The one positive thing we can think of about a front-wheel-drive automobile is that the powertrain is one complete and neat package. Engine, gearbox, and drive axles all combine into one space-efficient unit. That was the appeal that sold Cadillac Eldorados and Oldsmobile Toronados: a fully flat floor with no intrusive transmission/driveline tunnel in the way. GM used their big-block system in the classic GMC Motorhome with great success and we’ve shown you several instances of automotive hackery that involve a front-drive car with it’s ass end sawed clean off still driving around. Why not put a powertrain carrier like that to work, though?

Towards the tail end of last year, a few GM E-body based car hauler types crossed our path. One in particular, based on an early 1980s Eldorado, was rough as all get out but was fully functional. Last we checked, a member of the Facebook group Malaise Motors had bought the Cadillac and was working on brightening up the well-used chimera. But from the Craigslist ad, it was a bitter pill to swallow visually. But maybe, just maybe, a much cleaner example might sway your way of thinking?

1984 OLDS TORONADO LOW BOY CUSTOM CAR HAULER PS—PB—COLD AC—PREMIUM SOUND SYSTEM—ANALOG GAUGES—TACH—OLDS HYPO SMALL BLOCK- ENG.—AUTO TRANS—TORSION BAR- COILOVER SUSPENSION—SIX WHEEL POWER DISC BRAKES—20” INCH EASY LOAD DECK HEIGHT—CUSTOM TOOL BOX—3700 LB WARN WINCH—CUSTOM WING—BEAUTIFUL INTERIOR WITH REAR STORAGE/ JUMP SEAT—–THE LIST GOES ON AND ON CALL FOR ALL INFO—MUST SEE EXCELLENT CONDITION THROUGH OUT —NEEDS NOTHING—–READY TO HAUL—CRUISE OR SHOW

We still have some doubts to the Oldsmobile’s limitations, but the bed does look well-sorted and the low loading height would be handy at the track, wouldn’t it? If you were running a Vega, Monza, or similar-sized car, this would be perfectly appropriate!

Craigslist Link: 1984 Oldsmobile Toronado car hauler conversion