CAR Masterpiece - Exploring the history of unique cars crafted by passionate automotive enthusiasts can be a fascinating journey through time. One such remarkable creation is a custom car model crafted by the renowned American autobuilder George Barris, which took center stage as a grand prize in a raffle organized by Imperial Oil Canada (Esso) in 1967.
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| The Oldsmobile Esso 67X Toronado, a custom car model by renowned American autobuilder George Barris, was crafted for Imperial Oil Canada (Esso) to commemorate Canada's centennial at Montreal's Expo 67. (Picture from: CarsThatNeverMadeItEtc) |
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| The Oldsmobile Esso 67X Toronado, built upon the 1967 Oldsmobile Toronado, epitomizes family touring cars by seamlessly blending futuristic aesthetics with era-defining trends. (Picture from: CarsThatNeverMadeItEtc) |
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| The Oldsmobile Esso 67X Toronado stands out as one of the most iconic creations of the 1960s, with its extended wheelbase from 3022 to 3403 mm and overall length from 5816 to 6121 mm, resulting in a visually striking and aerodynamically efficient masterpiece. (Picture from: CarsThatNeverMadeItEtc) |
The exterior enhancements exuded elegance, featuring convex fiberglass fenders, rectangular headlights, a hood adorned with eight exhaust pipes, and a sleek sloping fastback roof, all accentuated by chrome accents. These modifications not only elevated the car's aesthetic appeal but also contributed to its superior performance on the road.
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| The Oldsmobile Esso 67X Toronado's rear passenger compartment featured a curved sofa with a fold-out table. (Picture from: CarsThatNeverMadeItEtc) |
The spacious interior boasted swiveling front seats that could be turned to face the rear wrap-around lounge seat, providing occupants with a panoramic view of their surroundings. The elongated front and rear bumpers added a touch of aggression to the Toronado's appearance, complemented by oversized raised wheel wells that added a futuristic charm to the expansive seating area. The interior amenities included a pull-out table for rear passengers, dual radios, and an internal refrigerator, ensuring a luxurious and convenient driving experience.
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| The Oldsmobile Esso 67X Toronado, with its captivating Gold Metallic exterior and plush Tan interior, showcases Barris' unparalleled craftsmanship through meticulous customization. (Picture from: CarsThatNeverMadeItEtc) |
Finished in a captivating Gold Metallic exterior and a plush Tan interior, this meticulously customized Toronado serves as a testament to Barris' unparalleled craftsmanship. Every detail, from the unique wrap-around rear seating to the integrated writing desk, reflects a harmonious blend of innovation and luxury, solidifying its status as George Barris' crowning achievement.
Following Expo 67, the four Toronado 67Xs made their way to Esso gas stations, where they became the focal point of raffles offering enticing prizes like color televisions and cameras, with the grand prize being ownership of one of these iconic cars. Winners not only received the Toronado but also enjoyed additional perks such as complimentary gas, repairs, and insurance for a year, turning their dreams into reality.
The enduring legacy of the Toronado 67X lives on through the surviving examples, with one of them showcased at the Royal British Columbia Museum in Victoria during Canada's 150th anniversary celebration in 2017. This lasting impact pays homage to the timeless allure and innovative spirit embodied by George Barris' remarkable creation, leaving an indelible mark on automotive history and captivating enthusiasts for generations to come. *** [EKA | FROM VARIOUS SOURCES | VICTORIABUZZ | SCHMITT | AUTOMOTIVE-HERTITAGE | CARSTHATNEVERMADEITETC | CARSCOOPS | AUTOBLOG ]Note: This blog can be accessed via your smart phone.
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