For Sale: 1979 Oldsmobile Toronado in Morgantown, Pennsylvania

1979 Oldsmobile Toronado

As the 1970's drew to a close GM was in downsizing mode and offered up a trio of 114-inch wheelbase cars in a Cadillac Eldorado, Olds Toronado, and Buick Riviera. These E body triplets appeared similar but were aimed at a distinctly different audience. Toronado is an altered word of the Spanish tornada which means "thunderstorm" This was taken from the Latin word tonare which means "to thunder".

For consignment, a storm just blew into Classic Auto Mall in the form of a square and rectangle designed Olds Toronado from 1979. This E body car has luxury and sport mixed together, a diesel V8, and a snazzy velour broadcloth interior which drips late 1970's.

Exterior
Resembling the Cadillac Eldorado and Buick Riviera, a V shaped Toronado badged radiator cover has some stainless horizontal ribbing just below to form the sophisticated looking grille. Dual square headlights are flanking either side and a shiny rubber edged bumper is below and keeping the same profile as the V shaped grille. We do note that this front end is from a 1982 Toronado as the grille assemblies extend under the headlights. Long straight steel slabs are seen throughout and are all bathed in white. Plenty of stainless trimmings surround the glass, rockers and mirrors and a white padded vinyl landau roof is on the rear third of the roofline. On the back the trunk deck gently lowers itself downward and frames the taillights and rear bumper. 15-inch standard wheel coverings are on all 4 corners.

Interior
A swing of the large door which is well balanced reveals some padded red vinyl framing panels of wood applique veneer, molded plastic for the armrest and some red carpeting below. Plenty of power toggles are present to operate all the conveniences. Inside large recliner-esque wide buckets are covered in red velour. This shows buttoned and tufted inserts and smooth bolsters with some red smooth vinyl for the side panels. Very comfy and with the center armrest covered in red vinyl one could almost go to sleep! More square and rectangle design right out of the late 70's makes up the dash which is covered in mostly burl wood applique and some knobs and sliders, gauges and A/C vents. Red carpeting floods the floors and a red headliner is above in nice tight form. In back is a comfy long bench seat which matches the recliners up front. Even the steering wheel gets in on the wood applique act with some on the surround and central upside-down V, all mixing with red plastic and molded vinyl.

Drivetrain
Under the hood is a 5.7 liter diesel fueled V8. It is fitted with indirect diesel injection and has a 3-speed THM325 automatic transmission on the back. There is a 2.41 final drive rear axle. Consigner states that a water separator/filter has been recently installed along with a new radiator and fuel tank.

Undercarriage
The undercarriage appears as new with a fresh coating of paint. It is there for cosmetic purposes, and I do not believe it was put on to cover any bad things up. Rockers and floor pans are all solid. Independent coil springs suspension is on all 4 corners and power disc brakes are afforded to all corners as well. A solid exhaust system is seen.

Drive-Ability
The glow plugs did their job and this diesel came right to life. It has a diesel sound, however when in the driver's seat it's nice and quiet. The car accelerates like a diesel and handles wonderfully. All functions were working just fine at the time of my test drive including cold A/C.

A downsizing was underway at GM and this was the Olds Division's interpretation of this trend. All nice and rust free, a diesel, with comfy interior, and plenty of conveniences and lots o wood veneer.

VIN DECODE
3Z57N9E131792
3-Oldsmobile
Z-Toronado Brougham
57-2 Door Hardtop Coupe
N-5.7L Diesel
9-1979
E-Linden, NJ Assy Plant
131792-Sequential Unit Number

Classic Auto Mall is a 336,000-square foot classic and special interest automobile showroom, featuring over 600 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.