1966 Oldsmobile Toronado DLX review from North America
"Placed at 2500 USD average, you can get a high performance classic car pretty cheap"
What things have gone wrong with the car?
The engine and transmission seals have dry-rotted after the car was standing for 13 years in a garden. Constant oil refilling every time I gassed it up was necessary.
The exhaust system was too rusted and simply fell off after 700 miles on the highway.
The power steering pump held for another 300 miles.
The brake master cylinder held for another 50 miles (dangerous effects in traffic!).
4 thermostats were blown in the southern heat.
The battery charging relays gave up after another 900 miles.
General comments?
The car has serious racing capabilities. Quick starts are really enjoyable because of the front wheel drive dragging you ahead (0-60 mph in 5 seconds, no kidding).
Interior comfort is extremely high and let's you cover a thousand miles a day without really growing tired.
Handling is below average (idler arms are worn out!!) Car seems to shift and shake after exceeding 120 mph (end of the speedometer).
Gas guzzler. When pushing the engine you get about 8 miles to the gallon.
Doesn't like cold mornings. Needs a long time to warm up.
I am doing a complete ground up restoration on this vehicle and want to bring it up short to pro power one day. Estimated date of completion is 2007.
Recommended reviews
| King of front wheeler.. period !! |
|
| 1967 - Toronado 2 door coupe 425 c.i. Best attention getter, almost none around |
| Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? | Yes |
| Year of manufacture | 1966 |
| First year of ownership | 2000 |
| Most recent year of ownership | 2001 |
| Engine and transmission | 7.0 Liter 380HP Automatic |
| Performance marks | 9 / 10 |
| Reliability marks | 5 / 10 |
| Comfort marks | 10 / 10 |
| Dealer Service marks | 0 / 10 |
| Running Costs (higher is cheaper) | 5 / 10 |
| Overall marks (average of all marks) | |
| Distance when acquired | 67000 miles |
| Most recent distance | 69000 miles |
| Previous car | Audi A3 |
| Date of Entry | 16th May, 2001 |