As the downsizing of many GM vehicles continued throughout the late seventies, even luxury staples like the Oldsmobile Toronado weren’t exempt, with the third-generation cars shedding nearly half a ton in weight and losing more than a foot in length when they hit the dealers back in ’79. However, one aspect that didn’t lose much was their styling, as they still presented beautifully and offered plenty of bells and whistles for discerning drivers. This 1980 Oldsmobile Toronado here on eBay is stunning, plus it’s equipped with the short-lived XSC package, which was discontinued after the following year. This opulent Olds is in Tomball, Texas, with the opening bid of $8,400 still not placed. Another option perhaps worth considering is to hit the buy-it-now button, which will set you back $11,900.
We’d like to thank reader T.J. for the great tip here! Typically, brown isn’t one of my top exterior color choices, and that holds true across most eras. However, this one’s got me rethinking, as it works wonderfully with this sleek body. I’m also digging the naked roof without a vinyl top, a feature many luxury cars had during this period. An ownership history is not provided, but the seller reports that this Olds has been meticulously cosmetically maintained, and it shows from every angle. Those wheels are from a Cadillac, and if the tires aren’t new, they certainly don’t appear far from it.
The interior’s condition appears just as well preserved as the exterior, with very little wear and looking much as it would have back in 1979. XSC badges can be spotted on the door panels, with bucket seats and a console among the perks this package includes. A couple of other desirable options here are a CB radio, which was popular in passenger cars from this era, along with a power moonroof.
It would be nice to find the slightly more powerful 350 under the hood, but this one has a 307 V8, which the seller states has been carefully maintained. It’s said to provide enough performance to keep up with modern traffic, with zero issues noted and a very low odometer reading of 51,890 miles. This one’s from a period where plushness and comfort were king in the luxury marketplace, and this 1980 Oldsmobile Toronado is one of those offerings that epitomizes the genre. With the $8,400 opening bid still short of reserve, I’d be tempted to cut to the chase and click the own-it-today button, that is, if I had extra room in my garage for this brown beauty. What are your thoughts on this one?
CB radio, you say? Why, someone should submit one on “Curvettes” Fast Finds,,,( cough), aw, that bugs me, these people inundate the feature with 20 submissions a day ( I know, whining like a bad bearing already?), what? Oh yeah, what a car, to us alta crappers, who wouldn’t look once at this car in our youth, it’s odd how my/our jaws drop to the keyboard seeing this today. The CB radio here was a factory option, the antenna shared with the radio, got limited results, but what a car. I actually submitted a Cobra CB, that, like most of my tips, blew past, and I was disappointed it wasn’t featured. A lot of these types of cars coming up for my usual reasons, this one is a sweetheart, but I fear it may/has fallen on deaf ears, with 0 bids, and gas $9/liter( in Cuba, but not here ?) I just don’t think anyone wants these cars. Their loss, hey?
Attn: Curvette,,,ahh, just messin’ with ya’, I really don’t give a hoot anymore, I do enjoy your tips. :)
Curvette’s finds 😂😆😂
No worries Howard, I should find something more productive to do but I’m always looking anyway.
This one’s from T.J. Anyway.
This is an amazing find. This definitely falls under the category of, “Find the best one you can” category. It’s a little strange seeing a Toronado without a vinyl top, but I must say I really like it and I’m surprised more didn’t leave the factory like this. Its a beautiful roof line. And HUGE plus, no hidden rust issues in the roof either. Personally, $11,900 sounds like a very reasonable price, and you sure aren’t going to be able to restore one for anywheres near that price. Great write up Mike, good eye on that Eldorado rim too, I thought they looked familiar, I like it. And of course T.J. for spotting another creampuff.
One more thing on the Eldorado rims, the XSC had available color keyed full wheel covers available, which I’m sure looked great. Them doing this swap really took this Toronado up a notch.
Were leather seats an option for this year? I would have to lose the white wall tires. Definitely a good looking Tornado.