1971 saw some big changes and the first redesign of the Oldsmobile Toronado since it was introduced as a front-wheel-drive offering for 1966, an outside-the-box concept for the mid-sixties. While the early cars were certainly not lacking in the luxury department, they also featured somewhat sporty lines outside to compliment the comfort the car offered inside, with buyers seeming to like the fact that there was no “hump” inside where a driveshaft would have resided had GM chosen a rear-wheel-drive application. The car retained its FWD design for ’71, but for the second generation, it became more of a traditional personal luxury coupe, similar to the Cadillac Eldorado. If you’ve been in the market for a nicely-preserved example, this 1971 Olds Toronado may be worth checking out. It’s in Mundelein, Illinois, and can be seen here on eBay with a buy-it-now price of $13,900.
Reader and car connoisseur Larry D. spotted this Olds and sent it our way, and we’d like to thank him for sharing it with us! Other than the seller telling us that the Toronado came from Texas and is a one-family-owned vehicle, we get very little additional information about the car’s history. But we do get numerous high-quality photos plus a walk-around video, and from what we can see this one sure looks like it’s had an easy life and been well cared for. The body seems straight and the finish appears to be in good shape, though no word on whether or not that’s the original paint.
The standard motor in the ’71 Toronado was a 455, and even though it was a carryover from the first-generation, compression was lowered from 10.5:1 the previous year to 8.5:1. But the good news is only 25 horsepower was lost, and the big block still produced 350 horses. The mileage is listed as 37,365, and although there’s no word on whether or not that’s accurate, the engine does seem to run well in the video with no noticeable unusual noises coming from under the hood. However, nothing at all is mentioned about the automatic transmission or the state of any other mechanical components.
Looking at the condition of the interior makes me feel like 37k miles may be actual. Unless things have been redone inside, the cabin reflects a car that’s been used sparingly over the years, with the most serious issues I could find limited to a bit of wear where the headliner meets the side panels in the back seat area, and even that isn’t too significant. Plus I’m really digging the looks of the Super Bee that can be seen from the windshield! But back to the Oldsmobile. This one appears to be a fine example of a second-generation Toronado, and if the asking price of nearly $14,000 is a bit steep for your tastebuds, there’s also the option to make an offer. What is a reasonable amount to pay for a ’71 Toronado like the car you’re seeing here?
That hood is unreal!
This is in great shape. I believe the mileage is spot on. Just look at the engine compartment. That’s super clean for it’s age. I see it may need a heater core since it’s not hooked up to the engine. My father brought a used one like this in brown from a dealer. It lasted one week the chain for the transmission broke. The dealership took it back gave my father a full refund. I remember it was big and not easy to park on a city street. Otherwise good luck to the next owner. 🐻🇺🇸
I think this is the first Toronado I have ever seen from this vintage that did not have a vinyl roof.
I just wrote the same comment to my brother… I always thought Toronado’s looked better; more sporty w/o vinyl roof… all of them: 1966, 1971, 1979 and 1986…
Lack of a vinyl roof is a huge plus in terms of appearance and less corrosion issues. I would go over this car carefully. It sure looks worth making right in every way!
It’s no coincidence that the ’71 Toronado resembles an Eldorado. The Toronado’s design originated with a discarded Eldorado proposal.
I only recently realized the central nose styling of this generation Toronado and the next was probably meant as a nod to the “coffin nose” Cord 810/812, as an American FWD forebear.
There was a lady I worked with who had one of these.It was Dark Blue with a White vinyl top.I always thought it wasn’t a very good looking car.
This one looks so much better in this color,but nowhere as nice as
the original.
I’d love to take this powerhouse Oldsmobile for a blast cross country, point 👉 that long hood South, and follow the sunshine 🌞
I did exactly that in my ’71 Toronado. It was gold with a black vinyl top. GREAT, comfortable cruiser. I remember barreling down the interstate at 90+ mph through the mountains. The car was huge but it would completely roll smoke off those front tires to the point of not being able to see much ahead. The only drawback was the really bad gas mileage. I think I averaged about 9 mpg.
Great price. I’d jump on this one. Not particularly fond of the yeller (or the interior for that matter), but it’s reflected in the price so…
It’s been for sale for many months, but looks pretty good around this price. I’ve had no dealings with this dealer, but 76% feedback rating would give me pause
Amazing how quickly Oldsmobile lost the scent on the original Toronado formula. From a sleek and swoopy fastback couple with sporting flair, they went to a big, baroque barge that was more of a less spacious 98. This version was really just an Eldorado with arguably a better engine and less swank appointments.
What’s with the heater core red hose loop?
It was for disapating cabin noise from coolant going thru the hoses.
Forgot to add they used to be in a complete loop from the factory before entering the heater control valve on the intake.Replaced a lot of those for leaky diaphragms. The red hose is probably 80’s replacement.
My father always had different coupes and convertibles all his life until his last car, 2010 Buick Lacrosse CXS Ruby red.In ’67 dad traded his ’64 T bird landau for a ’67 Olds delta 88 custom, then traded for a ’70 Olds Tornado, I loved that one being 17yo, traded that one for a ’72 Tornado, nice car but not like that ’70, he had a bunch more 2 doors, 75 Chrysler Cordoba, 77 Mercury Cougar XR7, 80 Delta 88, 83 Cadillac El dorado, 85 El dorado, both black and blood red leather interior, 87 Cadillac coupe DeVille, then in 95 he got a Lincoln Mk8, l still have that one, then he bought the Lacrosse a 4 door, but sporty. He loved coupes always said 4 doors weren’t his style, he just passed in May of 2022 at 98 years old, WW ll vet and a Buffalo Soldier, thanks dad for all the sharp cars I had a chance to drive. Wish I could have driven the 56 Buick special, 58 Buick, and the super sharp 61 Chevy Impala, black by the way
Miss you pops
A great tribute to your dad! Mine was the same way. Coupes and regular cab pick up’s. Until the last couple of cars, because “old people” drove 4 doors!
The 71 Toro fully loaded had a special option of antilock rear breaks, the first of its kind I believe.Very nice car.
My dad bought a newToro in 71 brown with brown interior same fabric pattern.
For 350 hp it was pretty powerful,
Light up the front tires and he had nice radials on there too! In the winter drive right up the mountain roads pass everything no problem.
On the highway we drove upstate NY Speedo pegged at 120 and it just crusied
The highway no problem.
Probably should have kept it, sold it with 21000 miles at 5 years old.
Pretty cool ride
By-passed heater core. Good luck on that!!!
The vehicle appears to be in very good condition for its age, however, the cloth inserts in the front seat appear to have been replaced, with a center trim button missing from the drivers seat back also. I don’t believe Oldsmobile offered a two-tone interior decor package on the 1971 Toronados- the upholstery fabric does not appear to even be a replacement of the original fabric. The lower vinyl bolster appears to have been replaced as well.
The second generation Toronado was a major departure in appearance from the first generation. The 1971 is the cleanest design for this generation IMHO before the feds got involved with bumpers.
I believe this car once had a vinyl roof. Look closely at the rear window molding and you will see that it has the graining to match the vinyl. It should be smooth for a non-vinyl roof car.
Surprising how thin the windshield pillars are on these big ’70s GM cars.
Compare them to what’s on today’s rolling “appliances”!
Are there engine cooling issues with the 2 grills being on the extreme lower ends of the front end?
https://i.ebayimg.com/images/g/vtwAAOSw03Ji6nZ~/s-l1600.jpg