1967 Oldsmobile Toronado

The Oldsmobile Toronado was the company's full-size personal luxury car and the first front-wheel-drive automobile produced in the United States since the demise of the Cord in 1937. Its status and configuration put it directly in competition with the popular Ford Thunderbird, offering both sport and luxury. The original Toronado began as a design painting by Oldsmobile stylist David North in 1962, and the re-introduction of the front-wheel-drive earned the new Toronado Motor Trend's Car of the Year honors in 1966. The first generation of the Toronado was built from 1966 through 1970. The 1967 models received a slight facelift, a slightly softer ride, and optional disc brakes. Sales for the 1967 model year 22,062 units.

Many consider the introduction of the Toronado remains the single most significant event ever at Oldsmobile, eclipsing even the launch of the Hydra-Matic automatic transmission in 1940 and the release of the acclaimed 1949 'Rocket' V-8 models.

The Toronado received an innovative drivetrain with a Turbo-Hydramatic automatic transmission mounted under one cylinder bank of the 425 cubic-inch V-8 engine, and a chain-drive from the torque converter. Although it was rather heavy, tipping the scales at nearly 5,000 pounds, the Toronado weight balance was near-perfect, and the 375 horsepower engine easily carried the Toronado to a top speed of 130 mph.

The front-wheel-drive setup allowed for six-passenger seating. Body styles included a coupe priced at $4,675 and accounting for 1,770 sales, and a Deluxe Coupe priced at $4,870 and finding 20,020 buyers. Standard equipment included foam seat cushions, 8.85 x 15-inch tires, foam seat armrests, Strato bench seat, special wheel trim rings, power brakes, electric clock, carpeting, cigarette lighters, interior lamp package, and chrome molding package.

by Daniel Vaughan | Aug 2020

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