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Bidding has ended on this item. The seller has relisted this item or one like this. Item:1971 Oldsmobile Toronado Custom |
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Vehicle History Report Summary for 1971 Oldsmobile Toronado Custom
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The 1971 Toronado was Stan Parker’s baby. He had recently been reassigned from being Chief Designer of Cadillac exteriors to Chief designer of Oldsmobile and has taken the assignment with some hesitation. He loved fine detail- die cast grilles and intricate lamps, and was afraid that the bigwigs at GM wouldn’t allow his intricate details on such a volume car. In many ways, the 1971 Toronado was his test car and it is clear that he got everything he wanted. It looked nothing like any other GM car, then or now. The design theme was sporty yet formal. it’s long square coffin nose hood paid tribute to the 1936 Cord 810. The twin die cast grilles were offset and mounted low. The bumper mirrored the coffin shape. It was incredibly expensive to make. Every lamp showed Parker’s love for fine detail. Most memorable today is the high mounted stop lamps, which appeared above each intricate tail lamp. Interiors featured unique detailing including a brushed copper applique on the instrument panel and color keyed pedals. There was no mistaking the all new 1971 Toronado for anything else on the road. Today, examples of the second generation Toronado are hard to find. The gas shortages of the 1970’s did a number on the resale value of large luxury cars and so the survival rate is low. Not to mention the fragility of those beautifully detailed bumpers contributing to their scarcity. In its day, it was dramatic and smart. Today, it's all but shocking to see one. This particular Toronado is a rust free car with just over 57,000 actual miles. It was sold new in Florida and then acquired by an Oldsmobile collector in Dallas, Texas. In fact, it still retains its Texas title. The car was brought to Los Angeles by another Oldsmobile enthusiast who invested almost $10,000 in restoration. It was a very solid and intact car that was completely rust free. The Galleon Gold paint was faded, but there was no body damage. The Toronado had the usual options of the day, including the 455 V8, Turbo-Hydramatic transmission, power steering and brakes, A/C (Ice Cold!) power windows and seat, and even Night Watch Headlamp Delay! It was a great candidate for restoration. Unfortunately the deteriorating economy has forced him to focus on other matters and the Toronado is being offered for sale, approximately 90% completed. The restoration entailed the following: Mechanical- A great deal of work has been accomplished. The 57,000 mile engine was given a full tune up, plugs, points, ignition parts as well as all belts and hoses including vacuum hoses were replaced. The carburetor and alternator were replaced as well. The brakes were completely rebuilt including new hoses, master cylinder and booster, shoes and wheel cylinders. One drive axle was replaced, as well as front end sway bar bushings and exhaust flange bushings, The A/C was evacuated and recharged and is ICE COLD. One receipt is for $2624.85, and does not include the cost of the new tires . The car starts easily and runs smoothly as it did when it was new. The transmission shifts beautifully. It is a pleasure to drive and handles like a dream. Repaint- Disassembled and repainted in the original shade of Galleon Gold Poly (Code 55) at a cost of $3000.00. It's not a Pebble Beach quality, as that alone would have cost $10,000.00, but perfect for the very nice driver he was building. Well worth the money spent and yet to have its final polish and buff. Roof- a new Black vinyl roof in the correct Levant grain was installed at the cost of $700.00. The surround moldings are with the car, but have yet to be reinstalled. Interior- The Front seat was recovered in the correct Sandalwood vinyl. The rear seat is original and in excellent condition. The original carpet was intact and retained. The driver’s lower door panel needs to be replaced, a very good used panel (in black) is included. The trunk was recarpeted as well with correct carpeting ($200 alone!). The steering wheel should be replaced as it is cracked, and the radio reinstalled. There are three correct radios with the car, including one stereo and one stereo 8-track. NOS Parts- Many rare NOS parts were purchased for this car. They include both lower grilles, the front license plate housing and hood emblem, and the parking lamp lenses, It is very hard to find these Toronado NOS parts. The trunk is full of extra parts as well. There is also a complete extra rear bumper included. In summary, this is a bittersweet story. The owner has spent generously to make a very nice car, and its almost completed, but circumstances dictate moving on. The car runs and drives beautifully, but needs a few finishing touches. The vinyl roof moldings need to be painted and reinstalled, the side window rubber needs to be replaced, the interior items mentioned need to be completed, and the sound system reinstalled. When you have completed these minor details, you will have one of the handsomest examples of the beautiful second generation Toronado. We have placed a most reasonable reserve on this car which is far less than the $10,000 which has already been invested. The owner spent the money to build a quality car, not a wreck with a quick respray. This Toronado represents an excellent value for an enthusiast. Please feel free to email with any questions. The Toronado may be viewed by appointment in Lake Balboa, CA. Please email me to arrange. Thanks for looking, and happy bidding! | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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Seller's payment instructions Deposit due within 48 hours of auction close, balance within seven days. Buyer responsible for shipping. Port delivery at modest cost for overseas buyers. Wire transfer is required on overseas buyers. Item is without warranty. Description is our best informed opinion, not a guarantee. Ask any questions you like prior to bidding. A bid is a commitment to purchase. Deposit via PayPal US $500.00 within 48 hours of auction close. ![]() Payment methods accepted
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