When Oldsmobile introduced the 1966 Toronado, it wasn’t just another personal luxury coupe — it was a technological statement. This was GM’s first modern front-wheel-drive production car, and it arrived wrapped in dramatic, futuristic styling that still turns heads today. This particular example is being auctioned here on eBay with a $5,000 starting bid and no reserve.
Power comes from a 425 cubic-inch Super Rocket V8, factory rated at 385 horsepower, paired with the innovative Turbo-Hydramatic 425 transmission designed specifically to drive the front wheels. The engineering alone makes these cars significant, and the Toronado delivered strong performance when new. The catch here is that the engine does not run, and things look pretty crusty under the hood.
Styling is arguably the real star. Hidden headlamps, a sweeping fastback roofline, and clean body lines give this ’66 a space-age presence that feels more European grand tourer than typical mid-’60s Detroit iron. Inside, you’ll find a driver-focused layout with a unique drum-style speedometer and aircraft-inspired switchgear. The white-over-red color combination could look striking again — after a lot of work.
Rust is always a concern with these, particularly in the front subframe and lower body panels, and sourcing Toronado-specific parts can require patience. The drivetrain itself is robust, and the 425 shares lineage with other Oldsmobile big-block components. Still, let’s hope the underside is solid and there isn’t serious rot in the critical areas.
This Toronado will need substantial work before it’s back on the road, but with no reserve, it could be an interesting gamble for the right buyer. As always, get it inspected and be realistic about the costs involved. First-year Toronados remain relatively accessible compared to other ’60s luxury-performance coupes.
Do you think this is one of the most underrated GM designs of the ’60s, or is it still flying under the radar for a reason?
Leave A Comment