The 1966-67 Buick Riviera, Cadillac Eldorado & Oldsmobile Toronado Represent General Motors' Best

Learn more about the Buick Riviera, Cadillac Eldorado and Oldsmobile Toronado, some of GM's finest designs of all time!

[@dannyr9842]

I think the Toronado had the most futuristic styling of the 3. What a piece of art. Gorgeous in and out.

[@big_red_machine3547]

Talk about a difficult choice! Adam has excellent taste by recognizing the importance of those 3 as the pinnacle of American style and quality

[@smoothoperator7023]

Gorgeous car, ugly brakes! 🫣

[@wendyandgeoffpattison2610]

I agree. The Buick is sensational. No front wheel drive. Great engine. And beautiful.

[@Barry_Davis]

I like the Toronado the best. I remember when it first came out in the ‘66 model year and I thought it was one of the best styled cars. Also the flat floor was cool.

[@MyHumanWreckage]

Three of the most beautiful American cars ever produced.

[@donmckay7663]

I cant't decide, I agree that this was GM's best design period and I have always loved all three. It was great that you put them all together.

[@Vegaswill714]

I love the Riviera best, I fell in love with those cars in middle school and it hasn't changed. The 67 Riv is still a favorite.

[@chilternsroamer872]

That Toronado is fabulous. Colour, styling, the lot! It is even making me reconsider my love of the Riviera styling.

[@josevidal6458]

3 beautiful cars....I prefer the Eldorado.

[@gunterpelz9291]

In 1984, during my first trip to the U.S. , my school exchange family owned a 1966 Toronado. It was the most impressive car I had ever seen and I got to drive it when I turned 16 during my stay. I decided there and then I must have one some day. BUT I bought a 1967 Riviera instead - from any angle you look at it, it is a design masterpiece.

[@hynestimothy411]

I love the Buick's styling as well as the Oldsmobile but the Oldsmobile's styling is unmatched anywhere so I'd probably would choose the Oldsmobile tornado (with air-conditioning)😅 Thanks again Adam, big fan of the channel

[@sking2173]

I’ll take that Buick. The Buick division was king of the GM conglomerate in the 60’s when it came to design aesthetics. The ‘65 Riviera still gives me chills to this day …

[@artysanmobile]

In their day, the Riviera and Toronado looked like they came from space in comparison to anything else. I’ll never forget the Riviera thru my school bus window. I was mesmerized.

[@georgewacaser4559]

Those are all three fabulous, but man, that Buick is just over the top. Stunning. Thanks for sharing those with us.

[@jawnsd1970]

I prefer the 1967 El Dorado hands down but they are all exceptional beauties for sure. You are one lucky guy. Thanks for the insightful and educating videos. Much appreciated.

[@dmansf49ers71]

He certainly is one rich...er.... lucky guy for sure 🤨

[@jawnsd1970]

@@dmansf49ers71 which one did you prefer?

[@joehumenansky8225]

This is the era when GM was at the top. The E body trio is the epitome of style. I'm an Oldsmobile guy so I lean toward the Toronado. Autumn Bronze is such a striking color. I've always had a soft spot for the Riviera though. The Cadillac is outstanding but I agree in regard to ride quality. Olds would be my first choice then the Riviera.

[@rdm925]

Still think the Riviera is the best of the bunch 😎!

[@MNBluestater]

Agreed

[@big_red_machine3547]

I vote for the Riv too. In 1997, I bought a one owner, impeccably maintained, completely original, garage stored 40k Las Vegas white on red ‘66 Riv for $2500. Was mint without a speck of rust and original paint. Came with a bale of receipts of everything ever done to the car. Most hilarious was that Midas muffler had a lifetime guarantee on exhaust, and like clockwork, the old man brought it in every 3 years to replace the dual resonators 😂. I drove it all the way back to Alberta Canada and replaced the tires, rad, pitman arm and ball joints on the way. Beautiful drive. Had to auction it off in 06 to buy my first house. Brought $6500. Watching your video made my heart ache. I had some amazing times in that car and I wish that I never let her go! Thanks 🙏

[@markconkel5876]

In 1967, I was 15 when I first saw a 1967 Olds 98 convertible and, to this day, have never been more impressed by the styling of vehicle! The 1967 Eldorado was a close second, though.

[@marcusyoung5364]

I absolutely love the ElDorado’s styling … especially The rear lights and the formal roofline. Great episode Adam!

[@Sedan57Chevy]

Riviera gets my vote for the best of the best. Love everything about that car. I used to prefer the first gen and even the boat tail, but now I really love the 2nd gen Riviera. Yours in partial with the simple and sinister black exterior with the bright white interior is just a gorgeous combo. That said... All three of these are 10/10 styling designs. I'm always happy to see your fleet, Adam. It's so refreshing to see these cars owned by a true enthusiast. Hope you had a wonderful weekend! Thanks for giving us a great video to finish it off with.

[@RareClassicCars]

Thx!

[@big_red_machine3547]

Agreed. “An Iron Fist in the Velvet Glove.” My 66 had the Buick rally wheels. Adam’s car would look ridiculous with those wheels!

[@ValdezJu]

Of the three, Rivera is the hands down winner! I wish a '66 Pontiac Grand Prix had been added to the mix because it would be my 2nd pick!

[@JBsC6]

Tornado styling would have been my pick.

[@ValdezJu]

@@JBsC6 We used to call em Tornados too back in HS days..

[@francoorozco3662]

Life goals to own all 3 honestly, just amazing the designs they had back then. I own a 2017 LaCrosse Avenir I got new when I was 16 as a gift from my family. I chose it because the styling is over the top among other sedans nowadays (I’m from 2001)

[@h8troodoh]

Nice ride ya got there . 😎

[@darinhill3773]

I must say that I really enjoy your enthusiasm for the domestic rides that some of us (dating myself) grew up riding in. They're classics! Maybe not now in the fervor for the muscle cars (my brother and I own a '71 Chevelle that is a copo our pop ordered), but they were definitely great cars, classic or not. We grew up in them. It's funny when you take someone that didn't grow up in the era of quiet, sitting on the sofa type of ride, with plenty of "get on down the road ability", for a spin down the highway! The result is almost always the same: "My 'X' (insert any brand, foreign or domestic nowadays) isn't like this!" You damn right!! Sure, it costs more for gas and the new cars are quicker - that doesn't mean they're better. Beauty is just that, you choose what you like. I like the old cars!

[@aldoparise1224]

I love the riviera the most. Very nice looking car.

[@johntrout7232]

Of the three, the Eldorado appeals to me. The other two are beautiful. I doubt any of those choices would been bad in 1967.

[@r.hill.2369]

Few could argue against the premise of the title of this video. Fewer still after watching. I grew up around 68' to 73' Rivieras. The best ever.

[@SeaTravelr123]

OMG.. First off.. great video.. Beautiful day, 3 beautiful cars.. I really love the Toronado color. Reminds me of a 65 color that my friend had on his Catalina 2 + 2. It was a Cadillac color, and looks like this color. I have never looked at a 67 Eldorado so closely.. I have never been much of a Cadi guy. But you are right, the Eldorado is truly a work of art.. Im personally leaning towards the Toronado, but The Riv is just gorgeous... Thanks for a great video.. Big difference from the winter videos on the back porch.. ;-)

[@matskarlsson3219]

The Buick Riviera for me the number one car the great 1960s at its best. 🙂

[@DSP1968]

A great comparison video, Adam. The first one of these 3 I've seen. And If I had to pick one of these three wonderful cars, I'd probably pick the Toronado.

[@michaelsteele8515]

Eldorado for me… Styling perfection and in a perfect color combination.

[@joenorthrop1088]

It really is incredible that GM was able to produce three of the most beautiful cars ever made in these three. While, as you point out, they share some elements, each one stands alone as a distinct interpretation of what a personal luxury car should be. While I’d love one of each, the Eldorado is my first choice. That’s why I’ve owned six of them, including the black ‘67 now in your collection. Couple reasons I believe the Eldorado is the most significant. This car was the antitheses of all Cadillacs that came before it. It’s like a minimalist work of art compared to its Baroque predecessors and siblings. It had sporting ambitions that had never crossed the mind of most Cadillac buyers. It’s design was so timeless that it was able to breath life into a moribund brand and give it a new lease on life through the Art and Science ethos. These things can not be said about the Toronado or Riviera. Beautiful cars I’d love to own, but nowhere near the significance of the ‘67 Eldorado. I wish I’d kept the Eldorado you now own, but if I can’t have it, there’s no place I’d rather her be than in your garage.

[@andoletube]

Riviera wins overall for me, with all parts summed together. The Toronado has a stunning front end. The Caddy has a stunning rear end. But rear wheel drive and no weak points give it the Riviera.

[@wilsixone]

I'm an azz man myself, and I like the 66 Toro rear in its own right. The Eldo is the winner here in my opinion and I pick it from a styling and FWD utility perspective. He's no doubt correct about the ride quality, but I don't think that influences me as much.

[@jeffstonecipher1594]

What a stellar collection -unbelievable finds, all three!! I was very fortunate to have a ride once in a well restored Riviera similar to yours, think it may have been a 68 or 69 -but I agree it had a very luxurious ride for what it was. I once owned a seventies boat Riviera, and GM kept that a theme before they went front drive in '79 -those just rode different. My choice would have been the Riviera -if not for sentimental reasons 🙂 Ride quality carries a big stick though when you test drive something. Awesome job finally sharing these three in a great comparison Adam!!

[@williamgrimes668]

my favorite is the Boattail Riviera. Of those 3 I would go with the Eldorado. They are all attractive but I find the Cady more elegant.

[@P.Galore]

You are a very fortunate gentlemen, not only to have the means to collect these cars, but even more rare, a place to store them.

[@user-bu5bs1qh2k]

Riviera by far. My grandfather had a 66 with the mail head. I couldn't wait to drive it. Would let me drive the car to run errands. Had deluxe interior bucket seats shifter in the center console. Love the barrel speedmoter

[@1sostatic]

I love the styling of the Buick ... I must have one a 1966/67 in my workshop.

[@tonymaiettasr.7340]

I like them all but I would take the Riviera. Very nice presentation.

[@russmrgadgetcassedy]

I have a 1967 Eldorado. I agree that they are a work of art!

[@onlyhereonce7290]

You put SO much effort into these videos. And it shows. The videos are so much fun to watch.

[@malcolmborne]

Toronado 425 was rated at 385hp. Also the first year Toro sold more than 40k units. The '67 dropped in sales. The 425 had .921" lifters and a forged steel crankshaft vs the Olds 455 .842" lifters and nodular iron cast crankshaft.

[@h00dsc00p]

I can’t pick my favorite! Love em all.

[@V8_screw_electric_cars]

Riviera my fave but I like the flat floor on the Toronado and Eldorado the only fwd cars that make sense to me at least there's some benefit to it. One thing that's a must for Riviera though is the console shifter it was so cool like engine throttle from a jet plane.

[@big_red_machine3547]

Yes. My 66 was specifically ordered with the split bench buckets. One important benefit was that it was convenient to make out with women in the front seat- and I had many hot women who wanted to make out in that car! 😅😅😅

[@jefweb5043]

I'm always partial to Oldsmobile...but my gosh; the sheer studliness of that Cadillac!! Just sheer asthetics, I think nose to tail, the Eldo just nails it. All three are amazing... great vid!

[@alanbuck9237]

I totally agree that these three cars are probably some of the best styled cars GM ever made.

[@richardwhitman6183]

Great group. I have owned a '67 Toronado in pale yellow, with disc brakes and a black vinyl top. My Eldorado was a forest green with a black vinyl top. Great design for both. Downside for both, in the days of bias ply tires, these cars would eat front tires. Radials corrected that. '66 Toro had different front CV joints that were problematic. By '67 that was corrected. Truly some of GMs best designs.

[@davidrupprecht2774]

Three great examples you have of high period in GM design. Thank you for sharing.

[@chemwrite]

These really are wonderful cars. You are correct when you say that this era was a high point in GM styling. I envy your collection.

[@lawrencefine5020]

Love the Toronado, cuz it's just so different from the other 2. But man that Riviera is a stunner. Yeah the Riviera.

[@JDGonzalezjr]

I’ll always love the eye brows of the toronado,

[@Rorer714.]

Great collection Adam the color combinations make the style of the cars come alive.I am a Buick guy so I am with you the one year only plum interior would be nice.I love the plum interior GM had in 1965-1966-1967.

[@KyrosTheWolf]

Styling wise my favourite is the Toronado. It looks so futuristic and unique, like nothing you would expect from the 1960s. It looks like either a one-off concept, or a prop for a sci-fi movie!

[@louisrauzi3872]

Absolutely love these GMs without a vinyl roof. Shows the lines

[@OLDS98]

The set up of all three E Cars was interesting. I liked seeing them together and hearing about them. I like how each GM brand made them different. They lost that with time, but it came back in a way. They should have kept that focus. The Riviera has some elegance in the interior because of the attention to detail. When Adam said his Toronado had a 455 Rocket, I thought about that song by Kathy Mattea 455 Rocket. "Adam has got a 455 rocket". I like all three because of GM, but would take the Oldsmobile Toronado. It is still interesting to see when power windows were optional on these cars. They became more feature loaded over time too. You still see the influence of the Eldorado in Cadillac today in 2023. Thank you Adam.

[@jakereal3604]

He said 425 cu in engine not 455. That didn't come for a few years! I do think he was off by 10 HP as If my memory is correct I think it was rated at 385 HP not 375 HP

[@markbehr88]

He did say 455 service block

[@OLDS98]

Thank you Mark. @@markbehr88

[@markbehr88]

@@OLDS98 pleasure 👍

[@raymurphyii]

@@jakereal3604 Adam said the original Toronado engine had been replaced with a 455 by a dealer at some point.

[@bretttimmons2653]

I would love any of the three. If I could only drive one it would be the Riviera. But from a pure styling perspective the Eldorado is pure genius.

[@halhenryg]

So close but bottom line for me, Eldorado interior and exterior. Thanks Adam!

[@volktales7005]

I received the Corgi Toronado as a kid in the same colour and it was my favourite toy car. The others are nice, but they just can't compare!

[@big_red_machine3547]

My oldest Brother had a toy 66 Tornado car. It was steel and a foot long! Was in the same Autumn bronze and would wind up when you pushed it backwards, then take off forward. Nobody was allowed to play with it though, but I’d sneak into his room and take it down when he was out 😁. It got lost somewhere when my mom had to sell the house. Was this like yours??

[@mikewest6569]

I grew up in a Brooklyn Italian Neighborhood and these three cars were all over the place. My favorite is the Eldo.

[@dalekohler5269]

I'm a Riviera fan! I had a 65 Riviera fully loaded when I was about 20. Wish I'd never gotten rid of it. Spent a lot of years chasing them but their price keeps getting higher out of my range. But I recently got a 68 Le Sabre 400 and pretty sure it might have the same roofline and rear as your Riviera. It also has the exact same console in it! I'm really digging it! Buick all the way!

[@NTSCuser]

I love the interior of that Riviera! ♥

[@lorieandpatrickdavies7483]

What an incredible trio! Of the three, my favourite by far is the Eldorado, which to me has to be among the five best designs GM ever produced in their entire history. Its like a piece of art, the more you look at it, the more details become apparent. I like the Toronado for its futuristic styling. The Riviera is attractive, but I find it much more subdued and of its time than the others. Great episode!

[@wilsixone]

I like the way you think! Agree totally.

[@pieroramacciato9434]

Wow. All three are magnificent. I am usually a Buick guy but the Toro is a masterpiece

[@johnrose2348]

My dad had a 66 Toronado in the day, he bought new. My mother hated it because it was a two door and she always had alot of kids in the car, in the back seat. If I recall correctly, we had alot of problems with the front wheel drive system and my dad got rid of it in 69 and bought a Dodge Polara. I always liked the way the car looked, beefy and wide with the cool front hideaway lights. My uncle was a supervisor at the Buffalo GM plant and would always drive cars to our house to check out. (show-off!)

[@stanlomax4615]

The Riv every day. Thanks for sharing them. All are outstanding.

[@plebeian_egalitarian]

I would have picked the Riviera, but that Cadillac would have been difficult to pass up- I love the styling

[@amandab.recondwith8006]

Mr. McGuire, our next-door neighbor, drove into his driveway one afternoon in a red Toronado. It was 1966, and we were all watching Batman on TV. We called the Toronado a Batmobile, and were absolutely amazed at how modern it looked. It was like the future just drove into their backyard!

[@TylerDurden-oy2hm]

thanks for sharing these beauties...Id have to pick the Buick Riviera too..

[@jameswhalen7049]

I owned a 1967 Riviera, it was a friend of my Dad's and he'd let me use it for special events when I was in high school. When I was a college senior he sold it to me and bought a new Cadillac. Sadly it was stolen after two years. It was used to rob a liquor store, and out ran the police and was ditched in a quarry after being stripped. So I took the insurance money. It was purchased at a salvage auction and completely restored by a guy who owned another Riviera and always wanted to buy mine. I saw it one day when driving by his garage, when I stopped in to check to see if it was my car, he just looked at me and said "It's not for sale." I missed the car, but was so happy that it was brought back to life by someone who treasured it to too.

[@rodneygolden2796]

To jump from a 1966 to 1970 power plant, what a bonus from a service update. Way to go dude! I definitely would not complain if it were me.💪

[@RareClassicCars]

I’m not. I’ll take it.

[@timr31908]

I'm not a GM fan by no means but that car is a Hallmark of engineering and I'd love to have one

[@danielb3048]

Soooo hard to pick! The Oldsmobile wins my heart as the interior is gorgeous and the exterior is elegant front to back.

[@moo-moo74]

I'd vote for the Buick anticipating the soon-to-be even more beautiful & stunning CLASSIC 1971-73 Buick "Boatail" Riviera in my opinion...

[@hiitsstillme]

We concur with your choice of the Riv. In it's understated elegance, to us it looks like a chiseled black diamond... GM's pinnacle of design.

[@blakeneysanders4264]

The Toranado is my favorite.

[@danlove4270]

The color of that Oldsm😅bile is awesome .

[@bjepper1]

I’d pick the Eldorado. It’s a piece of art!

[@howardjlogan]

I love the styling on all 3, particularly the Toronado, but those drum brakes. Voting with my heart: Toronado. Voting with my head: Riviera.

[@nasserrafek9579]

Have looked closely at both Riviera and Toronado when was residing in US. My choice has to be the Riviera👌

[@silvermikeGA]

The Eldorado is one of the most beautiful cars ever made. No bad angles. It has aged best of the 3 and looks contemporary today.

[@MNBluestater]

Terrific video. Well now, you do need the entire set of GM full-size fastbacks-with the addition of a ‘66 Pontiac 2+2 (Catalina) and a ‘66 Impala SS . ❤

[@stevenlatham4397]

That Toronado is absolutely stunning. If I ever won the lottery I would have that color copied on all of my vehicles. I live where it snows a lot, so I’m a fan of front wheel drive.

[@danr1920]

I'd go with the Riviera.

[@TheMarcball]

I have a 71 Riv but would pick the Eldorado, love black on red.

[@kirknelson156]

I just love the looks of the Toronado, having never driven any of the three and based only on looks only I crave that Toronado and am so jealous you have such a remarkable example. Treat it well :-)

[@socksumi]

I'd pick the Riviera as well, especially if it came in the same gorgeous wine color as the Toronado.

[@kbVACArestatecarsnrvs]

I like all three, being a car guy too. But I'm a fan of the Toronado, had an early 80's. Any of these three I'd be happy with. And you said you couldn't imagine test driving that '67 Riviera new. Well, I can remember being in the passenger seat of one, brand new, when my Dad had brought one home and was test driving it. I always (except when he special ordered a car) got to ride first in a new car he was crushing on. Even as young as I was. It was so cool not to have "vent" windows then. Luxury fast too. But.....he didn't buy it and kept his '65 Leman's until '68. Oh, we had a '57 TR3 then too. In '68, even though we premiered all of the Pontiac's in the showroom fall of '67, especially the Rubber nose GTO, sadly (but not) GM was not his next car after the previous three Pontiac's. A '68 Charger came home one day.

[@TKA322]

I want to buy your whole collection Adam, you love the same type cars I do. Although I did have a 65 Mustang a few years, I was not a sport car type. I grew up in your area(A2 & Brighton), so I knew quite a few people that worked the big 3, my dad was an engineer at Ford after a few years with GM. Proud he designed the single belt idler pulley and saved a Canadian company to manufacture them for the heavy truck division, which obviously found there way into cars. I had a neighbor good friend that was a lead inspector at Chevy, and back then, Detroit was a city envied world wide, I went to the last "30 game winning pitcher" game (at Tiger Stadium Sept.20,68) as a child on my birthday. Your cars bring me back, my first car was a 70 Skylark, I really liked that car, topped that 350 big block at 133mph(never did that again), I had it purring real good, paid $900 for it in 76 with 59k miles. Love the color of that Olds and styling but would take the Buick for the rear-wheel drive. But that blue on your Catalina is my favorite! Thanks for the memories...

[@attcenter]

The Eldorado is absolutely gorgeous, elegant and just more modern looking than the other two, in my opinion.

[@unhandleme]

Talk about a holy trinity. So cool that you have all three, Adam. Based solely on style, the Toronado is my #1, with the Eldorado a close second.

[@charlespapineau5428]

Loved all these cars! I love the styling and the color of the Toronado. My Dad had a 69 Toronado and we loved it. I would be stuck picking the Olds and the Buick but would have leaned to the Buick due to rear wheel drive and soft ride. I would be proud to own and drive any of them.

[@iBusinessLogic]

I agree, The Riviera is the car to choose... I owned a 71' Boat tail and it was a real looker! I miss that car!

[@williamgrimes668]

I too love the 71 Riviera. So cool and interesting. And the 63 Vette vibe. Odd that the boat tails were not good sellers.

[@Mr.Higginbotham]

Wow, I'm glad for you. Such a nice era to collect in.

[@jimcabezola3051]

Toronado gets my styling vote. Riviera gets my chassis vote, though. Eldorado is an okay car; I wouldn't kick it out of my garage.

[@dannyg6592]

Three examples of GM's best styling efforts. I'd buy the Riviera for the same reasons as Adam, but I think the Toronado's exterior styling is the best.

[@70Kenny]

Beautiful cars, sir. They’re excellent choices for a collection of 1960’s General Motors models. The only one I’ve ever owned was a ‘69 Toronado in 1999. You’re right, it really doesn’t “feel” like a front-wheel-drive car until it slips on something. It amazes me how many people have never heard of an American front wheel drive car that debuted in 1966! I once had to yell “Hey, stop! Don’t move it!” at a tow truck driver who had lifted up my Toronado by the back wheels. He then tried to tell me the car was rear wheel drive. It took a couple of minutes to straighten him out.

[@sooverit5529]

I'd love a 1966 Riviera in Riviera Red Iridescent (Toronado's Autumn Bronze Iridescent). It really is a glorious color.

[@LyleMyers]

Eeny, meeny, miny, moe lol boy that’s a tough choice. All three masterpieces.

[@pattschetter]

This era was to me the peak of GM styling, with these cars the pinnacle because they were up with the Corvette at the top of the hierarchy, but it's hard to pick one. There's a part of me that wants to prefer the Riviera as maybe the most conservatively-engineered of these underneath & in its external appearance, but still a beautiful car; but I like some of the Eldorado and Toronado traits that are still informing modern designs. I think I'm 1) Toronado 2) Eldorado 3) Riviera on looks but 1) Riviera 2) Eldorado 3) Toronado if I wanted to own just one and not collect the whole set.

[@gregt8638]

Very enjoyable video! Thanks for posting!

[@karll3119]

3 dream cars in a row in the same driveway !!! 😮

[@Rocket2me]

Toro, Elmo, Riv. PS the Riv also has a much shallower trunk. Love this comparison, thank you and congratulations on your amazing collection Adam!

[@big_red_machine3547]

Yea it’s shocking how small the trunks are on the Riv. The full size spare and gas tank takes up most of the space

[@zedhead2864]

I'm with you, Adam. While they're all stunners. I'd pick the Buick.