When it comes to automobiles that were truly ahead of their time, the Oldsmobile Toronado shines brightly in both the engineering and styling departments. When the car was introduced in 1966, it was the first United States-built car to feature a front-wheel-drive platform since the short-lived Cord, which came to its demise in 1937. Branded as a personal luxury car, the Toronado lasted through four generations, finally being retired after the 1992 model. But when it comes to the cool factor, it’s hard to beat a first-generation Toronado, and if you’ve been in the market for one of these unusual cars and like the idea of a first-year example, this 1966 Oldsmobile Toronado might be a good car for you. It’s located in Havana, Florida, and can be found here on Craigslist with a price tag of $12,500.
Barn Finds wants to thank reader T.J. for the great tip on this one! While it’s not without some battle scars, this really does look like a solid car and a good candidate for some TLC. The story goes that this Toronado was a gift to its current owner from his grandfather, and it was moved from a barn in Central Texas to its present location in Florida. All the rust that can be seen is said to be on the surface only and accumulated from sitting in the barn. The car looks to be complete, and although the paint may be somewhat dull I’m wondering if this might be one of those finishes that just a good wash job might make look a lot better. The most significant exterior issue appears to be the rear bumper.
The car was driven by its current owner until it began overheating and the fuel pump went out, and the seller suspects that the head gasket may be bad as well. It’s an Olds 425 cubic inch V8, with an extra-large intake manifold and dual-snorkel air cleaner, and from the factory was good for 385 gross horsepower. Even though the motor needs work, it looks complete and appears to be original, so it would probably be worth the effort it would take to get it running again. No word on the transmission or its condition.
We don’t get a good photo of the entire interior, but the seller mentions that the seats were covered in plastic when his grandfather first bought the car, and they’re looking exceptionally well preserved. The other bits and pieces we can see inside appear to be satisfactory, and like the outside look like they would benefit a lot from just a good clean-up. Although the ’66 Toronado features many nuances, one of my favorites is the rolling speedometer! What are your thoughts on this 1966 Oldsmobile Toronado?
One of my favorite GM cars from the 60’s. I looked to purchase a 66 locally but the amount of work needed would have exceeded the value pretty quickly. This one looks like a good project which could clean up and look decent enough to drive as is once you go through the mechanicals. I suspect overheating was probably due to a radiator that has a clogged core. However now I would be surprised if the engine was stuck from sitting in damp weather.
So he drove it after the fuel pump failed? Price is a bit high with possible engine damage. Oldsmobiles usually don’t loose head gaskets and if they get that hot could be a problem. Old folk car and just because they bought seat covers doesn’t mean coolant and oil were maintained. Do like these cars though.
This is not my kind of car
I dont like the handling
I dont like the seating
But WOW the styling of these was absolutely audacious, beautiful,curvy
I cant believe the horror that came out of the same companies 2 decades later
There are so many oddities on these that make them so special to look at
And thats what i do when i find one at a car show
YOLO
Beautiful design, always one of my favourite vehicles! I hope someone save it and keeps it all original.
Great design back then and cross between sporty and luxury. Overpriced by about 7500 bucks considering it really needs complete restoration and no way of knowing how much engine damage currently exists. Replacement of that rear bumper will come cheap! Hope someone with deep pockets and a real love for these old Toronados purchases it!
These cars just aren’t that popular. To a special crowd. 12000 is barret Jackson dreaming. I have one I have been trying to sell for 2 years, can’t get 1200 out of it.
Love the outrageous styling!
Still one of my bucket list cars. If only my wallet and garage were big enough.
i luv these cars………
Too bad BF does not allow us normal non subscribers to email in finds….Knoxville TN, nicer one on CL.
My 1929 Pontiac had a rolling drum speedometer albeit at an axis 90 degrees form the Toronado. The more things change, the more they don’t. I had a rough ’66 that ran and I sold in 2015 for $825. Great car, just under 41000 were produced in ’66.
Severe bumper damage in rear view suggests a substantial hit. Beware! these cars are unit body from the front of the rear wheel well back.
It looks as though the rear bumper got snagged on something while being loaded onto the trailer, not a rear hit.
my uncle lived in Ecorse Michigan, and worked for GM.
He had one of these, and after he died my aunt was going to sell it, of course this was almost 40 years ago and as a then young man in my early 20’s i was very interested but when my aunt [ my mom’s sister ] called us, she said it was very rusty so with no real funds to take on a project like that i had to pass on it.
the other hurdle was i was 8 hours away, and had no trailer or means to get it home :-(
I do realize the site is called barn finds, but for golly sakes would it take that much effort to remove the huge mouse/rat nest on top of what looks to be the heater housing and remove a few cobwebs?
I just can’t get over these people that drag out some old unappreciated (to them) car they have, snap a few pics and ask quite a price for it. Again I think it’s someone here with Barrett Jackson syndrome. Simply not worth that kind of money for it’s condition and care.
James A Martin, where are you? I’ll give you the 1200 if it’s in not much worse shape than this one.
Here is a real barn find:
https://knoxville.craigslist.org/cto/d/pigeon-forge-rare-1st-year-made-1966/7467912986.html
I have had a twin to this car since 1980. My dad bought one new in 66, so I have been around these for a very long time. Obviously I think they are awesome. One of the original designers of the 66 was David North, who is still around and posts from time to time on the FB Toronado group. I agree with everyone else, this car is way overpriced for it’s condition. I also doubt it needed a head gasket, as that never was an issue these engines had, but obviously I don’t know. I do know that these are very easy to work on in most ways. The vacuum system for the headlights can be a challenge when all the hoses dry out from age. Like any project car, it is going to cost a bundle to make it showroom new, and no you won’t make any money doing so. I imagine the same is true for C2 corvettes, so if making money is your goal, buy something else. If you want a fun car that will go past the limits of the 135 mph speedometer then this might be the car for you. Just remember they are 4 wheel drum brakes, and at 4700 lbs they don’t stop too well. Disc brakes were an option in 67 and standard in 68 and later.
Parts are available in many places, I know a great guy in Las Vegas that has probably 50 parts cars.
Just my opinion the car posted might be a $4000 car, IF the engine turns over.
James Martin there are MANY buyers for yours at $1200
BRAKTRCR and FRAN: Judging from the Knoxville car, I’d have to call the fire department to get that spare out of the trunk!
Guess it is not worth your time to find out if the car might, just might be OK and not affected?
“Yeah, there is a 67 Shelby on my street in a garage, owner told me he does not want to sell it, I won’t check on it from time to time, until I see it loaded on a trailer going by my house.” I will just let some flipper buy it.