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There were 40,963 Toronados produced in 1966. Of that number, 34,630 1966 Deluxe Toronado's were spawned. This particular example has 37,726 older siblings, leaving 3236 younger brothers and sisters.
As all 1966 Toronados, it was born in Lansing Michigan. It was raised in California until it found its way to Milwaukee in the late 70's were it was stored until 1990 when I bought it. I am the third owner of this majestic automobile. The elderly gentleman that I bought it from loved the car so much that he wept as I drove it out of his driveway. As the story goes, he bought a new 1966 Toronado for his daughter when she graduated from high school. Shortly after, she was involved in a horrific accident and credits the size and magnitude of the car for saving her life. He then bought this car for himself out of tribute to the automobile.
The car was completely original when I bought
it. It is absolutely rust free. The undercarriage is clean as a whistle. The clock shows
65K and the
car supports that number. A few minor repairs and it was road worthy. A good cleaning,
new
skins and she was ready to drive to the shop.
Since then, I have replaced all the rubber, installed original asbestos brake shoes, new
wheel
cylinders, new lower ball joints, floor mat insert, and rear wheel bearings. I have just
put on a
complete new exhaust system. Since I like a bit of snort out the back end, I went with
the 2 1/2"
galvanized steel straight pipes with two Walker Turbo Glasspacks hung in the back. I also
purchased OEM chrome tip extensions.
The engine compartment is detailed to its original condition. As you can see, it has the K-19 California Air-Induction System. This picture was taken at Lansing in 1998
In as much as I like to remain a purist, I have a tendency to rebel
occasionally.
Instead of going with a set of chrome wheels or standard silver painted rims, I decided
to take a
walk on the wild side and do them in gold. Since gold plating is totally out of my reach
and credit
card limit, I went with a mint brass Zenolyte wheel treatment. That, along with the
bright
aluminum brake drums make for a very striking contrast and compliment the Ocean Mist body
color very well. I searched high and low for a perfect set of rims to effect this
treatment. I am very
pleased with the results. I also added a gold pinstripe that follows the upper body line
rather than
the traditional factory fender highlight.
This car touts a nearly perfect interior and is heavily optioned, replete with a four-way flarestat.
As many of you, who are subscribers to the
Olds list, no doubt remember the debacle I had a few years ago when I burned up the
wiring
loom in the now infamous "Flaming Dubonette" incident. Here is a photo of it after I
replaced the
loom as she breathed life again for the first time in months. It has now been delegated
as my daily
driver and I love every minute of it. Thanks to everyone for their well wishes and
support through
that ordeal. I hope you all learned something by my mistake. ALWAYS disconnect the
battery!
I would be remiss if I didn't pay homage to the following people;
Gregg Ludlam: He was one of my first Toronado buddy contacts years ago. He is directly responsible for me joining the Olds list and is always a blast to talk with on the phone (when he is not dodging hurricanes.)
Mike Frederick: He has rapidly become a one of my truest, dearest friends. It has been a pleasure becoming to know him and his wife Jeannie.
Dave Voorhis: Dave's generosity and goodwill have allowed a venue for the Toronado List to exist and thrive. Dave, along with Mike, have been instrumental in developing and managing the Toro list, enabling Toronado enthusiasts a medium in which to share stories and solve problems.
Doug Kitchener: Who also has become a very good buddy of mine. Many late night phone calls and e-mails transpire between us whenever problems occur. He is always a good source for information.
And last but not least, Bryceman and Greg Beaulieu for their gargantuan efforts in promoting, maintaining, and allowing a forum in which all Oldsmobile enthusiasts can meet, congregate, and discuss their favorite topic. What else?.................OLDSMOBILES!!!!!
I myself, as The Toronado Chapter Webmaster and Toronado List FAQ Administrator, truely love and enjoy all the mail I get from folks all over the world who share their love of Toronados!