I am not a fan of economic rationalism. I acknowledge it is a necessary evil of business, but I believe it has cost far too many iconic marques in the automotive world. Oldsmobile joined that list in 2004, and with no signs of a revival after two decades, preserving cars like this 1980 Toronado XSC to reflect the brand’s innovative approach has become imperative. The seller describes this Olds as a one-of-a-kind classic, and I admit I don’t remember seeing an identical example. It is in superb condition, making the claimed odometer reading of 50,000 original miles seem plausible. It is listed here on Craigslist in Dallas, Texas. The seller set their price at $14,800, and I must say a big thank you to Barn Finder Tony P for spotting this remarkable survivor.
Oldsmobile broke new ground when it released the first Toronado for the 1966 model year. It represented the first front-wheel drive American production car since Cord’s demise in 1937. The company remained faithful to that design philosophy until the last Toronado rolled off the line in 1992. It introduced the Third Generation in 1979, with this 1980 model ordered by its first owner as the high-end Toronado XSC. They selected to cloak its exterior in Medium Camel Metallic paint and, in an interesting twist, decided to forego the vinyl top that was a popular option that year. However, they did select the power moonroof, allowing this classic to stand out from the crowd. The car’s overall condition is impressive. The seller admits the paint on the roof exhibits some checking, but the fault is only visible in subdued light. They don’t feel the issue warrants a touch-up, but perfectionists might consider that option if they can locate a shop that can achieve an acceptable color match. The paint retains a deep shine, the panels are as straight as an arrow, and the underside shots confirm this garage-kept classic is rust-free. The glass is crystal clear, the trim is spotless, and the factory alloy wheels and narrow whitewalls add a perfect finishing touch.
The XSC package brought one notable upgrade to the Toronado’s interior, with the traditional split-bench front seat making way for luxurious buckets. That is just one of the luxury touches because not only does the driver’s seat feature six-way power adjustment, but this Toronado scores air conditioning, power windows, power locks, remote exterior mirrors, cruise control, a rear defogger, a two-bin console, a leather-wrapped tilt wheel, and an AM/FM stereo radio/cassette player with an integrated CB. The icing on the cake is the overall condition of the interior. The seller doesn’t mention supporting evidence for the claim of 50,000 original miles, but the lack of wear inside this car makes the claim plausible. The upholstered surfaces look spotless, the dash and pad show no signs of UV damage, and the acres of woodgrain are immaculate. I hesitate to describe any original interior of this vintage as perfect, but this Toronado’s goes awfully close.
The entry-level V8 in the 1980 Toronado range was the 307ci powerplant, which occupies this car’s engine bay. It sends 150hp and 245 ft/lbs of torque to the front wheels via a three-speed TH-325 automatic transmission. As befits the car’s luxury leanings, power assistance for the steering and brakes is standard fare. It may not have been the best weapon to aim down the local drag strip, but owners seeking a relaxed and luxurious driving experience would feel right at home aboard this beauty. The engine bay presents as impressively as the rest of the vehicle and doesn’t flatter to deceive. The seller confirms it runs and drives as well as it would have the day it rolled off the lot. Therefore, flying in and driving home is a realistic expectation.
Oldsmobile is a distant memory, and it is sobering to consider that many people in the latest generation of enthusiasts may not have even been born when General Motors retired the brand. That makes preservation critical because cars like this 1980 Toronado XSC represent the last link to a wonderful part of our automotive heritage. Those are noble thoughts, but are you up for that challenge?
Absolutely love this one. Wish it was near me to go see in person. Has anyone owned one and if so how did you like it or not like it?
Guy doen the street had a Toronado when i was a kid. The interiors are incredible.
I owned 2 of this generation , both purchased new. Currently. I have a convertible one that I bought 2 years ago. Did not even know convertibles were offered back in the day.
A great ride , soft and takes curves , well don’t go to fast. They really are like being back the ole 80’s luxury feel as much as a car could. It feels big inside , mainly because there is not drive train hump in the center floor.
I really have enjoyed this midsize
Gen 3 olds.
I used to own this car. Liked some things about it and disliked other things.
Md, what was the likes and what was the dislikes?
I had 3 of them and I was happy .especially in Michigan was good in snow
I had an 83 Toronado, silver with the vinyl roof. Floated down the road and was the most comfortable ride you can imagine. I’d buy another one no problem but $15K is a little much, even for an example as nice as this. Great car!
I am pretty sure these are Buick Riviera wheels. But really nice car !
I think those are the special wheels for the XSC package. I prefer the wire caps anyway.
You’re close, they are Cadillac wheels.
They are Cadillac wheels…I put them on there.
Gorgeous car, from back when luxury meant roomy and comfortable. I wish I could buy it. I can see myself waxing it on a lazy August afternoon.
Wow! If this checks out it has to be the deal of the century. Classy and you will never see another like it.
It was a deal last month when it sold at Mecum for $8800.
Md,
Looked at the car today, very nice, and I know the dealer. There are no records or any documents with the car justifying the mileage, although the car does a good job of that. Any chance you might know if the mileage is correct? Thanks!
Caddy One, I bought the car with 46k miles about 10 yrs ago. I have no documents, and no knowledge whether the mileage is actual or not.
Sorry.
Very nice find. This era of Toronado, Riviera and Eldorado seemed to be everywhere back in the day. The Toronado XSC is comparable to an 83 Riviera 20 anniversary edition although I prefer the coffin nose Toronado.
Somewhat unrelated with regards to marketing. GM missed an opportunity IMHO (one of many) to create a specialty division….maybe call it “GM Legacy” where they could have cherry picked models out of defunct marques to market. Various iterations of Olds Cutlass (Hurst Olds, etc), Pontiac Grand Prix, Firebirds, Trans Am…maybe even put Camaros (dead), Riviera and Eldorado in the mix.
Beautiful car. Always liked the Toro/Eldo/Riviera from this era. My buddy bought a new one like this in ‘79. It was charcoal gray with black leather. I’ve never been a fan of those colors but on that car it was gorgeous. It had the wire caps which really set it off. Wish I would have bought it from him.
Thumbs up for the photography. Almost brochure quality. Way too nice for a CL ad.
By the looks of that underside they didn’t do any sanding of the surface corrosion before they hit it with the ol’ rattle can magic. Not saying I necessarily see anything to worry about at first glance, but I’d definitely check the front edges of those floor pans
Bought a couple of these from the Olds dealer I worked at back in the early 80’s (diesel version). They were trade-ins, so I only paid a few hundred apiece. A little slow, but the nicest-driving cars I’ve ever owned.
Stunningly beautiful reminder of what GM used to do so well; design and build beautiful cars. Gorgeous in the chocolate brown with the alloy wheels. Someone is getting a nice car.
gone.
Had an 81 Riviera that rode like a dream. Had a “metric” tranny (don’t know if that is the 325″) that failed every now and then. Not good.