Unique Oldsmobile limo sells for $22k

A one-off 1968 Oldsmobile Toronado converted into what its author had envisioned as a giant stretch limo found a new owner in the United States this weekend, who parted with $22,250.

The vehicle was designed by none other than Royce Kershaw, a famous businessman of the mid-20th century who wanted a more comfortable and upscale alternative to the traditional limos. His collection of 50 cars later passed on to his son, and went up on sale as the latter has passed away.

In the mid-1960s, Royce Kershaw wanted a stretch limousine that would be comfortable to use on a daily basis as a mobile office. He invited designer Glenn Pray to work on the project and also enlisted the help of Gordon Buehrig, one of the most famous automotive designers of the era.

The team settled on the Toronado as their starting vehicle largely thanks to its front-wheel drive: no cardan shaft meant no transmission tunnel and more interior space. The 7.0-liter V8 and automatic transmission were left as is. The designers replaced the entire bodywork with what a modern viewer might describe as a stretched compact van body, but it looked truly unique and had no such points of reference back in the sixties. Despite its sheer bulk, the unique Oldsmobile could sprint to a top speed of 163 km/h (101 mph) on highways thanks to its low-drag shape.

The interior wasn’t finalized while Royce Kershaw was still alive. It was only after his passing that Howard Areo Aircraft Interiors completed the design using its expertise in plane interior trimming. Aside from soft armchairs and sofas, the limo wound up with a number of typical camper furnishings like a fridge, a minibar, a stove and a kitchen sink. While they were at it, the designers threw in a TV set, an intercom and an audio system as well.

According to the listing, the car was in great condition at the moment of sale. It was cleared for road use in Alabama with a valid license plate and all other necessary documents.