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West Coast Classics, LLC

1205 Bow Ave., Torrance, CA 90501
4.4
4.4 out of 5 stars
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Used 1968 Oldsmobile Toronado

42,137 miles
For Sale:$23,500
Estimated payment:$533/mo.
$0 trade-in, 10% down payment, 48 months, Great credit score
Used 1968 Oldsmobile Toronado for sale near Los Angeles, Long Beach, Anaheim, Huntington Beach, Whittier, Garden Grove, Torrance, Glendale
Used 1968 Oldsmobile Toronado for sale near Los Angeles, Long Beach, Anaheim, Huntington Beach, Whittier, Garden Grove, Torrance, Glendale
Used 1968 Oldsmobile Toronado for sale near Los Angeles, Long Beach, Anaheim, Huntington Beach, Whittier, Garden Grove, Torrance, Glendale
Used 1968 Oldsmobile Toronado for sale near Los Angeles, Long Beach, Anaheim, Huntington Beach, Whittier, Garden Grove, Torrance, Glendale
Used 1968 Oldsmobile Toronado for sale near Los Angeles, Long Beach, Anaheim, Huntington Beach, Whittier, Garden Grove, Torrance, Glendale
  • Coupe
  • Condition
    Used
  • Mileage
    42,137miles
  • Transmission
    Automatic
  • VIN
    -

Engine

455/375HP V8

Message from the seller

West Coast Classics presents a great daily driving example of this 1968 Oldsmobile Toronado 2 Door Hardtop with factory options including:Power windows ($111)Power SteeringPower Front Disc BrakesWheel Trim CoversElectric clockDeluxe Steering wheelCenter ArmrestWhite sidewall tires ($49)Tilt & Telescopic Steering Wheel ($14)Power Driver's Seat ($74)Power AntennaAM/FM stereo ($238)Dual Exhausts In 1968 the Toronado Custom interiors were a popular option, providing amenities the standard interior didn't offer, such as full-length door armrests with built-in provisions for the optional power windows and door locks controls. The full width Strato bench seat with center fold-down armrest was also part of the Custom interior package, and was becoming the standard for luxury car seating in 1968. The car was repainted some years ago and presents very well as does the interior. The car drives very well and there are no signs of any accidents or damage. Please also note that the original spare wheel is still located in it's rightful place in the trunk.Oldsmobile created the news of the year in 1966 with the introduction of the Toronado, a bold idea combining intriguing exquisite styling with every detail executed by the legendary Bill Mitchell and with sports car performance and which was also the first front wheel drive car (since the mid 30's Cord of which the Toronado would be compared by some) of the modern automotive era. It proved to be one of the most desirable Oldsmobiles ever produced. The Toronado was a full-size luxury sport car with a look unlike any other car on the road at the time, jutting front fenders, hidden headlamps, muscularly flared wheel arches and a cropped tail trailing a smooth fastback roofline makes these first generation models unmistakable even today.It was a very large 2 Door Hardtop model distinguished by large rounded wheel cut outs, a sloping fastback roofline, a full-width grille with hidden headlights mounted between the grille and the hood line. The first generation Toronado (1966-67) had a 425 c.i. engine that unleashed 385 HP, plenty of horsepower to match any of its competition combined with exceptional traction, handling and performance. In a bid to fight off it's staid image, Oldsmobile had sought to defy convention when it introduced the Toronado. Rather than following the mainstream ideals of creating a muscle car by simply dropping a huge V8 into an exisiting bodyshell, GM's most traditional brand had chosen to turn the rulebook on it's head. The new looks were one thing but the engineering was something else with an enormous 7.4 liter (454 c.i.) big block V8 engine making for startling performance and it's unique front wheel drive technology, it would prove to be one of the most interesting US car's of its era which would have a huge influence on future car designs. The technology used in the Toronado, along with its ride and handling achievements garnered the Toronado the prestigious 1966 'Motor Trend' magazine 'Car of the Year' award!By 1967 every model in the Oldsmobile line up was to be compared to the Toronado in some respect in the majority of its advertising. The car received only some very modest restyling with the only major appearance change being to the area round the headlight opening which was now made flush as opposed to the small indented area above the first years model and these first generation Toronado's now boast 'Milestone' status. By 1969, the top-of-the-line Oldsmobile had a loyal following and continued as a unique one model only line with only very minimal changes until 1970 when the headlights were exposed for the first time. Sadly in 1971 the Toronado would grow to unbelievable proportions and beyond these years the model is hardly collectible at all.The original 455cid 375HP 4 barrel V8 engine with still correct factory colors is extremely strong and powerful and this particular car drives very well with the automatic transmission shifting smoothly throughout a

1968 Oldsmobile Toronado: A Front-Wheel-Drive Icon Redefined

The 1968 Oldsmobile Toronado continued its reign as a distinctive and forward-thinking personal luxury coupe, building upon the revolutionary platform introduced just two years prior. For 1968, Oldsmobile refined its already bold styling and enhanced its performance and luxury offerings, solidifying its reputation as a cutting-edge American automobile.

Design and Styling: Evolution of a Bold Statement

The Toronado's striking design remained a key selling point. For 1968, subtle yet effective updates refined its already dramatic lines:

  • Front End: The most noticeable change was a revised grille. The recessed, horizontal bars were subtly altered, often featuring a finer mesh or slightly different spacing, enhancing the car's aggressive yet sophisticated appearance. The hidden headlamps, a signature feature, were retained, adding to the aerodynamic and clean front-end look. The bumper was also reshaped, often becoming more integrated with the overall bodywork.
  • Side Profile: The Toronado's long, flowing body, emphasized by its fastback roofline and distinctive character lines, remained largely unchanged. The immaculately sculpted fenders and the absence of a B-pillar when the windows were down contributed to its pillarless hardtop appeal, creating a true "boulevard cruiser" presence.
  • Rear End: The rear styling saw minor tweaks to the taillights and rear bumper, ensuring a cohesive and modern look that complemented the front-end revisions.

The overall aesthetic was one of understated power and luxury, with clean surfaces and a deliberate emphasis on visual heft and presence.

Powertrain and Performance: The Front-Wheel-Drive Advantage

The heart of the 1968 Toronado was its pioneering front-wheel-drive (FWD) system, a significant engineering feat for its time. This layout allowed for a completely flat passenger cabin floor, unhindered by a transmission tunnel, contributing to exceptional interior spaciousness.

  • Engine: The standard engine was the potent 425 cubic inch (7.0L) Oldsmobile Rocket V8. This massive engine was tuned to produce approximately 375 horsepower and a formidable 490 lb-ft of torque. This power was delivered smoothly and relentlessly, providing effortless acceleration and highway cruising.
  • Transmission: Power was sent through a three-speed Turbo-Hydramatic automatic transmission, specifically engineered to handle the torque and the unique FWD layout.
  • Front-Wheel Drive System: The Toronado utilized a U-joint based driveshaft system that ran from the engine, through the transmission, and to a transaxle positioned ahead of the front wheels. This system, along with independent front suspension, provided excellent traction and handling, especially in adverse weather conditions, and contributed to the Toronado's stable ride.

The FWD setup, combined with the powerful V8, made the Toronado a unique driving experience, offering both brisk performance and a refined, planted feel on the road.

Interior and Luxury Features: A Personal Oasis

The Toronado's interior was designed to be a haven of luxury and comfort, befitting its personal luxury coupe status:

  • Spacious Cabin: The FWD layout paid dividends in interior space, offering generous legroom and shoulder room for both front and rear passengers. The absence of a floor-mounted transmission hump created an open and airy feel.
  • Comfort and Appointments: Standard features typically included plush bench or bucket seats upholstered in high-quality vinyl or optional leather. Power windows, power steering, and power brakes were standard, reflecting the car's premium positioning.
  • Dashboard and Controls: The dashboard was a sophisticated array of instruments, often featuring woodgrain accents or simulated wood. The driver-oriented cockpit provided easy access to all controls.
  • Optional Luxury: A wide array of optional features allowed owners to further personalize their Toronado, including air conditioning, cruise control, AM/FM radios, tilt steering wheel, and upgraded interior trim packages.

The interior was a testament to Oldsmobile's commitment to providing a luxurious and comfortable experience for its occupants.

Legacy and Significance

The 1968 Oldsmobile Toronado remained a bold statement of American automotive innovation. It demonstrated that front-wheel drive could be applied to a large, powerful luxury car without sacrificing style, performance, or comfort. It continued to attract buyers seeking a distinctive and technologically advanced vehicle that stood apart from the crowd. While its FWD system would be shared with the Cadillac Eldorado in subsequent years, the 1968 Toronado represented a peak of its unique identity and engineering prowess. It remains a highly sought-after classic for collectors and enthusiasts who appreciate its blend of avant-garde engineering and classic American luxury.

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Listed on April 23, 2026 (16 hours ago)
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