GM’s 1st FWD Was an Outstanding Masterpiece. It was not America’s first front wheel drive vehicle; it was its second. It was big, powerful, spacious, good looking, and its name had a unique spelling. As a muscle car, its front mounted transmission was also something out of the ordinary. It was the Oldsmobile Toronado.
Thapson
The first US front-wheel drive vehicle was made in 1929, and belonged in a very respectable stable of cars of the time. Recognize it below?
The 1930s Cord
We’ll touch more on that another time. This time we want to remember one of my favorite American cars from the mid-60s which also happens to be front-wheel drive.
Backstory
Before getting to our car in question, let’s check out the backstory to understand its origins. The history of General Motors’ front wheel drive takes us to Ford and their Thunderbird, that introduced a new car niche in the United States. Released in 1958, the Thunderbird combined both luxury and performance as a “Personal Luxury car.”
A big success, Ford’s Thunderbird prompted competitors to create similar competitive models. GM decided their personal luxury car would be a Cadillac. But they ended up with the Buick Riviera, as Cadillac already had enough of a lineup. Hence the reason Buick Riviera, released in 1963, always remained distinctive among the Buicks with its “R” logo.
GM’s FWD Ambitions
But this was not enough. During this period, GM also had plans to develop a front wheel drive (FWD) vehicle. In the 1930s, Cord was the only American manufacturer who had made FWD cars. Following the successes of FWD cars abroad, GM saw several advantages with this technology. GM’s Oldsmobile and Cadillac divisions were working on a front wheel prototype XP-784. All GM experimental cars had the “XP” designation.
1964 XP-784
The idea was to create a model both for the Oldsmobile and Cadillac divisions. Oldsmobile’s chief designer, David North’s artistic concept won out. And the so was born the …
Oldsmobile Toronado!
David North Flaming Red Oldsmobile Concept
The design for the Oldsmobile Toronado was ground-breaking for the time. The streamlined body, long chassis, interesting grill, large windows gave the new car a very stylish look. Incidentally the name “Toronado” was taken from a 1963 Chevrolet show car. While the Toronado is introduced in 1966, as an Oldsmobile, there were plans for a Cadillac version down the road too.
One look at the Toronado and you know GM put in a lot of effort to ensure they come out with a winner. The Toronado was put through rigorous tests, over millions of miles, to ensure its reliability. Everything was developed from scratch. From the drive train, traditional engine mount, spacious interior, flat floor, the suspension, and pop-up headlights which were meant as a homage to the first Cord FWD.
The 1966 Oldsmobile Toronado was available as a two-door hardtop and an optional two door deluxe version.
Some Specs
The Toronado came with a Rocket V8, 7 Liter motor, that turned out a whopping 385 HP, enabling a top speed of 135 miles per hour. Since FWD cars all for a transverse engine mount, deft engineering was used with the Toronado as its engine was positioned traditionally. The Toronado’s “flat floor” increased interior space – enabling seating for six. The heavy duty tires for the Toronado were specially designed by Firestone for better road holding with a trend setting thin white stripe.
It was such a revolutionary car, that its awards include the 1966 Motor Trend’s Car of the Year, Car Life’s Award for Engineering Excellence, and third in the European Car of the Year competition.
Hagerty / YouTube
How I Came to Love the Toronado
The first time I saw one was when it stood out among a set of Israeli “Gamda Koor Sabra” die cast models of American cars. Such a beautiful design, I added it to my collection. It become one of my all time favorite American cars – right up there with other muscle cars. And I especially like the first 1966-67 the best. It was improved over the years, but eventually it seemed to be “watered down.” Over the next few years, its position as the GM premier personal luxury sedan was passed on to the other FWD GM had planned – the Cadillac El Dorado.
Some Final Words
I never got to see a Toronado in any of the classic car shows. Then, one day, quite unexpectedly, I got to see one from a distance across a busy thoroughfare. I yelled out in excitement. My buddy failed to share my enthusiasm as he wasn’t as much of a classic car buff. Seeing that ’66-’67 Toro, in white, made my day. But it happened too fast, and it soon disappeared. Hopefully one day I’ll get a better opportunity to see one up close. The Toronado, one of the most beautiful, outstanding cars from General Motors! Your comments are welcome below.
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