Pick of the Day: 1977 Oldsmobile Toronado Brougham

Oldsmobile launches second generation The Toronado’s front-wheel drive is a unique safety feature. One ad said: “With the weight of the Toronado’s engine positioned over the drive wheels, it provides impressive traction on wet, slippery roads. It gives a sense of confidence you can appreciate.”

Today’s Pick is a 1977 Oldsmobile Toronado Brougham for sale on ClassicCars.com by a private seller in Middle River, Maryland. (Click the link to view the list)

“This car has been well maintained and looks great,” the listing begins.

After four different generations and nearly 30 years, the two-door Toronado was sold as a personal luxury car by General Motors’ Oldsmobile division. Compared to previous models, the wheelbase of second-generation (1971 to 1978) Toronado models increased from 119 inches to 122 inches. After all, it was an era when many American buyers believed “bigger is better.”

One of the unique exterior features of Toronados of this era was the high-mounted brake light mounted above the trunk lid and below the rear window. These lights were the precursor to what would become the federally mandated “center high-mounted stop light” (CHMSL).

Step inside the cabin and check out the red and gold striped interior! This car is full of 1970s style. “Everything is fine inside,” the seller said. Equipment includes power steering, power brakes, cruise control and AM/FM radio. The woodgrain trim gives an elegant feel, and this treatment even extends to the edge of the steering wheel.

According to the listing, the 403ci V8 has been upgraded with fuel injection, and power is sent to the front wheels through a TH-425 three-speed automatic transmission. That engine has a lot of work to do: The Toronado tips the scales at nearly 5,000 pounds (4,841 pounds, to be exact). According to some magazine tests from the time, the car took nearly 12 seconds to reach 60 mph. That might have been acceptable at the time, but by today’s standards it’s on par with the performance (or lack thereof) of the three-cylinder Mitsubishi Mirage G4 subcompact.

Of course, the Phantom can’t match the Toronado’s touring comfort, which is its biggest selling point when it’s sold new. “You can sit comfortably in the interior world of the new Toronado, surrounded by the appearance of loose, luxurious cushions,” Oldsmobile said.

Asking price is $21,000 or best offer.

To view this listing on ClassicCars.com, you can find it in the archives of “Daily Picks.”