1977 Oldsmobile Toronado

Up for auction at Mecum Las Vegas, October 17-19, 2024. Looks like a very nice car. Says 17,000 miles.

https://www.mecum.com/lots/1126627/1977-oldsmobile-toronado-brougham-coupe/?aa_id=619863-0

 

Were body side moldings standard? Maybe a repaint? It looks lovely, but naked without the moldings.

 

Good eye. Yes, they were standard. When they're missing, it's usually an indication that the car was repainted.

Here's what is should look like.

 

Thanks the only other issue I noticed was the wood tone appliqué in the steering wheel is missing in places, and there’s tape around the top. I know this wasn’t very durable, but I would think the wheel would be in better condition than it is for 17,000 miles, Just curious.

 

Steering wheels of that era were hard plastic for the most part, and they deteriorate with age. Has nothing to do with mileage or being handled. The polymer slowly crystallizes, which causes it to shrink, and cracks develop. It's the same thing that happens to the polyurethane bumper fillers from that era. They harden over the years and crack.

 

Yeah the Ford and Lincoln wheels do the same thing. The pedals and carpets look really good. I had a couple of ‘70’s Cadillacs and you are so right about the fillers.