While limousines are certainly outrageous in their own regard due to their larger-than-life size, there are some stretch limousines that attempt to take this ideal to the max. One such vehicle is this extensively modified 1968 Oldsmobile Toronado, officially named the American Quality Coach Jetway 707. Now, this massive Toronado is available for purchase.
Posted online in Michigan for $12,500, this Toronado has been stretched to 28 feet long, and certainly stands out from any other vehicle on the road. It’s equipped with eight (yes, eight) doors accommodating for up to 15 passengers.
The seller notes that although the modified Oldsmobile runs, it could use a new transmission. In addition, the vehicle boasts a clean title.
As for background on this crazy-looking Toronado, the original 1968 to 1970 chassis’ wheelbase is lengthened from 119 inches to 185 inches. The roof has been raised, while out back there are two rear axles – a first for a stretched limo. Additionally, American Quality Coach claimed that the behemoth featured 100 square feet of cargo space.
The drivetrain is an extremely important aspect for hauling a vehicle of this size down the street, so this monster was powered by 455 cubic-inch gasoline V8, which developed 375 horsepower. Interestingly, output was directed to the front wheels.
As one may expect, demand for a vehicle of this stature was not very high, and only 52 units of the Jetway 707 were officially produced. That being said, this stretched limousine was a desirable choice for transporting a large number of people across an airport.
So, what do you think, dear reader? Could you picture yourself piloting this massive Toronado? Vote in the poll below, and fire off your thoughts in the comment section!
Comments
I’m pretty familiar with this vehicle as the Colgate University 13 (singing group) used one for decades. So, it wasn’t just airport transport…
“It needs suspension work and shocks, brakes, brake pads, lining, steering box, transmission, rear end… maybe new rings, also mufflers, a little wiring….”
If this was (and still could be!) a famous TV or movie car, maybe. Otherwise rare doesn’t always mean valuable. Is going to cost a fortune to restore, and forget about getting it licensed as a usable limo in any First World country (unless you want to invest an additional fortune). Which leaves it a PITA collector car, an interesting showpiece but not really worth anything.
Being front wheel drive, limits the load it can carry. Even with dual real axles. I dought it was even thought about that when they were built. Thisthing would need aton of work and cash to bring it back to being worth anything.Somebody with cash needs to buy this, make it a museum piece, and charge money to see it. It’s no longer any good for the road.
They made motorhomes with this FWD unit, the FWD in the 66-78 E-cars is very tough and very overbuilt.
Not interested. I don’t think it would fit in my garage.
I saw on Roadkill (S10 E1) once that they found a 1971 Chrysler airport car, it was the same as this Olds but had a trunk instead of being a wagon, otherwise it had the same eight doors and all.
These Toronados were a common sight at Love Field in Dallas in the early ’70’s
Not unusual to see two or three at the same time picking up and delivering people to the airport.
I think there were two versions with different year front ends.
DFW opened in January 1974 and all the major airlines moved there. There was a long legal battle
over Love Field and Southwest Airlines was not allowed to use DFW so they made Love Field their base.
The Toronados did not move to DFW but the demand at Love Field diminished so they slowly went away.