| PRODUCTION NUMBERS |
INTRODUCTION DATE:
|
September 21, 1967 |
TOTAL PRODUCTION:
|
26,454 |
TOP LINE: BODY CODE/MODEL NAME/BASE PRICE
BOTTOM LINE: WEIGHT/PRODUCTION
|
- 9487 2-Door Hardtop Coupe (Base model) $4,750
- Weight: 4,280 lbs. Built: 3,957
- 9687 2-Door Hardtop Coupe (Custom model) $4,923.78
- Weight: 4,328 lbs. Built: 22,497
|
| SPECIFICATIONS |
ENGINE CODE
|
ENGINE DETAILS
|
US
UT
Optional:
UV
UW |
455 CID Rocket V-8
Horsepower: 375 @ 4600 rpm
Compression ratio: 10.25:1
Torque: 510 lb.-ft. @ 3000 rpm
Carburetor: Rochester 4MV
Optional:
455 CID Rocket V-8
Horsepower: 400 @ 4800 rpm
Torque: 500 lb.ft. @ 3200 rpm
Compression ratio: 10.25:1
Carburetor: Rochester 4MV with Force-Air Induction System |
TRANSMISSION CODE
|
TRANSMISSION DESCRIPTION
|
OJ
Optional: OM (W34 option) |
Turbo Hydra-Matic 425 Automatic
Optional: Special Turbo Hydra-Matic 425 with W34 option |
REAR AXLE CODE
|
FINAL DRIVE RATIO
|
| N/A (Front wheel drive) |
3.08:1 |
TIRE SIZE
|
BRAKES
|
8.85 x 15
Optional: 235R15 WSW |
Power Drum Front/Rear
Optional: Front Discs |
WHEELBASE
|
DIMENSIONS
|
119 inches
Front Tread: 63.5"
Rear Tread: 63" |
Length: 211.4"
Width: 78.5"
Height: 52.8"
Headroom - front: 37.9"; rear: 37.3"
Legroom - front: 41.3"; rear: 36.6"
Hiproom - front: 62.2"; rear: 55.6" |
|
CAPACITIES
|
|
Fuel Tank: 24 gallons
Cooling System: 18 quarts
Trunk: 14.5 cubic feet
Oil: 5 quarts (6 with filter change) |
| SPECIAL NOTES |
| 1968 was the year of the "Dr. Oldsmobile" ads. |
1968 was first year for:
- Side marker lights
- W34 option
- Single exhaust outlet on non-W34 cars
- Concealed windshield wipers
- Rocket 455 V-8 engine |
The main item that establishes a W34 optioned car is the high lift engine
camshaft, GM part number 400165. Other than that, the engine was basically
a stock 455 Rocket V-8 with C heads. A forced air induction package was
provided with this option for 1968 only. The rear bumper also featured
cut outs for the dual exhaust outlets, which was exclusive to the 1968
and 1970 Toronados equipped with the W34 option. This was not provided
for the 1969 models for some reason.
Production totals for this option are generally reported to be 111 units,
however our resources indicate 124 were actually built.
|
1968 TORONADO:
FIRST MAJOR CHANGES
Oldsmobile's entry in the personal luxury car market got off to a great
start in 1966, but sales dropped off sharply for 1967, no doubt a matter
of great concern for the Oldsmobile Division. Cadillac introduced its Fleetwood
Eldorado for 1967, which caught a lot of attention and might have taken
a few sales from Oldsmobile, but 1968 would be the third year for the Toronado,
and that's traditionally a time of more substantial appearance changes
to attract new buyers into the showrooms. So, 1968 would be no exception
for the Toronado and some fairly major revisions made it into production.
An all-new grille, front bumper, hood, front fenders, and wrap-around front
turn signals and new for 1968 side markers appeared. The headlamps were
still concealed, but would not rise up from the header panel as in 1966-1967.
Instead, the lights were hidden behind honeycomb-textured grille panels
that rotated to expose the beams when necessary.
The rather aggressive jutting front fenders were toned down for 1968, giving
the car a smoother profile. When the optional vinyl roof was ordered, a
halo paint border appeared around its edges, which provided a more pleasant
appearance.
Joining most other General Motors' vehicles for 1968, the windshield wipers
were newly tucked beneath the rear edge of the hood, concealing them from
view except when in use.
The tail panel was heavily revised as well. A new rear bumper, tail lamp
design that moved the lights into the bumper, and placed the back-up lights
on either side of the license plate. There was not much doubt that this
was the latest version of America's most famous front wheel drive automobile.
Inside, a new revised instrument panel provided more padding, eliminating
any sharp edges. A new woodgrain appliqué adorned the lower section
and a textured black wrinkle finish surrounded the instruments. Seat upholstery
and side trim panels featured new designs.
1968 was the first year for mandatory side marker lights, and the Toronado
incorporated them beautifully into its design. Integrated into the front
bumper, they wrapped around the edge and formed a one piece combination
front parking/turn signal/side marker/cornering lamp assembly. On the rear
edges of the quarter panels, the Oldsmobile Rocket emblem appeared, illuminated
in red light at night.
 New options for 1968 included the W34 Force Air Engine Induction System,
which included a High Performance Rocket 455 V-8 that developed 400 horsepower.
This option is easy to spot due to its dual exhaust cut outs in the rear
bumper (the only year other than 1970 to have this detail), and the cold
air duct work in the engine compartment. Oh, there's another way to identify
without a doubt that you're looking at a W34 Toronado...if you're lucky
enough to be able to actually drive one, just put your foot into it and
you'll know!
Overall, the Toronado lost a bit of its sporty appearance for 1968, replacing
it with more of an emphasis on luxury. The fastback roof line was still
there, as were the wide wheel openings, but the 1968 Toronado seemed more
refined than it had.
New car buyers must have liked the changes, as sales bumped up a bit, but
were still nowhere near what they were for 1966.
|
