When Front-Wheel-Drive Burnouts Were Cool: 66 Olds Toronado

Chain-Driven Front Wheel Drive Left an Indelible Impression and Cemented the 66 Olds Toronado Into Muscle Car Memory

The inaugural Oldsmobile “Olds” Toronado, a front-wheel-drive powerhouse launched in ’66, defied convention with its robust chain mechanism, a two-inch-thick assembly linked to a 180-degree-turned three-speed Turbo-Hydramatic transmission. This engineering marvel, splashed-lubricated and anchored by an offset differential, channeled the 425-cubic-inch V-8’s might to the front wheels, producing dramatic, smoky burnouts.

Unleashed in 1966 with 385 horsepower, the Toronado marked America’s return to front-wheel-drive dominance since the 1930s. The bold venture, a brainchild of Olds chief engineer John B. Beltz, aimed for a groundbreaking automobile, emphasizing roominess and roadability. The design, initially envisioned by David R. North, featured an alluring hard-edged pillarless hardtop, boasting integrated bumpers, hideaway headlights, and a sleek silhouette reminiscent of the 1936 Cord 810.

“The Toronado venture was born of a desire to create a better automobile, one with more usable room and roadability.”

OldSmoBILE chief engineer, John B. Beltz, December 1965

Inside, chief interior designer Ed Donaldson crafted a revolutionary cabin with rocker switches, a distinctive drum speedometer, and a sophisticated instrument cluster named a “driver podium.” Despite its weight, the Toronado’s unitized structure, a GM first, provided exceptional stiffness. Innovations abounded, from horizontal rear shocks countering windup under braking to torsion bars in the front suspension.

Challenges in torque distribution and a lack of a limited-slip differential led to a modest 0–60 mph time of 8.6 seconds, but the Toronado impressed with refined handling, earning accolades such as Car of the Year from Motor Trend. However, sales dipped in 1967, facing competition from Cadillac’s Eldorado. The Toronado adapted with a bigger engine in 1968, featuring chunky bumpers and enhanced performance options.

Despite its groundbreaking status, values of the first-generation Toronado have seen limited growth in recent years. Yet, the legacy of this milestone machine, priced at $4,997 when new, remains tethered to history, hinting at enduring appeal in the automotive world.

As the Toronado entered subsequent years, it faced both evolution and challenges. In 1968, responding to market shifts, the Toronado introduced a larger 455-cubic-inch engine, producing 375 horsepower and over 500 lb-ft of torque. An optional W-34 package offered enthusiasts an extra performance boost until 1970.

The following year marked a transformation in the Toronado’s appearance, with chunkier bumpers and a squared-off design, bidding farewell to the arches in the wheel wells. Despite these changes, the Toronado maintained its essence, standing out with its distinctive features and powerful performance.

However, sales struggled in the late 1960s, facing the shadow of Cadillac’s front-wheel-drive Eldorado and other now classic cars. Despite these challenges, the Toronado’s impact was undeniable. Motor Trend’s recognition as Car of the Year in 1966 and Oldsmobile’s sale of around 41,000 units that year underscored its initial success.

In its final year, 1970, the Toronado bid adieu to hidden headlights, marking the end of an era for this iconic first-generation model. The automotive landscape shifted, and the Toronado paved the way for future innovations and developments in the realm of front-wheel-drive vehicles.

While values may have appeared tethered to a post in recent years, the Toronado’s legacy persists, with enthusiasts recognizing its role in reshaping automotive conventions. As the automobile industry continues to evolve, the first-generation, and specifically the 66 Olds Toronado, remains an enduring symbol of ingenuity and a testament to Oldsmobile’s bold pursuit of automotive excellence.

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