Introduced in 1966, the Oldsmobile Toronado was GM’s first entry into front-wheel-drive. It was a lavish automobile that became popular in the personal luxury segment. By the mid-1980s, sales were in decline, so the Olds gurus added the sporty Trofeo model in hopes of changing the tides. That didn’t help much and the Toronado retired in 1992. This ’88 edition of the Trofeo was built about the time Oldsmobile was using the advertising slogan “not your father’s Oldsmobile.” Whether this was your dad’s car or not, it looks rather nice and sports fuzzy seat covers for those so inclined. Located in Salmon, Idaho, this Olds is available here on craigslist for $7,900. Our thanks to Rocco B. for this interesting tip!
A smaller, fourth-generation Toronado went into production in 1986. It had unibody construction instead of the prior body-on-frame. Less weight meant smaller engines could get the job done, in this case, Buick’s 231 cubic inch V6. In mid-1987, the Trofeo came along and had all sorts of goodies as standard equipment, including leather bucket seats and the F3 suspension package which put the driver more in tune with the roadway. Beginning in 1989, the Trofeo stopped wearing Toronado’s badges, and the sales increase Oldsmobile had been hoping for never materialized.
The seller’s listing reads like a dealer’s ad with no history on the car and few details. We’re told that it has just 69,000 miles and the seat covers suggest an older owner. The body and silver paint look quite good, and we assume the leather interior is nice under the fuzziness. We’re also told it’s a good-running automobile and likely has the 4T60-E automatic transmission to go with the V6. I can’t recall the last time I saw an Olds Trofeo. How about you?
Handsome, and well appointed automobiles, with style, from the good Dr. Olds.
Who remembers Harry Bellafonte’s son and daughter, Gina and David, being hired for the TV ad?
[To the tune of “The Banana Boat Song”:]
“Troh-FAAAAAAY-Oh! Troh-FAAAAAAY-YAAAY-YAAY-Oh!!!
A New Generation of Oldsmobile!”
That ruined Harry Bellafonte’s signature song for me forevermore…….
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DPzoFsMMRMg
This Toronado will probably get bashed, because it isn’t the ground-breaking and stylish large Toronado of the 60’s. But by the late 80’s things in the automotive world had changed…. dramatically.
I always thought this model Toronado was rather attractive, crisply styled, not gaudy at all. The similar rectangular front and rear themes are particularly well-done. Overall these models fit well with their decade.
Spot on assessment of these cars. Pretty solid mechanicals. Lose those wheels.
Nice write up Russ, but my dad bought a blue/blue 88 Trofeo new at Kurland Olds in NY. It came with GMs 440 Turbo transmission. 4 speed. He drove it 100,000 miles by 1996. Only a few problems, such as crank and cam sensors. He sold it to me for $1,500. I had always detailed it for him and it was always garaged and rarely winter driven. I lived that car, maintained it and had a few GM problems, such as the dreaded morning sickness from the rack and pinion. Replaced that along with a muffler or two. Always changed trans fluid, coolant and fuel filter. The 3.8 engine bullet proof and 27 mpgs all day long. In 2006, at 200,000 miles at deer ran in front of me on I-84. Was doing 70. Couldn’t stop. Car demolished. Still sick about it. Last new car dad ever bought. The original wheels are missing on this one.
Love the seat covers, these must of cost a bit of money they seem well done, popular in the 80’s if i remember. At least this Trofeo is not as garish looking as the upsized one that came out later. If it was cared for the drivetrain will last forever. This could be a nice buy for a nice week ender car because you don’t see many of them anymore.
Never seen one I guess I would jazz it up a bit looks 😊
I absolutely love this car!
You had me at “Toronado Information Center”.
What if I liked my father’s Oldsmobile?
One of only a couple of cars that the trunk is wider at the bottom edge than the top. You wont see that style on anything
I had a 87’ Trofeo with FE3 suspension the interior was exactly like this one, minus the seat covers, and exterior same maroon color. My 90’ model was this grey/silver color combo. Pleasure to drive either one but the 87’ was a little lighter/shorter so it handled better and would take you speeds past 80mph and you think you’re doing 50mph. The 90’ was the Brougham with 60/40 power seats and suede like fabric, rode smooth. And it’s an Olds!!!!
All these positive comments are making me smile! No I can’t say when the last time I Saw one was but I know when I saw my first one. 1987, I was in college and loved the design immediately and totally. I also liked the updated larger trunk version that came out in the 1990’s. As I have said on BF many time, I have always wanted an Oldsmobile. My friend Bob had the Buick version of this (Buick Somerset T Type I think) and that was a great car. The positive feedback here about the drivetrain will no doubt have me out looking for one come Spring.
The Buick version of this was the Riviera. They were often supercharged in the mid-90s. The Somerset Regal was an N-body like the Grand Am and Olds Cutlass Calais. The comments on the drivetrain hold true for just about any GM car that was powered by the 3800 or any if its earlier variants, but these 2-door “personal luxury coupes” were great cars, as were the full-size FWD sedans from the same era.