Motor Trend's Car of the Year for 1966

1966 Oldsmobile Toronado Deluxe Description

I am selling this classic, unmolested, time-capsule survivor, two-owner, 1966 Oldsmobile Toronado Deluxe. Since purchased new, this car was owned for about a year by the original owner and then sold to the second owner and driven a total of 73,566 miles. The Toronado was last registered in California in 1978 with its tags expiring January 1979. The car was tucked away sometime in 1978 in climate-controlled storage in northern California for a 37-year nap. It still has the California black plates and the Protect-O-Plate.

This car is equipped with the original, numbers-matching, 425 V8, with 385 horsepower and a Turbo Hydramatic transmission. It has a great, original, straight body, with paint code (GG) trumpet gold finish. The paint is the original color but has a 1970s-era respray. To return this car to its former showroom glory, a fresh paint job would be in order. I have included a few close-up pictures. It's safe to call it a 10-foot paint job.

The trim code (050-D) black deluxe interior looks really nice for its age. But when I sat on the driver's seat and the rear passenger seat, the 52 year old stitching gave way, so there are a couple of understandable seam splits. The dash and door panels are excellent, the headline and carpet are also great. The glass, chrome, and trim are all present and in great condition. The headlights come on, but don't pop up. The radio works. Turn signals blink. Courtesy lights all work. Time stands still as the clock is always at 6 o'clock.

The car starts, runs smooth, drives strong, and shifts and stops as it should. I just put on NOS mufflers/resonators, brand new Michelins, a complete tune up with electronic ignition, and rebuilt the original Rochester Quadrajet. Other recent work includes a new timing chain and harmonic balancer, belts and hoses, radiator, water pump, battery, and brake work. I have the receipts. The car is ready to drive now, but for someone who wants to take it to the next level, the Toro won't have to sit in the garage for months before it can be enjoyed. Some interested buyers may not aware that this was Motor Trend Magazine's 1966 Car of the Year. It is truly an investment grade classic and is climbing in value.

Current NADA Book Value is: Low: $10,350; Average: $25,760; High: $43,930.

Hagerty lists #3 condition at $18,000 and this Toronado is clearly at least "good" if not better.

This car is being sold with a very reasonable reserve. More pictures are available upon request. I reserve the right to end the auction early. I have the clean title in hand. Note that I am not a dealer. This is a private-party transaction. Please contact me with your questions at (805) 832-3834 before bidding. A non-refundable deposit of $500 is due in within 24 hours. Balance due within seven (7) days of close of auction.