1967 Toronado
Production Numbers/Specifications

Changes On the Way to 1967

On casual glance, the 1966 and 1967 Toronados can be difficult to tell apart. While many of the basic body panels are the same, there were numerous changes between the two years. Some of the changes were required due to revisions to the Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards. Others were made as part of a roll out by General Motors to its entire product assortment.

Other changes were simply styling updates to give the 1967 models a fresh look. This was especially important, as the competition was making big changes as well. Cadillac's Fleetwood Eldorado was introduced in 1967, and was very popular. In fact, some dealers reported that several families on the same street had purchased new Eldorados, and the factory was having a difficult time keeping up with demand for a while. The Ford Thunderbird underwent one of its biggest changes to date for 1967, dropping the convertible model from the line and introducing a new Four Door "Fordor" Landau model. The four door model featured center-opening rear doors inspired by Lincoln Continental, a limousine-style rear window, and a five passenger seating capacity. It was very popular, and was certainly one of the cars to own in 1967 if you were part of the "in crowd."

The easiest way to identify the 1967 Toronado from the 1966 model is to check the front styling. The simulated scoop "eyebrows" above the pop-up headlamps on the 1966 models were removed for 1967, which made the headlamp covers align flush with the front header panel. The grille received a new egg crate texture, as did the chrome trim on the rear tail lamps. A "Toronado" script was also added to the grille on the driver's side.

Inside the car, the easiest thing to look for on the 1967 models is the Four-way Hazard Warning Flasher switch mounted on the right side of the steering column, near the steering wheel. This was a new standard feature on all General Motors vehicles for 1967, and was only available as an option on the earlier Toronados. On the earlier cars, the switch looked completely different was mounted on the lower lip of the instrument panel. Check the outboard sides of the front seats as well. If there's a Folding Seat Back Latch release there, you're looking at a '67.

The 1967 Toronado also received a new steering wheel and center pad (shown at left). The three spoke design featured an upper padded "V" section with an Oldsmobile Rocket emblem mounted in a recessed, circular depression. The debut year steering wheel had a distinctive four spoke design with a chrome horn ring that was located between the side spokes of the steering wheel, between the two and four o'clock and eight and ten o'clock positions.

Sales of the 1967 Toronado dropped dramatically from its introductory year. Just 21,790 Toronados were built for 1967, compared to 40,963 in 1966. Cadillac's new Eldorado production reached 17,930, but it's possible this was done intentionally to keep the Eldorado somewhat more exclusive during its first year. Compared to the new Eldorado, Toronado didn't do so bad, but over in Dearborn, Ford executives were jumping up and down celebrating Thunderbird sales of 77,956—Thunderbird's fourth best sales year to date. More change would be on the way for 1968, including dramatically updated exterior styling.

1967 was an excellent year to buy an Oldsmobile Toronado. There were enough improvements over 1966 to set them apart, and some prefer the smoother contours of the flush-mounted headlamp covers. For the discerning luxury car buyer who wanted a little extra brute force in their luxury car, all it took was the twist of the key in the ignition of a 1967 Toronado, you you were in like Flint*!

Note: "In Like Flint" was the title of a 1967 James Coburn movie, itself a play on the phrase "in like Flynn" which dates back to the 1940s and was in reference to the good fortune of actor Errol Flynn, who it seemed "had it made."