1966-1978

Oldmobile’s magnificent front wheel drive Toronado was a sensation on release in 1966, with its’ 425 cubic inch V8 that fed power to the front wheels via a chain driven, GM turbo hydramatic gearbox. The first American front-wheel-drive model since the 1936 Cord 810 - the Toronado was Motor Trend’s Car of the Year for 1966. Within a couple of years the sensational Toro was packing up to 375 horsepower from a potent 455 (7.4 litre) V8. The Toro had one cool party trick unmatched by other muscle machines - you could fry the front tyres!

With more conservative styling than the original body that lasted four years, Toronado continued to sell well through the 1970s as the rest of the world caught up and began shifting to front-wheel-drive for many models. Downsized and with less power, the Toro remained a style leader though without the incredible show-car looks of the original.

Take a look back in time to when the Toronado was one of American’s most unique and exclusive cars, via our gallery of authentic print advertising images.