When you click on links to various merchants on this site and make a purchase, this can result in this site earning a commission. Affiliate programs and affiliations include, but are not limited to, the eBay Partner Network.
Hello all,
So I'm thinking of getting an early-mid 70s Toronado (I like the older ones too but I don't have a line on a decent one I can afford). Basically, I want one I can use as a daily driver, and since I live in Colorado, front wheel drive is attractive for the winter. Any advice or thoughts you want to throw my way, I'm happy to hear them.
Right now I have a line on one 73, two 76s and a 78. The 78 has the 403 and the rest have 455s, which I think is standard for those years. All of them are in the $6-10K range. I haven't seen any of them yet, but based on the ads, they look to be in decent shape. I lean a little towards the 73 so I won't have to take it through emissions, but it isn't that big deal. I have a 76 Cutlass I'm going to build, so this car will stay stock.
I posted this in the Toronado section too, but I figured some of you might not look there if you don't currently have a Toronado.
Let me know what you think and thanks for the help.
I deleted your other duplicate thread, no reason for the same question in multiple forums. I believe with the price of new cars and trucks, this is becoming a viable option for daily drivers. The only issue with a Toronado is the availability of some parts.
At this point in time and in life --- partially because of availability of parts --- and the price of quality good ones --- you may be better advised to N O T use one of those beautiful beasts as an every day driver in (harsh winters) Colorado....
They are best spent in a garage from November through March / April --- in my opinion --- and to keep them pristine --- to keep them worth more ---
Buy the cleanest one you can find then get it "Krown Rust Proofed or Corrosion Free" rust proofed. Do Not use the tar substance. I kind of agree not putting one through the crap but it is your car. 455 better IMO. They like to rust at the A pillars.
Lol. This is on Denver craigslist, with a bunch of parts. Yes it's mine, selling for a friend. At the point soon where it may go for scrap. Actually these were good cars in their day, and the Engine is NON interference. You can slip a timing belt, or hydro lock the thing, and it can still be easily fixed.
I agree with the others that you might not want to put a classic through winter use, especially in CO. Now even the 80s Toronados with 307 are classics. Of course, it's your decision. If you can afford it get the cleanest one you can.
Current bid at $18K ending tomorrow. Standard (flat door panel) interior with low options, but looks to be in very nice shape. I would love to have the floor mats and bumper jack box as nice as those. Since no one else has said it, I will. Winter conditions taking their toll on the car aside, these are HEAVY cars and do not get good gas mileage especially with a 455. Hopefully you do not have a long daily commute to work because with gas prices high and only going up, even a cheaper mid - later 70's model will not be a cheap daily driver.
Thanks for the advice everyone, I did see that 1970 on BAT, but 18K is out of my budget right now. Sweet car though.
I probably should have clarified, I want a car I can drive in the snow when I have to, but most of the time I just stay home. I have a short commute to work (like three miles one way) so gas prices aren't too much of a worry, and the climate is dry enough that rust is less of a problem than where I grew up on the east coast. With some cars here I noticed the problem is the sun; its so bright here the paint on older cars can fade out quickly.
I do understand why some of you think I'm crazy for being willing to let snow touch such a great old car, but I never said I was right in the head! Besides, I want to drive some old cars from my youth before I get too old to enjoy them.
If anyone has anything they think I should know about Toronados, good, bad or otherwise, I'm happy to hear it.
I am five generations deep in Colorado. I owned a one owner 69 Toronado. Man that car was an absolute beast in the snow. Don't drive it in the snow? What the? I wouldn't call Colorado winters Harsh winters. That is media hype. We have had maybe five snow storms this year over two inches.
I say get the best condition car you find. I will keep an eye on Craigslist out here too. I will let you know if I see anything. There was a very nice 68 for a good price not too long ago.
Thanks everyone, I also saw a 76 in Berthoud, CO, which isn't too far from me. Its on facebook, so I messaged the guy. The ad has been up for awhile, so it might have sold and the guy just didn't take the ad down. We'll see. The only reason I'm ever on facebook is because people sell cars there.
I do understand why some of you think I'm crazy for being willing to let snow touch such a great old car,
Ridiculous..., yes our cars are still around because they have had blessed lives. But that doesn't mean they shouldn't be driven. Just stay on top of maintenance. Wash, clean, care for, and stay on top of issues. Fluid Film the undercarriage if need be. Etc, etc.
I'm about to drop some change on my 69 with regards to body work and rust issues... Again, maintain, drive, and enjoy.
When it comes to "classic" cars you have 2 types of owners.
Owners of drivers and owners of garage queens.
Drivers such as myself will encourage you to use a car for it's intended purpose.
Garage queen owners, basically own a memory. Nothing matters to them but preservation. It's the equivalent of owning a scale model car that's kept in a glass case... I get it, sometimes condition and rarity of model can somewhat dictate this status. But cars like that are few and far between.
If anyone has anything they think I should know about Toronados, good, bad or otherwise, I'm happy to hear it.
I would not think twice about buying a 1966-1970 Toronado. If the look and style is in your wheelhouse its an automatic buy. 1971-1976 is just slightly behind in buying sentiment. 1977-1978 are the 3rd option, and still worthy. In other words the older the better.
Toronados are for all intents and purposes Oldsmobiles finest vehicle. At least for the first couple of generations. And the beauty to this is that they are very affordable for what they are. A friend recently sent me a for sale ad for a 69 Toro. IIRC $5000, nice shape solid driver. I actually contemplated picking it up, cutting my Jag loose, and making it my daily driver.
You cannot go wrong, unless you are not cut out for older cars.
Originally Posted by Chris Scott
I don't know much about the 403, though I've heard it isn't a bad motor. I've also had people say they prefer the 455.
The 403 is a decent engine. The 455 is great. If you had a choice between the two it's a no brainer, 455 always.
403s were built during a time of excessive compromise. 455s were built all out and as the years passed were detuned.
FWIW, if you are tall you might consider buying a Toronado because the FWD floorpan gives you more leg room. A friend of mine 20 years ago when I was in the Oldsmobile club in KCMO liked Toronados because he was 6'5". I'm 7' tall and find them cramped compared to my 98. Then again, I find most vehicles uncomfortable.
There is a 1970 Toronado GT currently up for auction on Bringatrailer.com if that interests you.
High school girlfriend owned a 70 gt toro, damn thing was a blast..smoke those front tires for half a block..no hump, so high school humping was much more efficient ..lol
I have to agree with 69CHSC, I'm a driver. If I can't drive it, not gonna own it. I understand some cars should be preserved, but I'm not the guy to do that. If its your car, you do what you want, though.
I also like the 66-70s most of all, but I haven't seen one in my current price range. 71-76 is a close second, though, and I know of a couple in my price range. Two of them are in Illinois, where my wife's family lives, but hey...road trip!
I'd prefer the 455 too, so I'm glad most opinions are for it. I talked to the guy who has the 76 in Berthoud and will probably go up and see it next week. I was hoping for a 75 or older to avoid emissions testing, but with a collector plate you only need a test every five years, so that isn't too big a deal. Here is a picture of it from his ad:
I messaged him on facebook and he still has the car. He didn't want to show it to me this weekend due to the expected bad weather, so hopefully I'll get a chance to look it over next week.
Olds64, I agree those XS Toronados are really cool, and if I see one I can afford....
So I reached out again to the guy with the Toronado in Berthoud, butgot no reply. Maybe he changed his mind and wants to keep it. The search goes on...
There are a couple Toronados at a classic car place in IL near where I have relatives, so I might go out for a visit soon and check them out. Of course, my wife just spotted a 76 Plymouth Fury station wagon for sale, and a big ol' ridiculous wagon is also on our bucket list of cars....
So I went and looked at the 76 Toronado near me (The guy was out of town, that's why i didn't hear from him for a bit).
Overall I don't think the car was bad for his asking price ($5500). With a little work, it would probably meet my need to be a good driver for a couple of years, until I move on to the next car in my bucket list.
The Good: All chrome/trim is there, interior is almost perfect, all bumper filler present, engine seems solid, power seats and windows work, overall drives smooth (but see below), pretty rust free except for one spot.
The not so good: Radio/power antenna/clock inoperative, some rust holes on rear bottom of the trunk lid, AC not working, not sure if needs a charge or a rebuild.
The questionable: When driving it I noticed every time I pressed the gas or let off the gas, there was a noticeable "clunk," as if something was engaging/disengaging. It didn't seem to do it at low speeds, but it was noticeable at 40+. Felt weird. Is it something to do with the front wheel drive?
Chris, the clunk could be bad CV shafts. Does it clunk into gear when you shift to D? If so, that could be bad motor mounts. Keep us posted if you get more info or test drive it again.
February 28th, 2022, 04:02 PM
