While the Oldsmobiles of the early 1980s are generally not sought after cars, this extremely clean 1984 Toronado throws that tendency out the window. This example is a low mileage specimen that’s clearly been loved, but more importantly, it wears a rare color combination that makes it far more of a standout than most of the cars we see come up for sale today. Wearing what’s known as Light Briar paint with a Dark Briar top and interior, this Toronado has just 34,000 miles and presents in like-new condition, with the interior in a similar state of care. Find the Toronado here on eBay with bids up to just under $10,000 at the moment and no reserve.
Even in its diminished state, the Toronado was considered a top-flight luxury car in Oldsmobile’s lineup. The name carried a degree of pedigree that, at one time, many of the Big 3’s luxury models enjoyed. You simply said the model name and most consumers knew it to mean something great. These days, I’m not sure any of the model names used by the likes of Cadillac or Buick conjure up the same sort of associations with prestige and wealth. The Toronado shown here looks handsome in this cross between brown and beige, and while it may not seem particularly stylish today, it’s a nice change of pace from the usual maroon or white this model tends to be found wearing. The seller notes the whitewall tires are new.
A complimentary color scheme carries over to the interior, where the seat upholstery remains in mint condition with minimal signs of wear and tear. Check out the woodgrain-style insert in the side of the seats – that’s a level of detail you don’t see much of these days, and it still looks stylish in an Oldsmobile from the early 1980s. The seller notes all of the car’s full power features work and that the air conditioning has been extensively serviced for cool operation. The power antenna has also been replaced, and no other issues are noted. The door panels and areas of polished surfaces are in exceptional shape, with no broken switchgear or even any scuffing to report.
A 5.0L V8 under the hood may have sounded impressive, but power output wasn’t exactly generous. Still, the Toronado wasn’t a car you would have likely hustled anyway, so just having enough to cruise and keep up with traffic should be sufficient. The engine bay and undersides of the Oldsmobile are incredibly nice, and it seems likely this car resided in the care of an enthusiast for much of its life, or simply a caretaker who still enjoyed owning what was once one of the most recognizable nameplates in the Oldsmobile lineup. Bidding is quite strong for this Toronado, and it goes to show you that buyers will pay good money for the best of the best.
No mention is made of the transmission. Do these later still Toronados have the FWD transaxle? Does this allow a flatter floor and more interior space?
Yes, front wheel drive and the floor is completely flat. And easily the slowest car I’ve ever owned. But it did log over 200K miles for me, surprisingly.
As much as I prefer the Eldorado of this vintage from a styling perspective, I would take this with the Olds 307 V8 over a Caddy with the HT-4100.
Allan W.. yes FWD and small tunnel for exhaust system. The price is right but slow as a snail by today standard. Beautiful looking that’s for sure. 🐻🇺🇸
Damn sharp.
My Dad had a first-gen Toronado – 1970 I believe – which I liked much more than his later Toro, a 1975. They both had the 454ci V8. Didn’t get to drive the 1970 bc I was too young, but did drive the later one.
The ’70 was so sleek – like a land rocket, and it was a sharp metallic green color.
Always liked the look of these. By this time I think GM was getting the hang of designing smaller cars. The proportions and gernerous wheel opening look correct. When I was a kid hanging around a golf course a bunch, sneaking on to play nine holes and selling golf balls I found back to the duffers, the parking lot was full of these well-off, old guy cars.
Nose of this car always reminded me of the Wagon Queen Family Truckster
Actually the center section of the front end, is by design, vaguely reminiscent of the 37 Cord, but I do see your perspective .
Beautiful, well-kept Toronado. I wonder who submitted it to BF.
I wonder.
These needed a 403 at least.
This seller on ebay always has magnificently amazing automobiles. I can’t imagine how he finds them. They represent the best of the best.
I owned an 85–basically the same car, and while it wasn’t a powerhouse, it wasn’t a ‘slug’ either. Mine was gold with the top-level interior which had sheepskin seat inserts. Those weren’t common, but they WERE comfortable.
Located in:
Rancho Mirage, California
Beautiful car. Wish they still built them. That color combination was really popular. Still looks great.
These luxury 80’s car interiors make today’s new “cars” look worse & worse inside! Even the plain ’89 Camry had very comfortable color keyed velour seats & interior …
http://s1.cdn.autoevolution.com/images/gallery/TOYOTA-Camry-3577_5.jpg
I sat in an old Owww-die 100LS & could not believe how rock hard the seats were. lol
I had a 1980 Toro with a 350. Plenty of power. I sure miss that car but I have my doubts about a 305 though.
Nice car and would love to have it. Back in 84 I just barely old enough to drive and couldn’t afford much of a vehicle. All kinds of stuff from.that vintage that I liked. Now that I’m older and can afford a new car, almost nothing made today interests me in the least.
Nobody makes any kind of luxury car like this with soft seats, a quiet interior, and smooth ride. All the “luxury” cars today have hard seats, austere interiors and a firm ride. Performance is vastly improved but everything else has went downhill.
This car is too nice to buy and then drive on a daily basis, with our winters etc., so I hope whoever’s gets it appreciated it and takes care of it.
My sentiments exactly about the new cars. None of them really appeal to me especially due to lack of style. I think Cadillac has given up on it’s traditional luxury ride. Maybe Lincoln still has it. IDK.
The ridiculous huge wheels & ultra low profile tires on modern “luxury” vehicles IMO inSURE that a smooth ride on a bad road is now virtually impossible. I could not believe how smooth the ride was in a ’73 torino back in the day. Such cars really need 75 or even 78!! series 14 or 15 inch tires to absorb a lot of the bumps & potholes.
Absolutely beautiful in my opinion. The engine is a 307 Olds engine. They have ample power, I had one in an 84 Olds Custom Cruiser wagon, and it moved it around fine as well. I’m pretty sure these had the early TH 700 od trans. Are they as quick and efficient as todays cars? No not at all, but still will break the speed limit just about anywhere without working too hard.
I think this car might go 15K but comparing it to a modern used car with 35,000 miles, you would likely spend that and not have the style or comfort. I have way too many cars, including a 66 Toronado, so I will just admire this beauty from a distance
This color combo (Cadillac called the lighter brown woodland haze, while the dark color was briar brown). was very, very common and was a popular 1983 & 1984 color. Hatteras blue was another popular 1983 & 1984 color. These two colors were used on so many 83-84 GM cars! This was your father’s Oldsmobile then and now! What, no twighlight sentinel? Pass.
Ended: Aug 29, 2021 , 5:00PM
Winning bid:US $12,700.00
[ 37 bids ]