Oldsmobile Toronado
The 1966 Oldsmobile Toronado stands as one of the most technically daring automobiles to emerge from General Motors during the brand's golden era of engineering innovation. As the first mass-produced American front-wheel-drive car since the 1937 Cord 812, the Toronado represented a calculated risk by Oldsmobile's engineering team, who developed an entirely new drivetrain architecture to power a full-sized personal luxury coupe through its front wheels.
At the heart of this engineering achievement was the Toronado's unique split-transmission layout. The massive 455 cubic inch (7,456 cc) Rocket V8 engine, producing 385 gross horsepower and a staggering 475 lb-ft of torque, drove through a specially developed Turbo-Hydramatic 425 automatic transmission that split the torque converter from the gearbox. A Morse chain transferred power from the torque converter, mounted behind the engine, to the transmission positioned alongside the engine's oil pan. This innovative packaging kept the drivetrain compact enough to fit within the Toronado's front subframe while maintaining the smooth operation that luxury car buyers demanded.
The styling, penned by David North under the direction of GM Design chief Bill Mitchell, was equally revolutionary. The Toronado's dramatic fastback profile, hidden headlamps, and flowing fender lines were unlike anything else on American roads. The elimination of a front driveshaft tunnel allowed for a completely flat floor, providing unprecedented interior space for a car of its type. The wheelbase of 119 inches supported a body that stretched over 211 inches in length, giving the Toronado a commanding road presence.
Driving the Toronado was a revelation for anyone accustomed to conventional American cars of the era. The front-wheel drive layout eliminated the tail-happy oversteer characteristics common to large, powerful rear-drive cars, replacing them with understeer that made the Toronado remarkably stable at speed. The ride quality was exceptional, with the independent front suspension and rear leaf spring setup delivering a smooth, composed experience even on rough surfaces. The power steering was well-calibrated for the era, providing reasonable feedback despite the massive loads generated by the driven front wheels.
The interior appointments befitted Oldsmobile's position as GM's premium performance division. Standard equipment included bucket seats, a center console, power steering, power brakes, and an impressive array of comfort features. The dashboard design was futuristic for 1966, with a deeply recessed instrument panel and clearly legible gauges. Optional equipment included air conditioning, power windows, a tilt steering column, and a selection of audio systems.
The 1966 Toronado was an immediate critical success, earning Motor Trend's Car of the Year award and establishing Oldsmobile as a technological leader within General Motors. Despite its innovative engineering, the Toronado was also remarkably reliable, a testament to the thorough development process that GM undertook before committing the car to production. Today, the first-generation Toronado is recognized as one of the most significant American cars of the 1960s, combining bold styling with genuinely advanced engineering in a way that few American cars have managed before or since.
The unique FWD drivetrain is the primary concern. Check the Morse chain and sprockets for wear, and listen for unusual noises from the split transmission. The 455 V8 is generally reliable but these are heavy cars that consume brakes and tires. Rust attacks the lower body panels, rocker panels, and trunk floor. Verify that the hidden headlamp mechanisms work correctly as they are complex and expensive to repair. Interior parts are shared with other GM A/C bodies in some cases but Toronado-specific items are scarce.
40,963 Toronados produced for the 1966 model year. The car won Motor Trend Car of the Year for 1966. The innovative front-wheel drive system was developed over five years before production began.