1969 Oldsmobile Toronado was the first generation of this model. This car was produced from ’66 to ’70 and it sold very well. Only in ’66, 4,093 of these cars were sold.
Oldsmobile Toronado was a competitor for Buick Riviera and Ford Thunderbird. Like its competitors, the Toronado belongs to the class of sporty, personal cars.
Oldsmobile tried to make a quality and reliable car. That’s why the engine and transmission were tested for 7 years. During the tests, these units went through 1,500,000 miles. In ’66, the respected Motor-Trend magazine named the Toronado the car of the year.
The concept – Flame Red Car, on the basis of which the first Toronado was created, was released in ’62.
Price and sale 1969 Oldsmobile Toronado.
Perhaps it’s because of the rather high series, or because the Toronado is somewhat inferior to the Thunderbird in its cult appeal, but it is possible to buy such an Oldsmobile today for even very reasonable money. Even restored cars today sell for between $20,000 and $30,000. Not so well-maintained copies are sold today for $10,000.
Appearance and photos.
The wheelbase of the first generation Toronado is 119.0d (3023mm). Length depending on the year of production is 211d from 66th to 67th, 211.6d in 68th and 214.8d in 69th. The thing is that every year, the Toronado received some updates in appearance.
1969 Oldsmobile Toronado is easiest to recognize by the headlights, which are hidden behind the radiator grille. When the headlights are turned on, the grille is raised and the headlights remain exposed.
Specially for Toronado were created Firestone 8,85*15d tires. These tires have a more rigid side part.
Curb weight of the ’69 Toronado is 2041kg. At the request of the first buyer, the Toronado could be decorated with vinyl roof trim.
The gas tank hatch is located under the trunk latch, above the rear bumper. The taillights are integrated into the massive, chrome-plated bumper.
This is a large, comfortable and stylish car. Behind the wheel of such Oldsmobile you will always be in the center of attention. And though we will talk about the engine below, but we want to remember that this beautiful car was produced before the oil crisis, and that means that really big V8s were installed under its hood.
Interior and equipment.
This Oldsmobile was produced in the golden era of American automobile industry. Of course, there is air conditioning and hydraulic power steering. That’s normal for a big, American car of those years.
What’s more remarkable is that it has a completely flat floor. That’s thanks to the front-wheel drive. Pay attention to the way the speedometer is arranged here – it is ribbon. Such a solution was used before the Second World War, but it was always rare.
The steering wheel can be adjusted in angle, and there is a resting pad for the right leg. Head restraints were an option for which you had to pay $52. Of course, power windows were installed in the doors. On the door trim you can notice lighting devices. In the center console is installed arrow clock, and in the glove compartment can be a manual. Unusual and that the trunk lid opens with a lever just from the glove compartment. The ignition lock is mounted on the steering column.
The spare tire is not on the trunk floor, but is installed rather deep – at the wall of the cabin compartment. The jack is also placed there. On the trunk lid there is an illumination plafond.
Engine and technical characteristics of 1969 Oldsmobile Toronado.
The hood opening handle is not under the hood, and not in the radiator grille, but under the bumper. Such a decision can be called exclusive.
Originally, in ’66, the Toronado was powered by a V8 Rocket with a displacement of 425 cubic inches (7.0L). This engine produces 385 horsepower and 644 N.M. of torque.
Together with the three-speed, TH-425 automatic transmission, the Oldsmobile could accelerate to 100 km/h in 9.5 seconds.
In ’68, the Oldsmobile Toronado was equipped with a large V8 with a displacement of 455 cubic inches (7.5 liters). This car could accelerate to 100km in 7.5sec and cover the quarter mile in 16.4sec at a speed of 93 miles (150km). The top speed of the Toronado 455 is 135 miles ( 217km).
As mentioned above – the Oldsmobile is front wheel drive. Initially, the brakes on the Oldsmobile were all drum brakes, but in ’67, front, ventilated disc brakes became available as an option. The front suspension is torsion bar, the rear suspension is leaf spring.
It’s a large, comfortable, but two-door car. Such cars as Toronado were chosen by people who want to buy a comfortable car, but at the same time want to drive it independently. The philosophy of Toronado is the same as Riviera and Thunderbird – which became the ancestor of the class. Toronado stands out among other cars of the brand and has its own logos. That said, Oldsmobile didn’t cost as much as Lincoln, or Cadillac.
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