Browse through the Toronado manual from 1967
11/27/2012
When the Oldsmobile Toronado came onto the market in the mid-sixties , it was more than a nose ahead of many of its competitors. With front-wheel drive, folding headlights and many innovative comfort details, it was the benchmark by which the mid-sixties had to be measured. Despite the wealth of equipment details , the handbook remained clearly laid out. In fact, it comprised just 58 pages.
Of course, it had to explain that the fuel inlet had to be located behind the license plate and how to use the jack. However, the instruments and the individual controls made up a large part of the manual. The seat belts were also explained in detail.
The various additional features (air conditioning, cruise control, electrically adjustable seats, radio) required a further 5-6 pages. What was considered extensive at the time with just a few pages now fills entire books!
The maintenance instructions start on page 37, i.e. the day-to-day operating procedures were explained on just over 30 pages, including all the additional equipment. No wonder people actually read through these instructions back then, whereas today most car buyers capitulate to the wealth of information.
Anyone interested can read the entire manual in the Zwischengas archive .
