If you compiled a list of the most significant cars to roll off production lines in post-war America, several vehicles could be notable inclusions. The original Mustang would be a contender because it was a vehicle that almost singlehandedly created a market sector and sold in numbers that would have had Ford management popping champagne corks. The much-maligned Corvair is another, representing a rare moment when a manufacturer created a new model from what was effectively a blank sheet of paper. However, it is hard to ignore the Oldsmobile Toronado. It was a car that featured engineering at its bravest and was the first American front-wheel drive production car since the demise of Cord in the 1930s. This 1969 Toronado is a rock-solid classic that should be a straightforward restoration project. It is mechanically healthy, allowing its new owner to savor luxury motoring while they devise their plans for this gentle giant. Its next journey could be to a new home, with the seller listing the Olds here on Craigslist in Salem, New Hampshire. They initially advertised the car at $6,800 but slashed it to $5,900. I must say a big thank you to Barn Finder Mitchell G. for spotting this groundbreaking classic.

Oldsmobile introduced the First Generation Toronado for the 1966 model year as its entry into the growing Personal Luxury Car market. The company viewed it as a direct competitor to cars like the Ford Thunderbird and Buick Riviera, and initial sales proved healthy. The vehicle underwent annual updates until being replaced at the end of 1970, with our feature car rolling off the line in 1969. The first owner ordered it in Burgundy Mist; whether it has undergone restoration or repairs is unclear. The lack of apparent flaws or defects makes it possible, although an in-person inspection may reveal a few shortcomings. The exterior shines impressively, and the panels are as straight as an arrow. Rust is the mortal enemy of these cars, but this Toronado has avoided those problems. The seller states that the underside is rock-solid, with no visible bubbles externally. The trim is in remarkable condition for its age, and the tinted glass is crystal clear.

The news isn’t as positive when we focus on this Toronado’s interior because of faults and defects. The front seat cover has a sizeable hole near the center, and the dash pad has cracked several times. That is a shame because the limited interior shots suggest the rest of the trim and the dash are in good order. Replacement pads sell for nearly $400. Alternatives include a cap for around $120 or a mat for $70. A replacement seat cover made of the correct materials and color will add $350 to the tally, but the inside of this Olds should look pretty nice with those items installed. One genuine surprise is that while this Toronado features the luxury of air conditioning, it is one of the few I have seen without power windows. The wheel wrap and floor-mounted modern stereo appear to be the only aftermarket additions.

The First Generation Toronado’s defining characteristic is its drivetrain configuration. Therefore, it is almost unforgivable that the seller fails to supply any engine photos. This car features a 455ci V8 that feeds 375hp and 510 ft/lbs of torque to the road via a three-speed automatic transmission. So far, it all sounds like standard fare for any vehicle within the Personal Luxury Car sector. However, Oldsmobile marched to the beat of a different drummer during the car’s design, developing what became known as the Unified Power Package (UPP). This ingenious system squeezed the engine and TH-425 transmission into a standard engine bay, delivering the power to the front wheels. That made the Toronado the first American front-wheel drive production car since the 1937 Cord. One system drawback was potentially arm-wrenching torque steer, so power steering was standard equipment to alleviate the problem. The drive combination and a curb weight of 4,477 lbs doesn’t sound like a recipe for high performance, but this Olds should cover the ¼-mile in a respectable 15.4 seconds. The seller indicates that this Olds features a later electronic ignition conversion, which is essentially as it left the factory. Almost the entire braking system was recently replaced, as was the exhaust. This is a turnkey classic that can be driven and enjoyed immediately.

The vehicle manufacturing industry is a strange animal, and the number of manufacturers that have carved a name for themselves and disappeared without a trace is extensive. Since the start of the 21st century, the roll call includes some notable players. Pontiac built a reputation on performance, but it was demised due to economic rationalism during the global financial crisis. Mercury suffered the same fate, and the last Oldsmobile rolled off the line in April 2004. It seems almost unbelievable that a company that could develop a groundbreaking vehicle like the Toronado could cease to exist less than four decades later. It is a car that would be totally irrelevant in today’s new car market, but it carved a niche and broke new ground in the 1960s. The company may be gone, but its products soldier on. That’s why this Toronado deserves preservation. Do you agree strongly enough to accept the seller’s discount and drive this classic home? I hope someone does.