1972 Oldsmobile Toronado
The Oldsmobile Toronado was sold from 1966 through 1992. It was built as a low-priced luxury car with excellent performance and a revolutionary design. The name Toronado has no meaning; it was made up for a 1963 Chevrolet show car. The American automobile manufacturer Cord had created a vehicle in the mid-1930's that used front-wheel drive. Since that time most American automobiles used rear-wheel drive. The Toronado, a full-sized American car using front wheel drive, is credited with revolutionizing and stimulating the industry to use the front-wheel design. For the American Automotive Community, it was a risky concept. The front-wheel design was viewed as a reason why Cord had gone bankrupt. Many were skeptical of having the front of the vehicle handle most of the weight, be responsible for steering and braking, and drive the car.
We offer you a revolutionary car with features many cars did not even dare put into effect until years later. Front wheel drive, and the HMSL, (high mounted brake light), along with a load of options to grace this 455ci V8 version. This example, though not perfect, is rarely seen on the roads today even though it was a very popular car in the mid 1970's. Breathe it in and have a read about this well-kept and eye-catching example. (think excited!)
Exterior
With looks very similar to a Lincoln and Cadillac, and power similar to a muscle car, the Toronado is a fine mixture of both. With its V bumper below the matching V hood and simple horizontal built in grille, it could be squared off, (think Cord). Dual headlights in round format flank the long hood and show off with cathedral style marker lights on the pointed corners, which makes its way back to the slightly curved around windscreen. Plenty of chrome trim resides here bordering the windscreen, and a brown vinyl top covers the passengers, (think Cadillac). Sides include long straight steel panels with good alignment, and...more chrome trim circumnavigating the wheel wells, and rockers and brown pinstriping highlights the bodylines front and rear which melt into the long doors. Bringing up the rear is a notched paneled trunk, where the outboard high mounted stop lights reside, and ribbed horizontal tail lights, (think Continental). All steel panels are draped in Covert Beige. As noted, not perfect with some scratches and faults, but this car can be shown or driven, or both, as it's a driver, and frowns upon garage and trailer queens, (think Toronado).
Interior
A heave of the massive door reveals an environment dyed in Covert Gold and beige. The door panels are beige in vinyl with brown carpeted lowers. These panels present as very clean and the power window controls, power locks, power seat control and mirror joystick within a brushed aluminum panel. Chrome and stainless inserts are seen on the mounting points for the Covert leather door pull and a red caution courtesy lamp is noted below along with a courtesy light. A big comfortable Covert Gold cloth split bench with buttoned tuck and roll inserts and a fold down armrest and with power adjustments fill the front passenger compartment. Straddling the rear is another bench matching the front with Covert cloth surrounds and tuck and roll. The dash and steering wheel are original and utilize the mid 70's "squared off design principle" even down to an analog clock. Fluffy unstained brown carpet below with brown rubber mats, and a Covert perforated vinyl headliner above complete the interior.
Drivetrain
An original unrestored, but well maintained and glossy dark blue painted 455ci V8 topped by a single 4-barrel carburetor awaits us under the long wide hood. A bevy of supple hoses and ducts fill out the cavernous engine bay and everything looks just wonderful with the right amount of patina. Bolted to the back is a TH425 3-speed automatic transmission which sends power to the front tires via a 2.73 geared axle.
Undercarriage
A thorough look underneath, and we are met with patina and surface rust on the usual untreated suspects which include the suspension, frame and axles. All areas remain solid thanks in part to the black undercoating that has been applied. Power disc brakes upfront, and power drum brakes in the rear are noted along with independent torsion bar front suspension and a 4 link and coil springs for the rear ride. Dual exhaust with stock replacement mufflers are seen running rearward and handles the exhale effectively and efficiently.
Drive-Ability
She started with a turn of the key and ran beautifully. A smooooooth cruise, good tight steering and straight braking. With the 455 cubes it does not take too much time to get to cruising speed, and the transmission shifts smoothly on the way there. All functions were working beautifully save for the AC not blowing cold, the power locks not functioning, and the power seat moving slow. All in all, a comfortable ride and a great looker that constantly draws looks of admiration.
Combining luxury, early 1970's design, and some muscle, this car could be all 3 cars if you want. In very good condition, it can be driven right to the next show or just enjoyed as your Sunday pleasure cruiser. Regardless, it is ready to turn heads! (think positive).
3Y57W2M739574
3-Oldsmobile
Y-Toronado
57-Hardtop Coupe
W-455ci V8 4bbl 250hp
2-1972
M-Lansing, MI Assy Plant
739574-Sequential Unit Number
TRIM TAG
ST 72 39857-1972 Toronado Brougham
BDY FWD840800-Lansing Body #
TR 044-Covert Gold Cloth
PNT 50T-Covert Beige, Covert Beige Top
05B-2nd Week May Build
Classic Auto Mall is a 336,000-square foot classic and special interest automobile showroom, featuring over 650 vehicles for sale with showroom space for up to 1,000 vehicles. Also, a 400 vehicle barn find collection is on display.
This vehicle is located in our showroom in Morgantown, Pennsylvania, conveniently located just 1-hour west of Philadelphia on the I-76 Pennsylvania Turnpike. The website is www.classicautomall.com and our phone number is (888) 227-0914. Please contact us anytime for more information or to come see the vehicle in person.
