing entirely. Other than the mention of some interior light bulbs that need to be replaced, and a non-operative radio, there are no other interior details described. I’d be interested in knowing a bit about the behind-the-seat bulkhead construction.
Yes, it’s unusual, no doubt about that. But why do it? Hard to say but I doubt it was a spur-of-the-moment decision, this kind of conversion, fiberglass or not, is a challenge. While it’s probably not a particularly viable vehicle in truck mode, it makes for a heck of a conversation topic, wouldn’t you agree?
El CamiNOOO!
It appears to have Fiberglass on the outside of the bed ( looks like it in the rear quarter panels) but rusted Diamond plate on the interior of the bed? Some work went into it, I’ll give them that. But I agree with Jim. Whats going on underneath all that for structure? Maybe you could use the running gear to restore another early Toronado?
This is just….Wrong.
I don’t know. The concept is a good one – front wheel drive leaves space for the bed. But not well executed. Could have put the spare under the bed. Boxy design doesn’t favor the Toronado front. And the interior: Ugh!
& i thought the Mannix Toronado was odd.
I won’t say I’m a fan, but I will say that this looks like it was executed better than many of these “hold my beer” conversions. It even appears to have a working tailgate, and if the diamond plate steel is welded into the chassis, it just might be able to take a decent load. These were not body-on-frame cars.
What a waste of a Toronado and what a waste of someone’s time.
I know a lot of purists are going to come out with pitchforks and torches to banish me after saying this(Not that I can blame them, I would do just the same for some cars), but I think this is absolutely rad. In fact, when I came across this on Craigslist, I tried to submit this as a tip to Barn Finds, but Ol’ “Tony P” had already done so. I would feel a lot worse if someone had done this conversion a few years ago, but if I remember the ad right, the conversion was done in the early 70’s when it was just an old clunker. And I must give the customizer credit: They did a mighty fine job converting this. They really built the original bumper (fairly) seamlessly into the design. Really, the only thing I really 𝘥𝘰𝘯’𝘵 like it what I can see of the tailgate. While there are no good pictures of it in the listing, it’s too… flat compared to the rest of the bed, and there seem to be some sort of… thingydoodles hanging off the back. I’d really be curious to see how they integrated the taillights, but the curse of only a few pictures strikes again. All in all, I think it’s pretty slick.
El Crapmino? Uh, no thanks.
Beauty is in the eye of the beer holder. Yikes!
MMmmm Mmm Mmm… horrible… just horrible. And yet!?!? No.. still horrible. But this was someone’s dream car and I hope they loved it.
But remember kids.. alcohol and cutting torches don’t mix
Awesome looking vehicle. It’s too bad Olds never offered a ute version of the Toronado. If only more pictures were posted.
I would think this project got started when the rear of the vehicle was totaled out in a collision or a tree fell on it & that’s when a light bulb went on in his head for something unique to build!
man, what a shame to 1966 car of the year severely butchered like this
Maybe a tree fell on the back of it and this was the fix? Yuk regardless
Uh…No. A ‘66 Tornado is one of the best looking cars ever made. This is graffiti on a Rembrandt.
Damn auto correct “Toronado”
Makes sense. Most pickup beds too high to use comfortably. This is great for hauling motorcycles.
Ruined.
’66? nota gen 2 or 3? Gen One is a beaut, this looks too angular in that 1st shot…
Joe Mannix drove a 66 convertible conversion on an early Mannix’s series. I thought it was ugly.
Ya but what would it cost to return it to the classic it used to be?
Yep, I love these conversions!
It was ahead of its time. A FWD Ute. In the 80’s there were factory options from VW and Chrysler. Imagine taking your 2016 Chrysler 300 and converting it into a Ute. I don’t think anyone would care for the next 30-40 years.
There is not a full frame under the Toro, I’m thinking that some sort of a cage would need to be welded in to carry a couple of Motorcycles
What a waste of a Great 1st year design,as spoken earlier waaay misguided!
Wow! I’m picturing a mad scientist in the driver seat after initial startup yelling “It’s alive!” In black and white, of course.
But seriously, make it a Rat Rod and you may be on to something. At least I’d understand it better.