1966 Oldsmobile Toronado Review - Kicking Off American FWD Cars!

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DISCLAIMER!
The thoughts, feelings, and opinions expressed in this video are the sole thoughts of Zack and no one else. The thoughts expressed in this video do not reflect the owner, dealership, or organization that owns the vehicle featured. The purpose of this video is to provide entertainment with the hope that you will take what you see and formulate your own opinions. DO NOT make a financial decision based off of this video.
#Oldsmobile #OldsmobileToronado #Toronado

Timecodes:
0:00 - Intro
1:21 - Drivetrain
3:29 - Interior
5:00 - BFB Test
5:11 - Interior
5:46 - Back Seats
7:02 - Trunk / Cargo Space
7:36 - Exterior
8:15 - Final Thoughts
10:44 - Outro

[@firenzacruiser]

Thanks again for coming out to Michigan to review my Toronado! I always get the question of "why a Toronado" and to that I say, because it's an integral part of automotive history that I love so much and want to preserve in my own way, ei: engine and transmission modifications, without detracting from the look of the car. Also Arizona is not kind to paint and interiors, but that just makes me worry less to drive it cross country.

[@bwofficial1776]

No need to apologize, Toronados are cool. It's stylish and important in American automotive engineering. It's got a little wear on it already so you can use it without worrying about it getting dinged up or dirty.

[@firenzacruiser]

@@bwofficial1776 Indeed, when I got my Toronado it had been sitting since 1976 due to the original 425 being blown up. I do eventually want to build a 425 for it and put the 455 in my 72 cutlass. I would like to fix it up more in the future, but for now I'm happy at where it's at.

[@gordonborsboom7460]

As soon as I saw the cracked paint on the nose, I knew it was/is your car

[@nathanjoseph4284]

Classic cars like this are much more interesting to watch than some EV or hybrid SUV from 2024. Please keep up the great work Zach!

[@reverselee3218]

I absolutely love his classic car reviews. Nicely detailed and not too long.

[@Doctor_Robert]

5:22 A little bit about Fisher: Once it became part of GM (in 1919), it's autonomy was slowly worn away. By postwar, and certainly by the 60s, when you saw a Fisher logo or a "Body By Fisher" badge on the bottom of the door sill, it really meant "our guys at the factory made this. Be happy. They weren't tipsy that day." Same could be said about Fleetwood (though only Cadillacs got Fleetwood "coachbuilding")

[@A-classic-smithy]

All the "high end" were labeled with the fisher coach builder plate, we take for granted panels and alignment on most cars nowadays, it was not uncommon to have the low end models with doors that didn't close properly, paint under and overspray, and uneven sheet metal gauge.

[@Doctor_Robert]

Oldsmobile was the test-bed of GM. The idea was, with whatever new wizardry GM came up with, Oldsmobile would've had that tech first (just in case it failed miserably, it was only Olds that got the blame and not, say, Cadillac or Buick, which had reputations to keep up). Anything that was successful would then graduate to Cadillac. Case-and-point: in 1966 the Toronado came out and in 1967, the Eldorado was reinvented on the same platform with the same FWD technology. Engineers and nerds bought Oldsmobiles. You had to have a little money (but not a ton of money) to be an Olds driver. The demographic would gravitate toward BMW starting in the 80s and it was simply because Olds, as you say, started just being another flavor of the same five platforms GM had to offer. Olds tried desperately to recapture their market segment first with the Touring Sedan (which is cool because seats and robot gauges, but at the end of the day is just a 98 Electra DeVille C-body) and next with the Aurora (which looked rad and had an engine which made it sad) but, naturally, it was too late.

[@A-classic-smithy]

Oldsmobile and cadillac, and of course occasionally glorious pontiac were all testers for gm.

[@Loathsome_Lynx]

​@@A-classic-smithypontiac was a test bed for performance, while Olds was for technology.

[@masonbradford]

Starting in 1967 the Cadillac Eldorado was front wheel drive

[@lordmaul3]

One of the most beautiful and stylish cars GM ever produced. I have a 1967 Cadillac Eldorado 1:25 scale model kit by Jo-Han. It's a rare hard-to-find model kit, and if you come across one it's very pricey. One in the original box can be up to $250-$300.

[@matthewharhai4039]

BUT, the Toronado was first with FWD before Cadillac.

[@masonbradford]

Sure are that’s correct both beautiful

[@MyHumanWreckage]

The Toronado/Riviera/Eldorado from this era are some of the most beautiful American cars ever built, in my opinion.

[@ForeverDownByLaw]

One of the coolest cars you've had on the channel.

[@OLDS98]

Thank you Zack. The review of the Toronado is appreciated. I had a feeling this was Justin's car. He really put a lot of work into this Toronado to get it in the condition it is in now. He should be proud. When you discussed front wheel drive, the Cadillac Eldorado was front wheel drive too. It was on the same platform as Toronado. It came out in 1967. The Riviera switched over to front wheel drive in 1979. It was on the same platform as the other two. It was sharing parts with the other two in the 1960's and other items, but they became fully connected in 1979.

[@MrJayrock620]

This came out one year before the 67 Eldorado and Cadillac actually used the Oldsmobile chassis and transmission for it, although they did use their own engines. The Riviera was shifted to this chassis too but was the only one to use RWD on it

[@rickjames6867]

Unique car. The interior alone is a sight to behold. The original Rocket V8 with Utilized Power Package (UPP) was capable of 0 to 60 in 7.5 seconds, with a top speed of 135mph. Thanks for sharing another rad, classic automobile. 💙✌️😏

[@Pauley_in_GP]

Another good video. I was a teenage car enthusiast at the time. I remember how futuristic the Toronado looked. IMHO, GM ruled the auto styling world in the mid-sixties.

[@Hobotraveler82]

I got to drive a 67 Tornado once. It belong to my dads friend. He was a mechanic and when i had to get my car fixed. He loaned it to me. That was the most fun I ever had and it cemented my love of classic cars. This example is really cool and brings back lots of memories 😊

[@Digitaaliset]

It's my favorite classic American car, thank for Zack test it and thank for owner provide it.

[@craigchally5942]

The first gen Aurora borrowed heavily from this car. Unlike this car, it was not a success.

[@TarmenAmzarian]

Oh boy, now ALL I want is a video in which you take Mike and Grace out for a ride in something like a 1972 Imperial Le Baron, just cruising at 15 Mph talking about the good old days!

[@lordmaul3]

Yes it is a type of transmission but the correct term is a transaxle. The transmission, CV axle shafts, and differential are housed in one integrated unit. This is why GM was able to make this vehicle's floor flat. My dad owned a 2nd generation Oldsmobile Toronado(1978), and 2nd generation Cadillac Eldorado(1972). Both vehicles shared the same E-body platform with the longitudinal engine/transaxle setup.

[@thatguydylan314]

I don't know what shocks me more - this being the first fwd car mass produced, or the license plate having an expiration of April 2030 😭

[@bazilwreckerloughead]

That is a really cool old car, I love the 'Rolodex' style speedometer!

[@robertvance1873]

I always thought the idea 💡 for the design of the firebird of the 1970's with the way the back end design was done.

[@pobrelalo1]

Love your enthusiasm. Have a great day.

[@nobatteriesincluded3968]

At 26 years old much respect you know a whole lot about cars and more importantly you have good oratorical skills cool review 🫡💯

[@new2000car]

Yes I agree. I apologize in advance, but this car came with lap belts, aka seatbelts, standard. It was mandated in 1964 for cars in the U.S. There were ones for the backseat as well when this car sold new. In 1966 probably 5% of people actually used them.

[@v.p.b.2807]

At one point in the 70s, America's best selling car was an Oldsmobile, the Cutlass.

[@jkeelsnc]

Neat old car. Unique. I remember reading that it took quite a bit of precision engineering to get the chain and sprockets precise enough to be durable and last long. Apparently, as a result, this arrangement was apparently quite robust and gave few problems. One wonders why GM hasn’t applied such dedication to everything they do.

[@RearEngineShop]

These things are cool. Have always wanted one. Beautiful car. 🔥

[@davidrichardson7466]

You are correct. It was a spaceship. Super modern. It was like a Tesla Cadillac at the time.

[@AlexMartinez-tf4yf]

Great review,I just purchased a 66 tornado in Illinois, I love it, man, such a kool car,thanks for the video,keep um coming

[@masonbradford]

Oh my the most epic car of all time the front wheel drive muscle luxury car!!!!

[@willyhwang1059]

Ive been a fan of Oldmobile for many years. Great brand and wonderful cars

[@American_Voyager101]

i love the wheels on that toronado

[@lordmaul3]

One thing on bucket list is to get the 1966 Oldsmobile Toronado 1:25 scale model kit or promo by Jo-Han.

[@blautens]

The trans - a TH-425 is just a TH-400 with a split case and the output shaft driving a chain to the other part of the case. It's pretty durable. Look at the front fenders - the edge on top - it must have been a very expensive stamping. I think, in the right color and the right condition - these are beautiful cars - very unique and bold, unlike anything styled today.

[@Hexaberry]

Idk how you do it but you make me suddenly have some emotional attachment to each car you review, almost like I've owned one or has a huge urge to buy one.

[@OmarDenarzi]

Oh yeah baby the Shooting Cars channel is back on the track ❤.

[@doug6191]

If you're referring to content on not-new cars, I agree. This content is far more interesting than, say, a Kia EV. Good for Zack, though, that he's getting recognition from the manufacturers and they're providing him press cars.

[@OmarDenarzi]

@@doug6191 Totally agree buddy 👍🏻.

[@James-ne3lc]

Chevrolet makes a Tornado for the Mexico market that's a UTE. My cousin owned one and it was really cool.

[@robguysgarage5422]

Great vid!

[@rightlanehog3151]

Save Oldsmobile!!!!

[@geraldscott4302]

This car should have been rear wheel drive. They designed such a beautiful car, then ruined it by making it front wheel drive. It was the 1971 Subaru that started the front wheel drive nightmare in the U.S. The Cutlass coupe through '77 was the only Oldsmobile I ever cared for. I would include this one if not for the front wheel drive.

[@kwaza8574]

Honestly, pending it got a good detail clean, it would be a beautiful car

[@jamesyeiren7920]

Great car, love it, sadly the closest thing I can get my hands on is a siku toy car made 50 something plus years age .

[@kiraleaf]

I've seen a blue one of these rusting away on a lot.. if any car could be called 'garish' it's this pre-70's slug on wheels XD

[@bwofficial1776]

These were interesting cars. The styling is a bit ungainly but it's still cool in that 60s way and the interior reminds you that you bought something techy. The Riviera might have been a bit more stylish. This one has some wear so the owner doesn't have to worry about babying it. Drive it.

[@snux7364]

Hey Zack, do you only review cars in the US or is coming to the UK possible, we have a lot of intresting cars here that if people knew, im sure they would let you borrow their motor for a few hours

[@xFactoryUSA]

Toronado in black…SHEEEEEESH

[@dave11686]

So cool

[@1524mike]

Very cool car.

[@Droopystang]

Heyyyyy Zach

[@user-wv4zc5xq7q]

I kinda want one now lol

[@alexandreb.1101]

Haven't watched fully yet so sorry if it was mentioned, but If I ain't wrong you could have had one of those with an airbag or "air cushion" according to GM, and it was a world first

[@firenzacruiser]

The air bag was first introduced in the Toronado, but not until 1973.

[@alexandreb.1101]

​@@firenzacruiserthank you!

[@normalizedaudio2481]

Don't see that every day.

[@kiraleaf]

so many buttons.. so .. many ... o__o what's this one do? -clicks- -ejects-

[@Ben-jz3mt]

You could actually get the 455s stock in these

[@firenzacruiser]

Starting in 1968, yes you could, but for 66 &67 the 425 was the only option. I do hope to get a 68 or 69 Toronado in the future.

[@Ben-jz3mt]

@@firenzacruiser Ah. That makes more sense.

[@HomerJ1964]

That car is begging for restoration.

[@firenzacruiser]

Maybe one day!

[@chrisjamesr77]

You could fit your Canadians in the back seat and they'd be chipper.... Oh wait wrong channel LOL

[@christophersmith1155]

its a drivers car. passengers dont touch anything.

[@davidp2888]

I'm one year older than this car.

[@runoflife87]

The only one gen Toronado worth owning. BTW, it kinda looks "pre-made" 3rd gen Pontiac Firebird, but more luxurious.

[@doug6191]

These cars are so admired, and I never understood why. It's hideous from all angles inside & out.

[@runoflife87]

Not as hideous as next gen Toronado. 1st gen had only one serious flaw - short wheelbase (front overhang is way too big).

[@broman260]

That dash is so poorly designed. It's kind of sad they put so much effort into designing the exterior but practically none into the interior.

[@jkeelsnc]

Still often true today though maybe not as much as back then. Interior materials are still cheap in GM cars though.

[@broman260]

@@jkeelsnc they make them cheap wherever they can to save money because they don't sell well enough to use better materials and because they're greedy. Same thing 50 years ago.

[@NLYS27]

I heard 7.5l and i only heard communism.

[@gordonborsboom7460]

If it was a commie car, it would be a 7.5 liter single cylinder. If Gerrr-man, a 7.5 liter V12

[@Dankcatvacs]

*****