The Oldsmobile Toronado was one of those classic GM products that seemingly did everything well but it still wasn’t good enough to save itself when push came to shove. Still, when they do pop up for sale today, it’s hard to ignore its charms, which include a still-striking exterior and packed with impressive technology when equipped with the Trofeo package. This 1992 Trofeo appears to be a base model, but it’s been in the care of one owner since new and has just 40,353 miles on the clock. The condition appears to be quite nice, and this final-year Toronado is listed here on Facebook Marketplace for $10,000.
The Toronado was a hybrid model of sorts, still clinging to the idea that car shoppers wanted a personal luxury coupe, but wrapped in an era-appropriate package with a truncated chassis and front-wheel drive. The emphasis was still on coddling the driver and making them feel as if they were in some sort of exclusive luxury transport pod, when in actuality, they were riding in a rolling corporate parts bin with fancy duds. Still, the parts used were some of GM’s best and most reliable, like the 3800 V6 under the hood. The engine was paired with the 4T60-E transmission, so it was a bit less impressive, with reliability a mixed bag over the years.
A survivor is a car we can appreciate no matter the make or model, and this Toronado appears to be quite tidy inside and out. The acres of leather seats are in mint condition save for some modest wear on the driver’s. The steering wheel still gleams, free of greasy handprints. The beige carpets show little in the way of coffee stains. The listing notes that it was “custom-ordered” from the dealership, and that the same dealer was responsible for servicing it since new. This Toronado doesn’t have the slick Visual Information Center (VIC), but that also means there’s one less thing to break. The seller does disclose that the ABS has been disabled.
This Oldsmobile has all the signs of being owned by an older caretaker, as the backseat appears to be unused. The Toronado in Trofeo trim got an FE3 suspension, larger alloy wheels, and an overall more determined stance that helped it win over far more buyers than the base model when it was still in the showroom. This Toronado in standard trim is certainly a rarity, especially in condition like this. The advertised price is $10,000, but when you look further down in the listing, you’ll see the seller is actually asking $8,000. That may still be too much for a 90s Oldsmobile, but we’re getting closer. Thanks to Barn Finds reader Mitchell G. for the tip.
Beautiful well-kept Toronado in the age appropriate old man tan color combination.
This one looks to be a base Toronado and not a Trofeo. The Trofeo would have had bucket seats.
It would also say “Trofeo” on the trunk.
Pity about the passenger side front corner damage. Not many left in this condition.
I would never buy one of these without the Studebaker kit :)
bt
O.K., I’ll bite–what might the Studebaker kit be ?
bill–hadn’t seen the Olds with the Stude front end on here–see now where you were coming from.
Olds’ problem in those days was, they were building cars that were pretty good. But in a world full of “pretty good”, Olds found itself as the odd man out. They just weren’t making anything outstanding since all of their cars were from the average GM parts bin. Same with this Toronado. Decent enough car in its day, loaded with features, but there were too many other cars similarly equipped that were just better. This example is nicely preserved, and you can’t go wrong with the Buick-sourced 3800 engine. Whoever buys this is getting a “pretty good” deal. I suggest servicing the transmission (fluid and filter). BONUS FOOTAGE:..that ad is 26 weeks old.
Nice car, good price. The minor items can be fixed relatively easily. However= The car just SCREAMS old man. All you need to go with it are plaid pants, a golf shirt, and Florida plates (license, not dental)
HEY! Got some’in against old men?
this is not a trofeo it’s the base model toro. clean wheel but 8k is high. i can’t see any more pics than what’s here but it does look good, but no floor shift does hurt it imo. i would offer 5k
I think they’d gotten rid of the screen by this time. Trouble and while it still works, send it in to that outfit out east for a refurb.
This is the first “base” model in any of the ’86-’92 years I’ve seen with leather. Love the color in & out and the leather. Too bad it’s missing the passenger power seat.
Also looks like the hood on the passenger side rides a smidgen high.
ABS disconnected? So what, car still stops. My ’92 Park Avenue’s ABS light came on, so I just put a piece of electrical tape over the light & drove it.