Featured on AutoHunter, the online auction platform driven by ClassicCars.com, is this unrestored, one-owner 1969 Oldsmobile Toronado. The original Topaz metallic paint is complemented by an Antique Parchment interior. This unmolested front-wheel drive personal-luxury coupe is powered by a 455 Rocket V8 paired with a three-speed Turbo-Hydramatic transmission. Features include power brakes and steering, air conditioning, interior woodgrain trim, power bench seat, and newer tires. When you win the auction for this Toronado, you’ll also receive vintage blue California plates as seen in the pictures, Protect-O-Plate, owner’s manual, registration, service records, and other documentation, and a clear title.
When the Toronado was first introduced for 1966, it was like nothing else in the market. Sure, perhaps the Buick Riviera appeared to be a similar vehicle, but the Toronado was distinct due to its front-wheel drive layout. As Oldsmobile was known as the experimental division within General Motors, it was only natural that the division that invented the automatic transmission, and pioneered high-compression and turbocharged engines would produce the Toronado.
A heavy facelift followed in 1968, the year the 425 Rocket V8 was stroked to 455ci. Standard was 375 horsepower and 510 lb-ft of torque, with an optional 400-horsepower W34 package that included a force-air induction system (a snorkel system similar to that for the 4-4-2 W30 but tucked behind the front end). For 1969, the most noticeable change was the trunklid design and a new grille, plus there was an innovative electrically heated rear window that was new on the option list. Engines remained the same, though the W34 lost its air-induction system.
The body on this Toronado is rust-free and straight. Features include a manual remote left-side mirror. Take a peek out back and you may notice the single exhaust, which means this FWD Rocket is equipped with the standard 375-horse engine. Steel 15-inch wheels with full wheelcovers are wrapped in newer 225/75 Hankook whitewall tires.
The Antique Parchment interior consists of a full bench seat with head restraints, which were mandated by federal law on January 1, 1969. Amenities include air conditioning, six-way power seat adjuster, and original push-button AM radio
Toronados of this vintage feature a nifty barrel-style, 130-mph speedometer. Aside of idiot lights for temperature, oil pressure, and alternator, there is a fuel gauge and a clock. The five-digit odometer reads 53,623 miles, which the selling dealer believes to be original.
The 455 Rocket V8 is fed via a four-barrel carburetor, with power transferred to the front wheels via a special M41 three-speed automatic transaxle.
The Toronado came standard with four-wheel drums with power assists.
A full inspection has been carried out by the selling dealer. A walk-around video has been provided on the auction page showing the exterior, interior, and driving dynamics. The sale includes the Protect-O-Plate, documentation, registration records, service records, and owner’s manuals.
By the time this Toronado was built, it had been joined by the Cadillac Eldorado, another front-wheel drive personal-luxury coupe. However, the Toronado was the original and, speaking of original, it’s not easy to find one with original metal and paint. When you drive this 1969 Oldsmobile Toronado, people will notice your wide grin and know you’re someone who overcomes all challenges, just like this mighty FWD vehicle. Your chance to make that impression ends on Tuesday, May 30, 2023, at 2:30 p.m. (PDT)
Visit the AutoHunter listing for more information and photo gallery
I have one. It’s a 1969 Aztec Gold with black vinyl roof. Was my mom’s.
I’ve owned 3 1966 models, bought my first when I was 17 , it had 61000miles on it for 400 bucks, all original, gold color with black interior. Fun to drive,did great burn outs. Used to also race it on an oval dirt track around Standish MI. I’m 62 now, sold all of them over the years, loved them all. Gas mileage was no better than 8 mpg at best going down hill. Had Transmission problems with all of them , but I would probably buy another if it was equipped with everything like my first one