Talk about Pontiac in 1966 and most enthusiasts glam on to the GTO, but the Tin Indian division was so much more so in that halcyon year. The big cars, like this 1966 Ventura hardtop, just oozed power, luxury, road manners, and svelte lines. And it wasn’t just a model or two, Pontiac’s full-size models covered many bases but motoring excitement was always part of the package, regardless of selection. Let’s examine this Ventura a little more closely and you’ll see what I mean. Located in Waretown, New Jersey, this Ventura is available, here on eBay for a current bid of $10,200 with sixteen bids tendered so far.
Pontiac’s pecking order in ’66 started at the top with the Brougham, followed by the model related Bonneville, continuing with the Grand Prix, moving down to the Executive, followed by the Ventura, and then finally, the Catalina, bringing up the markers. But wait, there was more, the 2+2 coupe and convertible, Pontiac’s version of the Ford XL or Chevrolet’s Impala SS. But all along the line, enthusiastic buyers could mix and match engine and transmission choices to build the performance Poncho so desired.
Laconic would be one way to describe this Pontiac’s eBay listing, all it states is, “1966 Pontiac Ventura, 421 Tri-Power, 4 speed Runs/ Drives Great, Very Clean – Garage Kept“. OK then, now you know what I know. The air cleaners look like those used on the top dog 376 gross HP 421 CI engine but there was also a lesser 356 HP version available too.
This baby is long, low and wide! It looks great in its two-tone presentation of Barrier Blue (maybe?) and a white vinyl top covering. The trim, chrome, and body panel alignment all pull together to portray a fine-looking example of mid-sixties automotive design, one that, unfortunately, will never make a return engagement. Capping off all four corners, are Pontiac’s famous eight-lug wheels – a perfect compliment!
Inside, we find a regular-looking blue “Morrokide” vinyl interior, complete with a standard bench seat positioned right behind a Hurst four-speed shifter. The upholstery, dash, instrument panel, and translucent steering wheel are all in very nice condition in spite of this car’s recorded 100K miles of use. There’s a tachometer mounted high and left of the wheel, and auxiliary gauges positioned below the center of the dash. A full observation, including the door/upholstery panels and the nylon loop carpet, reveals no issues – it’s all good to go.
A-Body muscle cars like GTOs, Chevelle SS396s, 442s, et al have reached stratospheric price levels but these full-size bruisers are an often overlooked, but more affordable alternative, for going fast in stylish and spacious fashion, don’t you think?
Honest question. What challenges do the 8-lug wheels present?
I wondered that myself
There is (or was) a place that relined them.
Sometimes getting a tire balanced was a challenge
I just had two sets relined and the adapters to balance the wheels are readily available. No downside on 8 lugs. I question if its an original color, paint looks “thick” interior a little tired.
On the road, you’re bent over that much longer . . .
The wheel and drum are all one unit .
I worked at a service station in the late 60’s. As long as you had the adaptor plate balancing or tire changes was not an issue at all.
3 extra lug nuts on each wheel.
2 minor nitpicks aside, the Tri-Power and the 4 speed, no matter what you think of me(I have BF’s low self esteem anxiety syndrome now, a treatable condition , btw, by not turning on the computer) we have to agree, simply the most beautiful Pontiac to roll down our great countrys 2 lanes, with POWER TO PASS! I suppose if one doesn’t have any connection to these, it’s tough to explain, but my uncle had a ’65 Catalina, similar to this, obviously, not exactly like this, a 389, 2 barrel, automatic, but coupled to Uncle Marvs heavy right foot, it was always much more fun riding with him than the old man, who was a very cautious driver. On Hy.41, about the only 4 lane at the time, it’s the only time I remember being in the left lane, was with Uncle Marv and his Poncho.
As far as 8 lugs, they look fantastic, I think, they use a special brake drum that is getting hard to find, anyone?
This car is a bit over the top for today’s driving. I guess, if you kept your foot out of it, I believe it only runs on the center carb normally( whatever that is), but that 4 speed would be powerful tempting, I mean, we are only human,,,I bet this car would do 150 mph,,wait, let’s see, be right back,,this “automobile-catalog” has specs on every car imaginable, AND, this particular car will do 14.4@99mph in the 1/4 mile, not where it shines, but 0-60 in 5.8 seconds( probably just going into 3rd!) and a claimed top speed of 132, and I believe it. Clearly, an “on ramp” car. Just think, all on bias-ply tires and drum brakes at the time. No wonder they are so rare today. Very nice, well worth the $12 grand considering what comes through here lately.
Haters will always hate. Let them do their thing Howard. Personally, I enjoy your comments and agree with much of what you say.
This would be awesome to take on the hot rod power tour.
Man, I had a Red 66 Bonneville back around 1977 and loved that car. It also had the 8 lug wheels and man it would go down the road awful nice. Mine was a 400 automatic so this 421 4 speed would be a blast to drive. It looks like an awful beautiful car with the blue and white top.
Wow. The only other Poncho model I would rather have, including the Goat, for the ‘66 year would be a Catalina. I love these bigger models. You get the ride, and in this case, the performance. The buyer ticked off all the right boxes for this one when new. Anyone know the difference between the 356 vs 376 HP 421? Solid lifters vs hydraulic perhaps? Oh, if I had the funds, something would have to move out of the garage for this one. I will be watching it nevertheless. Love the road less traveled Pontiacs!
356hp ver 376hp was vacuum ver progresive carb linkage and cast-iron tuned headers on the 421ho . My new 66 Catalina radared at 138 mph and denied at 420 horses stock. A cop friend.
It’s difficult to realize how big these cars were now if you haven’t been around them back in the day…but this one (and others like them) are still unique and sorta cool. They didn’t call them”wide track” for nothing…butt, all in all, still a nice ride.
Wow, its up to 17g and the seller basically only says “runs good” . Its definitely been repainted ; I dont think that’s a 66 color . For that kind of money I’d like to know if that’s the original color and some history on the car
Yes, definately a repaint but the color looks like ‘P’ Barrier Blue which is indeed a ’66 Pontiac color. This one appears abit vibrant on pics probably due to the white vinyl roof. Once again I wonder how darn difficult it is for EB sellers to include a proper pic of the cowl tag…
I’d like to see the straight on rear-end view.
What gorgeous body lines in blue.
I can’t find a contact seller link. I would like to see many more pics and especially including underneath( inner rockers, frame, floor pans front and rear suspension etc.
I saved this car on Facebook marketplace to buy…the original owner less than six months ago had her for sale for 18k…a great price!!! Now this guy wants 28k as a flip having done nothing to the car. I’m jealous!!
No reason to be jealous – seller makes no mention of wanting 28k; this is a no reserve auction and current bid is now about what you could’ve bought it for 6 months back. Expect it to reach 24-25k by the end of the auction.
I’m no fan of flippers either but you know the name of the game just as much as I do – if a classic sells too cheap someone will try to make a profit. You can only blame yourself; this is what happens when one is sitting on the fence for too long… 😏
Of all the fastback models of the GM big three I always loved Pontiac the most. The Buick Wildcat and Lesabre coupes come in a close second.
This was a rare car back then and never got the hype like the muscle cars.
Only cosmetic negative I see is the cracks on the steering wheel. Lovely car but I think the 65 had the best styling
65 or 66? It would be a tough decision . . .
That combo is very rare and its a KEEPER, 421 4sp 8 lugs tripower tac on the left side of the DASH. THAT CAR IS AWSOME
Sold at 22K! Awesome buy! 🤩
Yeah it’s gone to a new home. Just amazing. Good heavens.
I see no mention of whether or not the drivetrain is original to the car. Not a big fan of bench seat with 4 speed but I love the exterior color combo.
If its somewhat clean underneath I would have easily paid 18K but as usual, I can never find these deals but flippers seem to have them fall into their lap.