Sold for: $ 9,188

This 1966 model is the deluxe edition of the sought after, first year manufactured Toronado. A big Block 425ci/385 hp. Recently completed restoration includes new interior, paint, chrome, and many new mechanical parts. The original engine runs strong and has been left intact as is in its original condition. All new, full length dual exhaust with a new, factory correct crossover muffler. It has factory A/C but not working. The original, factory installed, 8-track tape player is an extremely rare item and goes with the sale of the vehicle. Black and yellow six digit California plates have been restored to perfect condition. The car is on non-op status with no back penalties. When viewing this Toronado at McCormick’s 54th auction, notice that the UPP design allows the interior to have very unique, completely flat floors. Black paint was chosen for the restoration because the Toronado styling allows it to appear like the special pursuit vehicle showcased in the 1979 Australian film, Mad Max. That movie should have used a 1966 Toronado!! With its hideaway headlights, placed stealthily behind some of the sharpest front body lines ever produced. The Toronado is historically significant as the first front-wheel drive automobile produced in the U.S. since the Cord in 1937. Oldsmobile spent seven years developing the Toronado. Prior to its first sales of the 1966 model, GM performed over 1.5 million test miles to verify the strength and reliability of the Toronado's front-drive components. The unusual Toronado power train was termed the Unitized Power Package (UPP), designed to combine an engine and transmission into an engine bay no larger than a conventional rear-wheel drive car. The Toronado drive design was so well regarded that GM used this drive train on its motor homes in the 1970s. The Toronado won Motor Trend’s "Car of the Year" honors in 1966. As described in a later issue, “Meat-cleaver front fenders extend past a hood as long as Nebraska. The round, flared wheel openings were revolutionary in their day.” This model year will forever remain one of the most collectible of all the 1960s muscle cars.