The Front-Wheel-Drive Revolution: Oldsmobile Toronado Ads (1966–1978)

Oldsmobile’s magnificent Toronado was an absolute sensation upon its release in 1966. As the first American front-wheel-drive production model since the legendary 1936 Cord 810, the Toronado was a daring leap forward in automotive engineering. Powered by a 425 cubic-inch Rocket V8 that fed power to the front wheels via a heavy-duty, chain-driven GM Turbo-Hydramatic gearbox, the Toronado rightfully earned its place as Motor Trend’s Car of the Year for 1966.

From Muscle Car Power to Personal Luxury

The "Toro" wasn't just a styling exercise; it was a high-performance machine. Within a few years of its debut, Oldsmobile was packing the Toronado with a potent 455 cubic-inch (7.5L) V8 producing up to 375 horsepower. This unique setup gave the Toronado a "party trick" unmatched by any other muscle machine of the era: the ability to fry the front tires with ease.

Our gallery documents the entire evolution of this E-body icon:

The First Generation (1966–1970): Featuring the "show-car" styling, hidden headlights, and the aggressive fastback silhouette that remains a masterpiece of mid-century design.
The 1970s Luxury Era: As the industry shifted, the Toronado evolved. While the styling became more conservative and the chassis eventually downsized, the Toro remained a style leader in the "Personal Luxury" market, paving the way for the front-wheel-drive revolution that would eventually take over the automotive world.

Explore the Archive

Take a look back in time to when the Toronado was one of America’s most unique and exclusive automobiles. This curated gallery of authentic Oldsmobile print advertising offers a window into the engineering and elegance that made the Toronado the "Standard of the World" in its own right.