With radically different styling than the first generation, the Toronado had metamorphosed from a "GT"-style car into something more traditional in the luxury car field. The second generation Toronado was now more similar to the Cadillac Eldorado than the Buick Riviera, with styling taking several cues from the 1967-70 Eldorado. The new look attracted many new buyers, as sales increased dramatically. The later years of this generation of Toronado saw new features mostly confined to minor styling tweaks to the grille and trim, although in 1977, the XS model debuted which featured a three-sided, hot wire "bent-glass" rear window. The XS was offered with GM's Astroroof sliding sunroof. Changes to the 1978 Toronado were few. There was a handsome new vertical-bar grille and an AM/FM stereo radio was now standard equipment. Optional leather inserts used on the seating surfaces were introduced in a choice of carmine, black, or camel. Despite the virtual sameness as the 1977 model, base prices shot up by nearly $1000 on the XS. Meanwhile, demand was down by more than 9000 units in what would be the final year for the big Toronado. 1978 was also the final year of the car being built at Oldsmobile's home plant in Lansing Michigan. The very last of the 1978 Oldsmobile Toronado's was rolled off the assembly line on May 12, 1978. As the press release read, "The fully equipped XS model was given a cheering sendoff before being shipped to an Oldsmobile dealer in St. Louis Missouri." That dealership was Carlson Oldsmobile on South Lindbergh here in St. Louis where Mrs. Anne L. Carlson was the recipient of the car. In her 21 years of ownership, the car was rarely driven and at 81 years old, Mrs. Carlson decided to part with this car in May of 1999. It was then purchased by The R.E. Olds Transportation Museum in Lansing Michigan where it stayed until July of 2008. With a base price of the XS around $11,599, not a lot of these cars were produced. Total production ended with only 2,453 units being made. Sticker price on this particular car was $13,808 and literally came with every available option minus the California emission and bumper options, the block heater and 40 channel citizens band radio. This totals almost $1,700 in options on top of the $2,700 XS package. This could possibly be the most highly optioned 1978 Toronado ever produced. The car comes with complete documentation of the car coming off of the assembly line as well as the original press release, a photo of Ms. Carlson accepting a plaque from the assistant general sales manager of Oldsmobile, two copies of the Saturday, May 13th, 1978 edition of "The State Journal" newspaper as well other local Michigan papers, all with photos and write ups about the plant closing and pictures of this car. Along with the print articles, the car comes with all the original sales brochures, two window stickers, full options lists and much, much more. With only 9,600 original miles, the car still looks almost new inside and out. With the exception of some minor cracking to the plastic tail lights surrounds, the exterior of the car is in excellent condition with no damage. Both bumpers are in good, solid condition with no dents or pitting and the same goes for the trim around the car. Inside, you will find every available option except for the 40 channel citizens band radio. Both seats are power in the front and work with no problems as well as all lights, blinkers, wipers, horn, cruise control, power antenna, windows, locks, and radio. The carpet, seats and headliner all look great with almost no wear to be found. The only spot where there is a small imperfection is to the drivers door arm rest where there is a bit of cracking. The dash and steering wheel are both solid with on cracking to be found on either. All the glass is in good condition with no chips or cracks. Under the hood, the motor is as clean as you would expect for a 9,600 mile car. It includes the hand written insignia under the hood "Last Toro 1978". Turn the key and it starts right up with no hesitation. When we purchased the car I personally drove it almost 100 miles with absolutely no issues. Heat and A/C both work as well as the cruise control and power sun roof. We have had the car sitting in one spot in our shop for a week now and there are no puddles that have been left. All seals appear to be in good condition. In the trunk, there is the original spare and jack as well as all the original lining. The underside is as solid as the rest of the car. No holes or rot to be found anywhere. All four tires are in great condition and are wrapped around the original Oldsmobile wheels and hubcaps. No curb rash or damage to any of the four wheels. This is a very special car that would make a great addition to any collection, whether it be 100 cars or just 1. The current mileage shows just under 9,600 and the VIN number is 3Z57K8M724815. The car is being sold on a clean Michigan title.