Logo

1968 Oldsmobile Toronado

The '68 Oldsmobile Toronado? A total game-changer! Front-wheel drive, powerful, and undeniably sleek. It was a head-turner, showing off GM's futuristic vision. Think hidden headlights and a low-slung, aggressive stance. A true muscle car icon of its era, representing a bold step forward in automotive design.

Classic Car Enthusiasts' Delight: The 1968 Oldsmobile Toronado

The 1968 Oldsmobile Toronado captures an essence of automotive history that resonates deeply with classic car enthusiasts. Revered for its pioneering front-wheel drive and luxurious design, the Toronado isn't just a car—it's a statement, a piece of art from an era of innovation and style in American motoring. But what makes it truly special isn't just its specifications or its awards; it's the people who have embraced it along the way.

Photo of a 1968 Oldsmobile Toronado

1968 Oldsmobile Toronado Models:

Select the vehicle's model to see the correct data for it.

How Much is Oldsmobile Toronado Worth?

Original MSRP :$4,727.00

Outstanding

tooltip
$42,700

Clean

tooltip
$35,800

Average

tooltip
$17,200*

Rough

tooltip
$7,400

1968 Oldsmobile Toronado Specs

Body Maker: Fisher
No. Of Doors: 2
Model Number: 39487
Length: 211.4 inches
Width: 78.8 inches
Height: 52.8 inches
Wheelbase: 119 inches
Weight: 4,280lbs
Type: V8, valve-in-head, Downdraft 4-barrel, Turbo Hydra-matic
Displacement: 455 cu. in.
Cylinders: 8
Bore And Stroke: 4.125 & 4 1/4 inches
Compression Ratio Standard: 10.25 to 1
Horsepower Brake: 375@4600
Horsepower Rated: 54.48
Torque: 510@3000
Main Bearings: 5
Valve Lifters: Hydraulic
Engine Number Location: Code tape installed above the unit no. which is stamped on engine oil fill tube.
Lubrication: Pressure to all bearings excluding wrist pin
Carburetor Make: Rochester
Type:
12 Quarts
Drive:
Front wheel drive
Clutch Type:
Not applicable
Gear Ratios:
3
Gear Ratios First:
Not applicable
Gear Ratios Second:
Not applicable
Gear Ratios Third:
Not applicable
Gear Ratios Fourth:
Not applicable
Gear Ratios Fifth:
Not applicable
Gear Ratios Reverse:
Not applicable
Type: Not applicable
Differential Type: Not applicable
Differential Ratio: 3.07 to 1
Front: Independent torsion bar
Rear: Hotchkiss
Service Type: Power, hydraulic
Service Front Size: 11 inches
Service Rear Size: 11 inches
Emergency Type: Rear service brakes
Emergency Size: 11 inches
Type: Premium
Tire Size: 8.85 x 14
Spare Location: Trunk
Fuel: 24 Gallons
Oil: 5 Quarts
Rear Differential: Not Applicable
Front Differential: 4.5 Pints
Transfer Case: Not applicable
Serial Number:Starting 394878a100001
Total Digits:13
Digits 1:Make
Digits 2:Series
Digits 3:Engine
Digits 4-5:Body style
Digits 6:Model year
Digits 7:Assembly plant
Digits 8-13:Production number
All colors may not be available in all models., Provincial White, Ebony Black, Saffron, Midnight Teal Metallic, Buckskin, Sapphire Blue Metallic, Nocturne Blue Metallic, Teal Frost Metallic, Willow Gold Metallic, Ocean Turquoise Metallic, Teal Blue Metallic, Cinnamon Bronze Metallic, Burgandy Metallic, Silver Green Metallic, Scarlet, Jade Gold Metallic, Ivory, Juneau Gray Metallic, Silver Beige Metallic, Peruvian Silver Metallic
Coupe: Opt
Power Windows: Opt
Air Conditioning: Opt
Power Seats: Opt
Radio: Opt
Power Antenna: Opt
Speed Control Device: Opt

Interested in buying a classic car or selling one?

Access detailed history reports for classic vehicles from hundreds of manufacturers.

  • play
    Accident Records
  • play
    Theft Records
  • play
    Loan & Lien Information
  • play
    Auction Information
  • play
    Salvage Information and more
What is Not Included in a Classic Car Build Sheet

Notable Owners That Made Toronado Iconic

Elvis Presley

Elvis Presley, the King of Rock and Roll himself, was one of the most famous figures to own a 1968 Oldsmobile Toronado. His association with the vehicle transformed it into a pop-culture icon. You can imagine how Presley's star power and the Toronado's sleek lines came together like a perfect chord in one of his hit songs.

Steve McQueen

Another legendary name tied to classic cars is Steve McQueen. Known for his roles in films filled with car chases and racing thrills, McQueen had a soft spot for vehicles that delivered both style and speed. His ownership helped solidify the car's reputation as a collectible worth its salt.

Jay Leno

Comedian and television host Jay Leno is perhaps one of the most well-known car enthusiasts around. His extensive collection includes some real gems, the 1968 Toronado being among them. Leno's garage is a testament to automotive art, and having the Toronado within it speaks volumes about its significance and allure.

Michelle Phillips

Michelle Phillips, the glamorous singer from The Mamas & the Papas, owned a 1968 Toronado as well. Her association lent a cool, Californian vibe to the car, making it a symbol of the breezy, stylish life shared by many musicians and artists of the time.

Learn more about a classic car: Get Build Sheet by VIN.

Access reproduced classic build sheets to learn more about your classic vehicle details.

  • play
    Standard Specifications
  • play
    Original Base Price
  • play
    Standard & Optional Equipment
  • play
    Exterior & Interior Colors
  • play
    VIN ID & Location description
Classic Build Sheets by VIN

History of the 1968 Oldsmobile Toronado

The Toronado debuted in 1966, but it wasn't until the 1968 model year that it truly began to shine. Imagine the late '60s—a time of cultural upheaval and change. The Oldsmobile Toronado, with its E-body platform matching the elegance of the Buick Riviera and Cadillac Eldorado, was a luxurious escape into a world of sleek innovation.

Detailed Specifications and Performance

What's under the hood? Well, the Toronado wasn't just about flash—it was about power too. Boasting the renowned Olds Super Rocket V8 engine, this car could sprint from 0 to 60 mph in a mere 7.4 seconds—impressive for its weight class at the time.

When it comes to manual checks or restoration projects, one might want to consider a classic car VIN lookup to get the full rundown on history and potential—because a true classic deserves all the authentic care you can muster.

Photo of a 1968 Oldsmobile Toronado

Pop Culture and the Toronado

The Toronado's foray into movies and advertisements showed it wasn't just a vehicle but a cultural marker. Take the appearance in films like The Nice Guys; the car's presence added charisma and gravitas to the narrative. Marketing slogans like "Built for Leaders, Not Followers" captured the zeitgeist of the 1960s, a time when individuality was highly prized.

Buying and Selling Tips

Interested in Buying or Selling a Classic Car?

Here's the thing, whether you're looking to sell or purchase a classic beauty like the Toronado, you can't skip the details. By examining documents such as a vehicle history report and a car build sheet, you ensure you're fully informed. These documents tell stories no glossy photo ever could.

  • play

    Accident Records

  • play

    Theft Records

  • play

    Loan & Lien Information

  • play

    Auction Information

  • play

    Salvage Information and more

And if you're dealing with vintages with peculiar pre-1981 VIN decoder needs, or perhaps a 13 digit vin check, these pieces of information can spell the difference between a great deal and one you should walk away from.

Fun Facts About the Toronado

  • play

    The Toronado was the first mass-produced front-wheel drive car in America since the Cord 810/812 of the late 1930s.

  • play

    Its E-body platform was shared with some of the most luxury-oriented cars of the era.

  • play

    Even critics who lamented its fuel consumption appreciated its performance and luxury blend.

Classic Car VIN Lookup App |Now available on both Android and iOS!

At Classic Decoder, we believe that developing a mobile app is a great way to extend our classic car data solution hub to as many users as possible across the globe. Our app is built with users and precision in mind. It holds the key to unlocking the history and details of any retro car at your fingertips. It also comes with fascinating and user-friendly features that make it stand out from other mobile apps designed for this purpose.

The Classic Decoder app lets you decode and lookup any classic VIN in a flash. Access accurate vehicle information and history, make an informed decision faster, and buy and trade in classic cars with confidence.

Classic Decoder App

Download The Classic Decoder App now.

Some unique features include:

  • play
    Support all classic VIN lengths from 5 to 13 digits
  • play
    Support classic cars produced from 1910 – 1980
  • play
    Online Garage features – to add and manage your vehicles
  • play
    24/7 Customer Support
  • play
    Easy onboarding for first-time users

Explore Oldsmobile Toronado from Other Years

Frequently Asked Questions

The '68 Toronado? Man, that was a game-changer! It's instantly recognizable, you know? Think front-wheel drive – a pretty radical thing back then – a unique styling that still turns heads today, and that massive, powerful engine. It was a real statement piece, a luxurious personal luxury car. You just couldn't miss it; it really stood out in a crowd. The overall design was sleek and futuristic for its time, a total departure from typical designs; a huge departure, really. People were blown away!

The 1968 Toronado only came with one engine option: a whopping 455 cubic inch V8. It wasn't exactly a fuel-sipper, mind you; it guzzled gas like it was going out of style. But oh boy, was it powerful! Think of it like this: It had the power of a small truck, but the smooth ride of a luxury car. A real beast under the hood, that one. A real muscle car under the skin, so to speak. I mean, it was pretty much the best of both worlds.

Now, that's the million-dollar question, isn't it? The price? Well, it all depends. So many things factor in: condition, originality, mileage. A pristine, fully restored Toronado can fetch a pretty penny – think tens of thousands of dollars. A project car, on the other hand, could be found for much less. You should check recent auction results and collector car websites for a better idea; but really, it's all over the map.

Like any classic car, there are potential headaches. These older cars aren't exactly low-maintenance. The front-wheel drive system can be fussy; you know, things like axle seals and CV joints can be troublesome. The big V8, while powerful, can have its share of issues, too. Regular maintenance is key, and finding a good mechanic familiar with these cars is crucial. It's a pretty substantial investment to get back on the road in good running condition; this is the truth of owning a classic car.

The '68 Toronado was a pretty straightforward affair. It was only offered as a two-door hardtop coupe (it's a personal luxury coupe, a real beauty). There weren't multiple trim packages like some other cars of that era; it was just the Toronado. Simple, stylish; it did not need much more to be complete. Although there were some options, it was a simple car to figure out. It had a few options available at purchase; but at its core, there was only one Toronado

Finding parts for a classic car can be a bit of an adventure, let me tell you! There are specialized suppliers who deal in Oldsmobile parts, and many online retailers cater to classic car enthusiasts. Online forums and clubs dedicated to the Toronado can also be great resources; other owners are very helpful, so use that network. You might even find some parts at swap meets or local classic car shows; it's a real treasure hunt sometimes! It can be a challenge, but also fun, too!