Wednesday, December 30, 2009

77-78 Toronado Design Studies




The 77-78 Toronado was the last design incarnation of the all new 71 body style. The front end took on a simpler corporate Oldsmobile look. The subtle but still handsome restyle breathed new life into the 71 design and resulted in a spike in sales for 77.

Here are some design studies for the last of the big Toronados courtesy of Dean's Garage, http://deansgarage.com/ an amazing automotive design site from a guy who worked for GM design! Check it out.

Monday, December 28, 2009

Christmas Oil Change







Both the Toronado XS and the latest addition to my GM heavy fleet, a 1975 Cadillac Eldorado, had oil changes yesterday. Castrol 10W30 for the Toro, it is what I have run in her since I became her caretaker. The Eldorado received a mixture of diesel 15W40 and Castrol 10W30. My friend Mike swears by the 15W40 for older engines, so I will give it a try.

In the you learn something everyday category, the 500 cubic inch Eldorado engine (8.2 liters for you Euro guys and gals) has two drain plugs. It pays to get put and under your cars on a regular basis.

I bought the Eldorado as a backup for the Toro as I was so impressed by the performance and craftsmanship of these big FWD cars. The Eldorado is scheduled for a photo shoot for Classic American in the spring and hopefully I will post scans of the Toronado photo shoot for the same magazine from last winter.

Wednesday, December 16, 2009

Back


Sorry for the long absence over the summer, had to find new storage for a few of my cars. Brought the 75 Eldorado home, more on that tomorrow, more tinkering on the Jaguar, 59 Caddy is back in the home garage and the 76 Lincoln Mark IV is running strong once again.

The Toronado, after which this blog is named is back in regular service. Currently dealing with some water leaks. Found problem round windshield but somehow water is getting in under the back seat.

Ran through a number of press cars including a new 2010 Taurus SHO and Challenger. Loved both but the Challenger is one modern vehicle I would consider buying.
The above photo is from the fall when we were filming at Mosport, very early in the morning.