The Pontiac Ventura

Posted: Jul 07, 2010 |Comments: 0 |

The Pontiac Ventura was introduced to the public in 1960 as an upscale version of the Catalina four door sedan. The public took notice because of its deluxe wheel covers, sport steering wheel and unique tri-toned seats made of faux leather vinyl. The 1961 Ventura was based on General Motors B-body frame.

When the car came out in 1961 it was 210 inches long with a 119 inch wheel base. Depending on the options, the care weighed between 3680 and 4000 pounds. It came with a standard 6.4L engine with an option for a 6.9L engine. The 1961 Pontiac Ventura also came with a longer wheelbase like the Bonneville, had only two doors and was smaller and lighter in size. The Ventura trim option was offered on the Catalina in 1962. However, Pontiac went back to building Venturas again in 1969 and 1970. It was taken out of production and replaced by the Catalina Brougham in 1971.

For a short time, the Ventura was called the Ventura II, however the name simply went back to Ventura in 1972.  The company offered the car with a number of different engines including a 250cu in. 6 cylinder, a 307 cu in. V8 and a 350 cu in. V8. This last V8 was called the Sprint package. Both V8 versions came with two barrel carburetors. Transmissions were either the standard column shift or 3 or 4 speed stick. The V8 Venturas also came with automatic transmissions. The 1973 6cylinder Ventura was the last Pontiac to offer the two speed automatic, which disappeared from all GM cars and trucks that same year. The two speed automatic was replaced by the three speed turbo hydra-matic automatic transmission.

Pontiac went back to offering Ventura as an option package called the Ventura Spring option on two door models until 1975. These were six cylinder cars with the 350 V8 as another option. The package also offered all vinyl upholstery bucket seats, custom steering wheel, special striping, black grille and 15 inch wheels.  In 1972 Pontiac came out with the Ventura SD which was made for the Southern California market. The SD was a sport luxury compact to compete with the European sports compacts that were entering the American marketplace. All Ventura SD cars were built in California at the assembly plant in Van Nuys.

The 1961 Pontiac Ventura went through a few more transformations, becoming the Ventura SJ with restyled roof lines and improved suspension. Pontiac also upgraded the interior by putting in reclining bucket seats, a center console,  and rally instrumentation In 1978 the Ventura nameplate was retired with all body types sold as Phoenix SJ.

Questions and Answers

Ask
200 Characters left
Rate this Article
  • 1
  • 2
  • 3
  • 4
  • 5
  • 0 vote(s)
    Feedback
    Print
    Re-Publish
    Source:  http://www.articlesbase.com/classics-articles/the-pontiac-ventura-2791615.html

    Article Tags:

    classic cars

    It is true that old is gold. Everyone wants a piece of classy, stylish machines and other products manufactured several decades ago.

    By: Classic Car Joel Automotive> Carsl Dec 19, 2011 lViews: 201

    The vintage cars are basically the vehicles built between 1919 and 1930. This is the vintage era. These vehicles are still available in the market today.

    By: Classic Car Joel Automotive> Carsl Jan 04, 2012 lViews: 211

    Leaping into production in 1958, the Donald Healey Sprite was a low cost sports car which used existing BMC parts to ensure over heads of the cars productions remained low. The Austin Healey Sprite would prove to be a big success.

    By: Classic Cars For Salel Automotive> Classicsl Oct 13, 2008 lViews: 1,341

    It is all about the classic cars on where one could find if being interested to buy including all the significant things to be considered when buying classic cars.

    By: Repossed Carsl Business> Business Opportunitiesl Feb 23, 2011 lViews: 119

    Keeping your classic car safe with vehicle storage is the best way to take care of your classic car when you do not have space in your garage and you need to protect your classic car from the elements such as rain and snow. Vehicle storage comes in a variety of options but one of the most popular vehicle storage options is to store your vehicle in an enclosed parking structure

    By: Simply Self Storagel Automotive> Carsl Mar 05, 2009 lViews: 329
    Sarah Jabir

    Classic cars give the driver a sense of pride.If you're designing on getting a classic car then here are many tips which will help to buying classic cars, different classic cars .

    By: Sarah Jabirl Automotive> Classicsl Feb 27, 2012
    Daniel

    For those who own classic vintage cars, or for those who are considering buying a vintage car and restoring it to driving condition, knowing where to buy vintage car parts is something which has to be considered.

    By: Daniell Automotive> Classicsl May 28, 2012

    Have you ever just thought ‘I should scrap my car'? Well you're not the only one; thinking about having to scrap my car is something that goes through the minds of motorists young and old for several reasons.

    By: Henry Careeyl Automotive> Classicsl May 28, 2012

    Are you looking to have your exotic or classic car shipped to a location but are unable to do it yourself ? Several companies specialize in safe and reliable classic car transport services to almost any location necessary. Whether you need to have your exotic or classic car shipped within your state or across the country Car Transporters can make it happen. We know how precious your classic car is to you.

    By: webmasterl Automotive> Classicsl May 27, 2012

    Compressed Natural Gas is a fossil fuel substitute for petrol, diesel and propane. Although its combustion produces greenhouse gases, it is environmentally cleaner and safer than other alternative fuels.

    By: Reikol Automotive> Classicsl May 24, 2012

    Owning a classic car is often called a labor of love. Anyone that has one knows that the project is never finished. Once the older vehicle is running, other parts often need to be restored. For serious classic car enthusiasts, garages, car lifts and tools are all important elements to restoring older vehicles. Casual mechanics focus on keeping them competitive at car shows or at least the road worthy and fun to drive.

    By: Jeremy P Stanfordsl Automotive> Classicsl May 23, 2012

    A lot of people dream of owning a classic car. When you say classic, it means older-looking, classy and distinctive. There are many applications that can be used in defining a classic car but basically, a classic car is defined as – famous for its excellent worksmanship, great engineering and elegant style built around the years 1925 to 1948.

    By: William Jasonl Automotive> Classicsl Feb 08, 2011

    The Volkswagen Beetle was first put into production by 1938 and was still produced until 2003. Its 65 years of production spawned a total of 21,500,000 Volkswagen Beetles from all over the world. Everyone is familiar with the beloved icon and I even remember an old one my dad used to own that beeped every time he made a left turn, and the heater would run constantly in the Summer until my father finally disconnected it!

    By: William Jasonl Automotive> Classicsl Feb 08, 2011

    The Volkswagen Classic Beetle is the most well known car in the world. It was in production for several decades, from 1938 to 2003, becoming the longest running car in production in automobile history! Over the course of 65 years, VW has manufactured around 21.5 million Bugs! The VW Beetle has appeared in several movies, films, shows, posters and more. How did the classic car come to be?

    By: William Jasonl Automotive> Classicsl Feb 08, 2011

    Some women complain about the fact that their guys pay more attention to their cars than to them. Women would be even more worried if their guys owned a Jaguar XK120, as this is a timeless classic that every man would love to have. What is the Jaguar XK120 all about?

    By: William Jasonl Automotive> Classicsl Feb 08, 2011

    Last year, Chevrolet really hit the mark with the 2010 Camaro. The new and improved Camaro was well received and well hyped, but does the car live up to the great expectations many have for it, or did it end up being a bust like the new GTO?

    By: William Jasonl Automotive> Classicsl Feb 08, 2011

    Discuss this Article

    Author Box
    Articles Categories
    All Categories
    Quantcast