Townsend Toulouse Mk.2
1965 - 1974
1965 Townsend Toulouse in Merlot with Black roof
The second generation of Townsend Toulouse continued on as a hand-tailored version of the Manhattan. The same methods were used for customization, with the client receiving in-dealership consultation and a tailor’s voucher.
Patterns for upholstery customization increased in number, and new materials for door card covers were introduced, including quilted satin. Two-tone paint was standard, if desired, as was metallic paint.
Power for the 500 cubic inch twin-carburetor V12 was up to 326 horsepower, with 449 lb-ft of torque. Through the 3 speed auto, this was good for a 0-60 of just 8.1 seconds.
Due to long-term cost savings from platform sharing, the Toulouse managed to retain the same base price as the previous generation, despite inflation.
Unfortunately, poorer than expected sales led to a shift of focus for the Toulouse. A base trim model was added with the 1971 refresh, slotted ever so slightly higher than the Ardent Manhattan S. It could be distingushed from its “lesser” cousin by slightly finer quality leather seating surfaces, and the introduction of a mechanically-injected version of the Ursa Big Block 444 cid engine.
This stabilized sales of the Toulouse for a time, but also led to a sharp drop off in V12 sales. Ultimately, the Oil Crisis would deal this engine its final blow, and the V12 equipped Toulouse would end production very early in the 1974 sales campaign, after selling just 48 units.
Pillar and quarter detail
Base price in 1965 (before custom material and labor): $8299
Base model price in 1971: $5599
Available colors:
Alpine White
Black
Race Red
Chiffon
Enchanted Blue
Merlot
Pale Rose
Regal Blue
Antique Silver
Light Bronze Metallic (Premium)
Aquamarine Metallic (Premium)
Fuschia Metallic (Premium)
Glacier Ice (Premium)
Cobalt Metallic (Premium)
Champagne Metallic (Premium)