The Original Oldsmobile Toronado: A Revolutionary Luxury Coupe
In the automotive world, few cars have made as significant an impact as the first-generation Oldsmobile Toronado. Introduced in 1965 as a 1966 model, the Toronado was the first front-wheel-drive American car since the 1937 Cord 810/812. This innovative vehicle not only distinguished itself from its competitors but also redefined the luxury two-door market in America.
A Bold Statement in the Mid-1960s
During the mid-1960s, General Motors was thinking big, and the time was right for Oldsmobile to create a car that could stand out from Cadillac’s Eldorado and Buick’s Riviera, as well as Ford’s popular Thunderbird. Oldsmobile stylist David North’s 1962 concept, the ‘Flame Red Car,’ was enlarged and developed into the full-sized Toronado. The result was a car that combined innovative engineering with striking design.
The Toronado adapted GM’s excellent three-speed Turbo-Hydramatic transmission to power the front wheels, paired with a robust 425 ci (7.0-liter) V-8 engine producing 385 hp. This combination gave the 4,500-pound Toronado impressive performance, accelerating from zero to 60 mph in 7.5 seconds. Built on GM’s E platform, the Toronado offered a spacious interior with a flat floor, improving entry and exit for rear-seat passengers and providing a sense of spaciousness unlike other luxury two-door vehicles of its time.
Dramatic Styling and Public Reception
The early Toronado’s dramatic styling, featuring pop-up headlamps, ‘meat-cleaver’ front fenders, and a Kamm-tail rear end, set it apart from its contemporaries. The public reaction was overwhelmingly positive, with almost 41,000 examples sold in the 1966 model year. While handling was affected by a heavy front end and front-wheel-drive understeer, the Toronado was generally responsive.
A Collector’s Item Today
Today, the first-generation Toronado is highly regarded as a collector’s item, particularly models from the initial two years. While later versions continued with annual facelifts through 1970, the original styling has made those early models the most collectible. Potential buyers should be aware that rust can be a consideration, especially around A-pillars and the top of rear spring mounts. A well-maintained Toronado can be found for under $20,000, while concours-quality examples command $50,000 or more.
The Oldsmobile Toronado remains a significant piece of automotive history, representing a bold step forward in engineering and design. Its legacy continues to be celebrated by car enthusiasts who appreciate its unique blend of performance, luxury, and innovative technology.
