1970 Oldsmobile Toronado

Coupe

8 - Cyl.

Automatic

394870M605890

Gasoline

96 800x600 Normal 0 false false false EN-US JA X-NONE 1970 Oldsmobile Toronado GT (W-34) VIN # 394870M605890 73,000 original miles Relisting a 2nd time as first coincided with the snow storm that took out power for a week in much of the Northeast. I have lowered the reserve by $1K as well. Bidding ended just short of $10K and it will take more than that to own it, but not much. The Gold car ran and ended before mine and bid up to $16.6K and it has no documentation, no mention of # matching drivetrain, etc. So, If you've been looking for a real, nice '70 Toro GT, this is your car. This is a collectible, relatively low production, unrestored, original mileage, numbers matching, well documented 1970 Oldsmobile Toronado W-34 GT. Unlike many of the recent so-called GT cars for sale without any documentation or supporting materials, this example should easily satisfy the discriminating collector or muscle car enthusiast looking for a real GT car and a great investment. Before you read my detailed description further, let me point out a the most important key considerations about this car:It is documented with an original Car Shipping Order (Window Sticker) that verifies W-34 GT option - there is no doubt about authenticity - it is not a copy, no stories, and it's in the photos in the auctionThe car has the original and correct OM transmission - again, clear photo of the transmission tag in the auctionThe car has the original VIN # matching motor - difficult to capture in photo due to location on the block behind an accessory bracket, but assuredly checked and the motor it came with from the factoryThere you have it, no need to call me, wonder, or beg for the information you should have up front to document such a car. Now that the key information has been disclosed, take some time to read more about this fine automobile. The following is some excellent information gathered from various web sources on the W-34 GT option car and some comments about mine as applicable in parenthesis/blue font. 1970 OLDSMOBILE TORONADO GT AT A GLANCE: 1970 was the last year of the 1st generation Toronados, which featured fixed headlamps, instead of the concealed headlamps of years' past (some owners had complained that the concealed headlamps acted up on earlier models). New this year was an available GT version of the Toronado. The Toronado GT featured a 455 V8 rated at 400 bhp, instead of the standard 375 bhp found in the base Toronado. In addition, the GT also had a special cam and torque converter, which further helped acceleration times. Visually, the GT featured dual exhausts with a notched rear bumper, wheel arch pin-stripes, and a GT hood badge. In 1970, the Toronado 2D Coupe was produced to the tune of 20,092 units, with 5,341 GT optioned. Engine was the 455 V8 375 bhp in the standard Toro with the 455 V8 400 bhp offered in the GT. This was the highest HP motor Olds offered in any model and shared the ’68 W-30 high lift camshaft. Performance was respectable for such a large car. The GT optioned 455/400hp would go 0-60mph in 7.5 seconds. Production: 5,341 GT optioned cars W-34 High Performance Package Option Price: $47.39 (see the photo of my ORIGINAL window sticker verifying this price and the option as ordered) Engine: Oldsmobile Rocket 455 CID V-8 (verified, see below) Engine Block Code: F (verified and importantly, also number matching to the VIN#30M605890) Heads Casting Code: E (verified correct E castings are on the car) Horsepower: 400 @ 4800 rpm Final Drive: 3.07 Transmission: Special Turbo Hydra-Matic (TH-425) (verified, correctly coded “OM” tag only for GT) The 1970 Oldsmobile Toronado had a GT designation available, which was a high performance option package offered by the factory that can be identified by the RPO code W34 on original build documents (see my window sticker for this verification). RPO stands for "Regular Production Option" which means it was available without a special order, and cars built for dealer stock could have this option included. The GT/W34 option is highly sought after and adds a premium to the value of a 1970 Toronado. As such, there has been a lot of misinformation about them over the years, so this page was created to help clarify just exactly what a Toronado GT is—and isn't. INCLUDED WITH THE 1970 TORONADO GT PACKAGE: 1. Rocket 455 CID V-8 Engine with 400 Horsepower, Larger Intake Valves, and Performance Cam (Oldsmobile Part #400165 from the 1968 W30 automatic), and special distributor (number matching motor with only 73K original miles and number matching #1111982 special GT only distributor verified). 2. Special Turbo Hydra-Matic 425 Automatic Transmission with a Higher Stall Speed Torque Converter (identified by code "OM") (verified, see photo) 3. Rear Bumper Cut-Outs for Standard GT Only Dual Exhaust System (verified, see photo, including correct transverse mounted resonator) 4. "GT" Badge on Hood to Right of Standard "TORONADO" Emblem (verified, see photo) 5. Color-Keyed Dual Wide/Narrow Stripes Outlining the Rectilinear Wheel Openings (believe this car had a stripe delete with white exterior and green interior chosen – would you stripe it green?) The GT option provides an additional 25 horsepower boost over the standard Rocket 455 CID V-8 engine (400 on GT vs. stock 375). This was accomplished by using larger intake valves, a high performance cam, a specially curved distributor, and a higher stall speed torque converter. For 1970, the Toronado GT came with a new torque converter in the Special Turbo Hydra-Matic that reportedly improved the force of acceleration by 1500 lbs. at 5 mph, and held the engine speed at or near the peak torque speed for a greater period of time. 1970 OLDSMOBILE TORONADO GT MYTHS: Myth #1: The 1970 Toronado GT option was only available on the Custom (9687) model. Fact: The GT/W34 option was available on all Toronados, regardless of model (base 9487 Toronado, or Custom 9687 Toronado). ANY Toronado could be ordered with the RPO W34 option, regardless of model. Myth #2: The 1970 Toronado GTs were all painted Nugget Gold Metallic. Fact: The Toronado GT was available with all standard and optional exterior colors offered on the 1970 Toronado, and a handful were ordered with special paint, so the color of the car was not a consideration. Myth #3: The Toronado GT required a vinyl roof and/or bucket seats. Fact: The Toronado GT option could be ordered regardless of whether or not the car was equipped with a bare (painted) metal roof or the optional vinyl roof, a standard bench front seat or optional front bucket seats, and as we mentioned earlier, the GT option could be ordered on the base or Custom Toronado models. The majority of surviving Toro GTs are equipped with bench seats and column shifted automatic. Bucket seats and the optional console are very rare indeed. Myth #4: The Toronado GT came with an auxiliary transmission oil cooler, heavy-duty radiator, and/or heavy-duty suspension. Fact: The 1970 Toronado GT option did not include any heavy-duty components, but these parts were available as separate options, and may have been ordered more frequently on cars with the GT option, which is likely the basis for the confusion. However, remember the cost of the GT option was just $47.39, so you can't really expect that to include a lot of additional components. The Heavy-Duty Radiator (RPO Y72 was just $5.27 with air conditioning, or $57.93 extra without it. Heavy-Duty Suspension was $21.06 (RPO F41), and a (RPO M55) Auxiliary Automatic Transmission Oil Cooler was even offered for a mere $15.80. All were separate options not included with the W34 package. Myth #5: The GT cars came with a special final drive designed for improved performance. Fact: The standard Toronado final drive was provided on Toronado GTs 3.07:1 ratio. A few statistics that 1970 Toronado GT devotees should be aware of: 1. The 1970 Toronado GT provided more horsepower per pound than any other production car built until the Cadillac Allanté. 2. 0-60 times of 7.5 seconds and a top speed of 135 mph were reported by contemporary road test articles. 3. More Oldsmobile Toronados in 1970 were equipped with the GT/W34 option than in 1968 and 1969 combined. HOW TO DOCUMENT AND VERIFY A 1970 OLDSMOBILE TORONADO: The most obvious items are the GT badge on the hood and the stripes around the wheel openings, but if the car was repainted at some point in the past, the stripes may be gone, and of course the GT badge on the hood could have been added as well. Some buyers also opted for a stripe delete. The rear bumper cut outs are a good indication as well, but the bumper could have been replaced with a stock 1970 Toro bumper after an accident or possibly due to rust issues, or placed on a non-GT car by a previous owner. One of the most dependable ways to authenticate an original GT is by checking the transmission code, which should be "OM" on factory Toronado GT vehicles. Standard Toronados will have an "OJ" transmission code. The transmission plate is mounted on the left side of the transmission, where it has been riveted to the case. Check it for the letters "OM" and if you see them, that identifies the correct transmission code for a GT car. Near this tag, the VIN should be stamped into the transmission. That number should match the car VIN. Another step to verify is the VIN stamped on the engine block itself. To view this number, you have to remove the power steering pump bracket on the left side of the engine. Once this bracket is removed, you will be able to view the VIN, and it should match the number on the transmission. Of course, the transmission and engine VINs should match the VIN on the car mounted on the dash panel on the driver's side, visible from outside the car. The VIN stamped into the frame should also match, but if the other numbers are all a match, you're probably pretty safe, and have verified a factory original 1970 Toronado GT. Remember that engines and transmissions may have been replaced or exchanged over the years, especially when the cars were newer and such things as matching numbers weren't as important. A numbers matching car will always be preferred over one that isn't. A factory document such as window sticker or buyers invoice is the best of all documentation especially when backed up by matching numbers. (this car has it all) Now that you’ve read about the Toro GT and how to verify one, here is more about this example: More about our GT: · Documented with original Car Shipping Order Window Sticker – see photo for all options of this nicely loaded and well documented W-34 GT Toro. · Notable options include Four Season A/C that blows ice cold and in all fan speeds; 6 way power seat; Soft Ray tinted glass; light package; power steering & disc brakes, power windows · Trim - code #10 - 10 Porcelain White lower and upper paint, no vinyl top and code #62 green strato bench deluxe interior · Michigan title issued 9/14/83 from 2nd owner will reflect you being the 3rd titled owner · All power options work including ice cold A/C; vacuum trunk release, wipers & washer pump; rear window defroster, all 4 power windows; 6-way power seat; all lights inside/out, cigarette lighter (no signs of smoking ever) and the clock is still keeping time accurately! · Even the molded foam jack holder is original - when’s the last time you’ve seen one? (see photo) Documentation includes the following all in photos: · Original Window Sticker – Roberts Olds, Xenia OH, $6,315.03 as optioned including W-34 High Performance Package · Olds New Vehicle Warranty – Roberts Olds, imprinted with name of original owner dated 10-17-1969 · Olds Pre Delivery Service & Adjustment Check Sheet · ’83 Michigan title – open and in name of 2nd owner · Owners Manual · Maintenance records from ’00 to ’09 (2nd and 3rd owners) · Original Tune Up Sticker on the core support reflecting code OL (unique to W-34 GT) · Code “OM” transmission tag – unique only to the GT W-34 optioned cars · VIN# matching motor stamped on the correct drivers side block pad 30M605890 (hard to capture in photos, I guarantee it is correct) · Correct # distributor #1111982 · GT Hood badge, correct dual exhaust cut-out rear bumper Condition: Since taking some of the photos, I have reaffixed the Front Wheel Drive emblem on the passenger front side fender and have added the stainless exhaust tips as shown in at least one of the photos (they were missing in one other). · Mostly original paint car that has never been stripped or fully repainted. Receipts reflect some touch up and partial panel repainting to address minor issues with excellent blend and color matching. Paint and overall appearance is VERY presentable, survivor class quality without a doubt. I would hate to strip and repaint the car now as it’s only original once. I cannot tell you production by color, but this is the ONLY white GT I've ever seen, most have been shades of gold, many green. It may be one of the only cars with the White over Green combo ever built. · Chrome is bright and shiny, original condition with some minor scratches from being 41 years old. Rear bumper has a small dent in middle (see photo). All bezels and trim are original and in excellent condition. Glass is perfect all around. Door and all panel alignment is excellent, doors close with a soft push of the hand; trunk closes nicely, everything including windows line up nicely. Car is still wearing 2 of the original fully functional T3 headlights. · The car appears to be wearing all of the original sheet metal. No patch panels or replacements I can see anywhere. There are a couple of very small paint bubbles just starting, size of pencil eraser on the drivers quarter arch, lower door corners, and passengers rear lower quarter panel, VERY minor, no rust through anywhere at all. Very clean frame and undercarriage, clearly showing the pride of ownership, loving care and years of garaging. · Interior is like new with nearly perfect upholstery, headliner, carpet, door/quarter trim, seatbelts, package tray and dashboard. One crack on the driver’s side arm rest and one small vinyl repair on the rear of the driver’s seat. · Under hood is all original including the factory exhaust manifold heat shields, air cleaner tube, and all the factory emissions in place. It has never been modified, is clean, but could use detailing. Much of the factory Olds blue block paint is still there. Proper W/Z casting exhaust manifolds are in tact, same used on 442 and W-30 cars. History and Maintenance: · I purchased the car from a well to do retired gentleman who always garaged it. He advised the 2nd owner was an executive who also cared for the car. This last owner was a retired car dealer, thus he never retitled the car, kept it open and in his private collection for many years using dealer plates for the occasional drives. · Other than basic maintenance work including hoses, belts, tune ups, exhaust, brakes, tires, and the paint work noted, the only major repair was just done at 73K miles on the original transmission rebuild along with the driver’s side transaxle (receipts are all included) · I just rebuilt the carb, now it looks like new with proper refinish, the choke kicks on the high step with 2 pedal pumps, steps down properly with a light tap, and it runs out beautifully including a super smooth idle. · I have reset the point dwell to 30 degrees, cap and rotor look new; set timing to 11 degrees advanced, vacuum set the carb mix screws, filled the tank with premium, and it runs like new. All fluids including coolant have been checked and topped off as needed. There are no leaks from the car other than the slightest of trans fluid, typical on all Oldsmobiles when they sit awhile. Dry otherwise underneath and on my garage floor. Motor does need cleaned and detailed and there is some residual oil leaking from what may be valve cover gaskets, but minor in nature. · I have just thoroughly detailed the car from top to bottom. Paint was polished out by hand with aircraft polymer. Paint is very shiny and looks great. Chrome has been polished, interior cleaned and vinyl treated. Glass is without any chips, breaks, or scratches, appearing to be original, in excellent condition. Couple minor things the car may need: · Tires look great with the vintage wide whitewalls and factory hubcaps, but they are older and show some cracking on the sidewalls, would replace if planning on driving regularly, OK for around town and roll out smooth as silk at all speeds on the highway. Includes an original factory spare · Gas gauge is intermittent· Non original AM/FM radio (no cutting of dashboard) and rear speaker isn’t working; front dash speaker was replaced and works just fine Conclusions: Getting behind the wheel and driving this unique, unrestored, original GT is simply a treat. It feels right, tight, low mileage and has never been modified or abused. The car runs out strong like it should, shifts tight and smooth, and cruises effortlessly and easy at any speed. With the windows up it’s very quiet and comfortable with the A/C blowing ice cold. The car accelerates as it should, great power and crisp, firm shifts including the proper kick down to the transmission when you mash the pedal. No smoke or blow by anywhere. The factory dual exhaust hums nicely as it should with the great Olds big block burble from the rear stainless tips. I absolutely love the lines of this full sized muscle coupe. It’s huge, powerful, and looks great from every angle. Again, the nice thing here is the originality AND the documentation. The last 10 or so GT cars I’ve seen for sale this past year offered nothing to document being a true GT, authentication of drivetrain, or the claimed mileage. Sellers couldn’t tell me if the motor numbers matched, if the transmission was coded properly as “OM,” or frankly anything about mileage being under or over 100K, other than “that’s what I was told.” This car has it all - hard to beat for an investment grade Toro that is perfect to enjoy and drive as-is or for easy improvements as a nice unrestored show car. Either way, this is a great investment that won’t decline in value with this history and original condition. I have set a reasonable reserve on this car and will entertain a Buy It Now if you decide this is your next car. I feel this is one of the nicest examples that has come up for sale recently, certainly unrivaled by most or any relative to the documentation. However, I am not asking ridiculous prices like some of the other so-called GT cars recently and the one that was recently for sale on Ebay twice for over $27K asking price. Please feel free to ask any questions, I will promptly respond by email and can provide any additional photos you may require. I’ve owned numerous Olds muscle cars over the years, been a member of the Olds Club of America for decades, have restored multiple 442 and W cars, I know them well. This is one very nice, well optioned and documented true Toro GT. This is the only full size model by any make that Hemmings Motor News recognizes as a muscle car - pretty impressive considering many of the others in the Buick, Pontiac, and Chevy camp. I have taken the time to painstakingly describe the car, the condition, history, options, and minor needs. Regardless, the car is 41 years old, and is sold as-is, without warranty of any kind, express, implied, or otherwise. Ask all questions in advance before you bid as it’s binding. A deposit of $1K is required by Paypal within 24 hours of sale and/or auction closing. I will assist with your transport and shipping, all on your dime. Payment in full is due within 3 days of auction close or sale, I can hold car, garaged, for a short while until your shipping arrangements are firmed up. If you have no rating or negative rating, contact me in advance to talk about eligibility, if not, your bid will be cancelled. Please don’t waste our time here. Thanks in advance for your interest, let me know if any other questions or needs such as additional photos as I posted the maximum of 24 with the listing. Bid to own it, otherwise, I'll continue to enjoy it this Fall, will cover it in our heated garage, and bring it out again in the Spring with a higher pricing expectation.