The Pontiac Ventura debuted in the 1960 model year as a trim level for the Pontiac Catalina B-body platform. The name Ventura was born from the tradition of taking car names from beach towns such as Malibu, Monterey, Bel Air, and Catalina. The Ventura comes with Pontiac’s premium three-tone vinyl called Morrokide, which has a leather-like look and feel. Other Ventura features include a sport steering wheel, deluxe wheel covers, and special Ventura exterior badging.
For the 1961 model year, the Pontiac Ventura received a redesign featuring Pontiac’s signature “beak” dividing the grille in two, horizontally arranged headlights, chrome fender markers on the leading edge, and a smoothed front cover. The thin C-pillar makes the cabin feel open and airy. With its curved rear glass, the Ventura has a “bubble top” look. Unique ovoid taillights give the Ventura a distinctive look. The Ventura’s interior featured three-tone Morrokide Pontiac trim, a custom steering wheel, and an electric clock. Under the hood is a standard 389 cubic inch V8 engine that can be paired with an automatic or manual gearbox. The Ventura could be had with the HO 421 which produced 405 horsepower. Pontiac built 13,927 Venturas for the 1961 model year.
Our feature The 1961 Pontiac Ventura was the subject of a frame-off restoration completed in 2005. Finished in Regent Black over a red-and-white three-tone Morrokide interior, the Ventura was powered by a legendary 421 cubic inch V8 powered by a pair of four-barrel carbs, backed by a four-speed manual transmission and a Safe-T-Track rear differential. Equipment included bucket seats, tinted glass, a Hurst shifter, a column-mounted 7,000 rpm tachometer, and eight-lug wheels. Under the hood, the valve covers on the 421 have been signed by legendary Pontiac drag racer Arnie “The Farmer” Beswick. Pontiac Historical Society documents are included in the sale.
It’s slippery 1961 Pontiac Ventura 421 will cross the Mecum Auctions block at 39 years oldth Original Spring Classic Thursday, May 14th.
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