Vehicle Description
1976 Oldsmobile Toronado Custom
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
grace this final year of the 455ci V8 available 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 ownership documented
skate... (think excited!)
Exterior
With looks very similar to a Lincoln, 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 rectangular
format flank the long hood, which makes its way back to the
slightly curved around windscreen. Plenty of chrome trim resides
here bordering the windscreen, and a white Landau padded vinyl top
with an opera window, (think Continental). Sides include long
straight steel panels with good alignment, and...more chrome trim
circumnavigating the wheel wells, and rockers. Bringing up the rear
is a notched paneled trunk, where the outboard high mounted stop
lights reside, and thin vertical taillights, (think Cadillac). All
steel panels are draped in Crimson Red. 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 blinding
white. The door panels are white in vinyl with dark red carpeted
lowers. These panels present with minor soiling and the power
window controls, power locks, and mirror joystick within a brushed
aluminum panel. Burl inserts are seen on the mounting points for
the white leather door pull and a red reflector is noted below the
chrome bezeled actuator. A big comfortable white leather split
bench with tuck and roll inserts and a fold down armrest and power
adjustments fill the front passenger compartment. Straddling the
rear is another bench matching the front with white vinyl 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 a
"digital" clock. Fluffy unstained dark red carpet below, and a
white perforated vinyl headliner above complete the interior.
Drivetrain
An original unrestored, but well maintained 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. An oil and filter change was performed in March of 2022 and a
recent cooling system flush was done to keep things running
properly.
Undercarriage
A thorough look underneath, and we are met with lots of surface
rust on the usual untreated suspects which include the suspension,
frame and axles. The rockers have the surface rust, as do some of
the floorboards, however both 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 and are
actuated by a new master cylinder and wheel cylinders along with
independent torsion bar front suspension and coil springs for the
rear ride. New dual exhaust with turbo mufflers is seen from the
catalytic converter rearward and handles the exhale effectively and
efficiently. Also noted is a new fuel tank with a new sending
unit.
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 shifted smoothly on the way there. All
functions were working beautifully save for the clock and the AC
not blowing cold. All in all, a comfortable ride and a great looker
that constantly draws looks of admiration.
Combining luxury, mid 1970's design, and some muscle, this car
could be all 3 cars if you want. In very 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).
VIN DECODE
3Y57S6M714023
3-Oldsmobile
Y-Toronado Custom
57-2 Door Hardtop Coupe
S-455ci V8 4bbl
6-1975
M-Lansing, MI Assy Plant
714203-Sequential Unit Number
TRIM TAG
ST 76 3EY57-1976 Toronado Custom 2 Door Hardtop Sport Coupe
BDY LAN380311-Lansing Body #
TR 11M-White Vinyl
PNT 72 11T-Crimson Red, White Vinyl Top
01C-3rd Week January
A65-Split Bench Seat
C04-1/4 Padded Vinyl Roof
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.