Oldsmobile Toronado - Why it was the Most Innovative Car

1969
For 1969 the overall grill and rear bumper design was similar to '68 but with a cross hatched pattern grill and tail light lens divided into three sections. Backup lights were integrated with the tail light lens, instead of on either side of the license plate as with the '68. The Back end is squared off, having less of a fastback design, almost having small tail fins. The Ignition switch moved to steering column, part of the new ignition/steering wheel interlock system that all GM cars received in 1969.

1970
1970 was the final year of this body style for the Toronado as GM did away with the hideaway headlight idea that debuted on the 1966 model.
Headlights were mounted within the grill, and front parking/signal lights are 3 vertical strips beside headlights. The vertical theme was prominent on the newly designed outer edges of the front bumper. Rear tail lights were similar to 1969, but rear marker lights are now rectangular and integrated to the side of the rear bumper.

1971
The Toronado was redesigned for 1971. It also began the second generation of the Toronado and resembled the previous generation Cadillac Eldorado from 1967 thru 1970 especially in profile with sharp creases in body panels and more formal styling. Circular headlight lenses were paired in a rectangular bezel. Upper or supplemental brake lights were added below back window. The deck lid was recessed to emphasize the lights when viewed from the rear. Louvers in the top surface of the deck lid were part of a new ventilation system, and would only appear in this location for one year. Inside, a new instrument panel was identical to the one used in other full-size Oldsmobiles. An attractive brushed metal insert was unique to the Toronado, other Oldsmobiles used a simulated woodgrain.
1972
Changes were minimal for 1972. Front grilles received new vertical grille bars, and black rubber bumper rub strips appeared to cushion minor parking lot impacts. Chrome body side molding was available for the first time as an option to reduce door dings, and the deck lid lost the ventilation louvers.



1973
For 1973, revisions were made to the front bumper to meet government 5 mph impact requirements. Small grilles were now mounted on the top bumper surface, just below the headlights which were now set in individual chrome bezels. Front turn signals were taller than before, and a new Oldsmobile Rocket emblem with winged bezel was mounted at the center of the hood. From the rear, the taillights were now vertical in the ends of the rear quarter panels, looking like the 1967 thru 1970 Eldorado.
1974
For 1974, color-keyed bumper rub strips were one of the most noticeable external changes. The area of the hood above the front bumper received a small grille opening with three horizontal bars. Above the 3 bars, TORONADO was spelled out evenly across this central area. Inside, a new 'linear' instrument panel was introduced. The instrument panel featured simulated woodgrain for the first time during this series, and a digital clock was also included.

1975
The 1975 Toronado went to body colored coordinated vertical rub strips at the rear, and horizontal taillights. All Toronados had opera windows, a common element in a luxury car for the time. All models had color coordinated steering wheels.
1976
Very few changes were made to the 1976 Toronado. A trunk lock cover with Toronado "T" crest appeared.

1977
Many styling revisions happened for 1977. A new front bumper was provided, the parking lights were moved under the headlights. A taller egg crate pattern grille with four rows appeared in the center of the hood. Small Toronado "T" crest emblems were mounted on the forward edge of the front fenders, and illuminated when either parking or headlights were on. A smaller 403 V8 engine with electronic spark timing was the only offering for '77.
1978
Toronado was in its final year as a full size car. The front grille was updated to have vertical bars. All Toronados had pillowed seating but there was optional pillowed leather seating surfaces offered in three colors: black, camel, or carmine. AM/FM radio became standard. This was the last year for the '71 vintage style, and maked the last time Toronados would be produced in Lansing.