When this 1967 Oldsmobile Toronado showed up on the tips list (thanks to Barn Finder PRA4SNW), I knew I was powerless to resist picking it up. You see, I have this car bookmarked on my various devices because I’m actively searching for a 1966-67 Toronado, and this one is located in my home state of Michigan. With that being said, chances are good that I’ll hold back on bidding, as I prefer Toronados without vinyl tops. This example is nice enough (although not a show car) to make me wonder how much it would cost to have the roof painted and blended (probable answer: a lot). If you like Oldsmobile’s front-drive dream machine and can live with a fabric-covered roof, however, this one should be on your radar. With just under a week to go, the high bid on this Hagerty Marketplace auction in Marine City, Michigan, is $7,300.
If you’ve decided to click on an article about a Toronado, you probably know the mechanical score already: Oldsmobile installed their hottest engine, a 385-horsepower 425-cubic-inch V8, and bolted it to a front-wheel-drive setup that proved to be robust and practical. Thanks to the Toronado’s heft, the acceleration numbers were not startling, but some contemporary road tests bragged of a top speed in excess of 130 miles per hour. I wouldn’t suggest verifying that on our modern highways with a 59-year-old car.
The seller doesn’t elaborate too much on the mechanical condition of the car aside from saying that it has had a recent tune-up and a new alternator.
The interior has “Champagne” vinyl seats, and the more elaborate door panels (with door releases for rear seat passengers) tell us that it’s a Toronado Deluxe. Most of them were: Of the 21,790 cars built in 1967, only 1,770 were standard Toronados. Speaking of sales, they were down significantly from the Toronado’s inaugural model year of 1966, when Oldsmobile moved over 40,000 units.
Aside from needing the seat backs installed (they come with the car), the interior appears to be in nice condition. Although the seller presents the car as having bucket seats, the “084” trim code suggests that it’s a bench-seat car with a folding armrest, which is seen here. The car is well-equipped, with power windows, AM/FM radio, power antenna, and air conditioning.
There are some flaws to note, the most concerning being a dinged bumper and grille, not the easiest parts to source. In this picture, you can see the pop-up headlamps, which are more smoothly integrated into the nose than they were in 1966 (which is a reason that some people prefer the 1967 model). Unfortunately, those pop-up headlamps aren’t working correctly, a common Toronado malady. The power rear-quarter windows are also down for the count.
Aside from that, the Turquoise Frost paint has “imperfections commensurate with age” and the vinyl top is “weathered.” Some of this might sound a little bad, but it’s better to know the truth upfront than be surprised when the thing shows up on your front lawn. Nothing I’ve seen is particularly alarming if the car can be had for a reasonable price, and with about a week to go, you know I’ll be watching.
This is one classy looking Toronado. I’m going to agree with Aaron here, as much as a white vinyl top looks great with the turquoise, I think the first generation Toronados look better without them. This whole car looks great. I always thought the rear release on those large doors were a neat feature. Who knows. Aaron just might disappear tomorrow morning and come home with this one. PRA4SNW, you found a really nice one here. And Aaron, a great write up as usual. ( Let us know if you decided to take a ride and see this one, I certai it wouldn’t blame you if you did.)
Something is not right with the trunk lid and it doesn’t look like an easy fix. The interior is tired and worn. I doubt there is a set of buckets seats which go with the car. The seat backs are missing from the bench seat. The rear seat’s stitching is starting to give up. Lots of little things as well. Of course there’s no reason to sweat the interior until the vinyl top is removed.
Don’t let the shiny paint fool you, overall this car is a mess. There no mention if this car even runs and drives.