Front-wheel drive is the norm for passenger cars these days, but that wasn’t always the case. The revolutionary Oldsmobile Toronado was the first modern American vehicle to rely on its front wheels for motivation. This 1967 Toronado recently listed on eBay is from the second year of production when General Motors improved the Toronado’s ride and added available front disc brakes. This tan Toronado looks like a great opportunity to own a stylish and groundbreaking coupe at a bargain price.
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The Revolution Will Be Front-Wheel Drive
Oldsmobile introduced the Toronado in 1966 as its entry into the growing “personal luxury car” segment. With its new-fangled front-wheel drive, the Toronado’s cockpit floor was entirely flat, increasing passenger space and giving a roomy, airy feel. Bold, futuristic styling, big horsepower, and luxurious appointments made the Toronado a quintessential luxury coupe.
This Oldsmobile Toronado was also a technological marvel in its era. Standard equipment included GM’s first torsion-bar front suspension and whitewall tires - opens in new window or tab. specially developed by Firestone - opens in new window or tab., with a stiffer sidewall to handle the added load of front-wheel drive. The dashboard included a novel speedometer with rotating numbers behind a fixed needle rather than the more conventional sweeping dial. Convenience features included a second interior door release at the rear of the armrest to make it easier for rear passengers to get out.
A Bold New Direction From Oldsmobile
GM spent seven years developing the Toronado. Fitting a big V-8 engine - opens in new window or tab., transmission, and front-axle differential into a standard-size engine bay was no mean feat. The solution was called the Unitized Power Package - opens in new window or tab., combining a 385-horsepower, 425-cubic-inch V-8, and three-speed automatic transmission - opens in new window or tab. into a single unit.
This powertrain design would be further developed for use in the radical front-wheel drive Cadillac Eldorado, introduced in 1967. Despite its unconventional nature, the Unitized Power Package proved so robust it was installed basically unchanged in the revolutionary front-wheel-drive GMC Motorhome - opens in new window or tab.. The Toronado helped pave the way for front-wheel drive to dominate the auto industry.
Low-Mile Survivor, Or a Show Car in the Making
This Oldsmobile Toronado, located in Ill., shows just 53,000 miles on the odometer. That low number is believable, given the overall condition of the car. No rust or major dents are visible in the listing photos, and the body looks to be complete and original, with all the hard-to-find trim in place. The current owner has had the car for about five years, during which time it has been garage kept. Recent work includes new brakes and “lots of new parts,” and the car is said to drive well.
The golden-brown paint shows sun damage, particularly on the roof. Inside, the black interior looks to be complete and in decent condition. A small tear in the front seat and a crack in the driver’s door panel are the only major visible flaws. Creature comforts include power steering, brakes, locks, and windows, along with a tilt steering column.
This appealing Oldsmobile Toronado is not a show car, and that presents the new owner with a choice. Addressing the cosmetic issues could turn this low-mileage survivor into a stellar restored ride. Of course, you could drive it as-is and still ride in style. A below-market asking price sweetens the dea. This makes it easy to enjoy personal luxury, thanks to the wonder of front-wheel drive.
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This article is meant to provide general guidance only. Automotive maintenance, repair, upgrade, and installation may depend on vehicle-specifics such as make and model. Always consult your owner's manual, repair guide for specific information for your particular vehicle and consider a licensed auto-care professional's help as well, particularly for advance repairs.