Oldsmobile Toronado, Gold, for sale in Charlotte, North Carolina, for $16,995.

The early Toronado was a game changer, and marks perhaps the last time any major automaker has presented something truly unique to the automotive world. 400 horsepower driving the front wheels? Most folks thought GM was insane, but the results speak for themselves, with these big cruisers being surprisingly comfortable and agile, despite their size.

This particular 1966 Oldsmobile Toronado has just two owners, and carries 30 YEARS of service records! A loaded and nicely preserved survivor, I'm going to strongly advise you to make a move on this car now, because like their cousin, the Buick Riviera, these will never again be $10,000 cars.

These early Toros look like concept cars come to life, which is essentially what they were-dramatic machines to showcase the new front-wheel-drive technology. Finished in code S Champagne Mist, it's the color that highlighted the car on show stands across the country. With 100% original sheetmetal and just one repaint, this car is incredibly straight and clean, with no signs of accidents or abuse. The dramatic flared fenders and fastback roofline are highlighted by the light metallic paint, which also masks the car's size without diluting its luxury image. The unitized body is solid and surprisingly free of squeaks and rattles, and those big doors still fit well. The folding headlights work as they should, and the unique grille and bumper up front is beautifully preserved. In fact, all the trim and chrome is excellent throughout, a testament to the excellent care this car has always received.

The future arrived in style, and the original black and white interior is a fantastic tribute to the hip '60s. Loaded with options, this Toro offers a power front seat, a tilt/telescope wheel, power windows and locks, and an upgraded radio with rear speaker and power antenna. The new dashboard is a very cool design clearly inspired by aircraft, with a rotating speedometer, round gauge pods, and a cool horn ring. You'll also note the FWD layout allows a totally flat floor, making this perhaps the most comfortable 6-seat coupe ever built. And all of it is beautifully preserved, fully functional, and 100% original, making this car a slam-dunk in HPOF competition.

Olds didn't hesitate to put their top engine in the Toronado, with zero fears about failure in the front-wheel-drive system, and the 385-horsepower 425 cubic inch V8 runs beautifully today. Still wearing original Oldsmobile blue paint on the dual-snorkel air cleaner, it fits into the clean engine bay with lots of room to work. There are signs of regular maintenance, and everything works as it should. Underneath, it's completely rust-free and solid with nothing to hide. A dual exhaust system has been snugged into the frame rails, giving the big V8 an appropriate luxury/muscle voice. Finned drum brakes are a design element visible through the specially-made steel wheels which wear 225/75/15 whitewall radials.

This fully documented Toro also includes original manuals, window sticker, and Protect-O-Plate, making it an A-grade candidate for investment. Call today!