Almost A Driver: 1973 Pontiac Ventura

Pontiac, along with Oldsmobile and Buick, didn’t offer a compact car from 1964 to 1970. Their “senior compacts” of 1961 to 1963 had grown to become mid-size automobiles. Buick tried to compete by importing small cars from Opel during that time. By 1971, GM gave in to Pontiac’s lobbying for a compact, and the Ventura II came to be, a Chevy Nova with a different front clip and Pontiac V8s. This 1973 edition is said to be a one-owner car that needs some attention. Located in Winchester, California, this Chevrolet in disguise is available here on craigslist for $6,500. Our thanks to Tony Primo for another vintage tip.

Before 1971, Pontiac had a car called the Ventura, but it was a full-size model. Apparently, Pontiac liked the name well enough to move it over to their “Nova” but added the “II” to the name so people wouldn’t get confused (right). By 1973, they decided that distinction was no longer needed and the “II” part was dropped. The Ventura would continue on through 1979 when the Nova was discontinued, becoming the Phoenix the last couple of model years. The Ventura sold well enough, but generally about one-third that of the comparable Chevy.

The Ventura, like the Nova, got a heavy facelift in 1973, partially to accommodate the new hatchback body style, and partly so they could graft on heavier bumpers to keep the Feds happy. That resulted in a bulkier-looking vehicle for 1973-74, which some people (including me) weren’t fond of. But that didn’t hurt sales as compacts would be in demand thanks to the OPEC oil embargo.

This Ventura apparently is wearing Golden Olive Metallic paint, which is a hue you either love or you don’t. The body is okay except for quite a few small dents here and there (no rust that we can see). The beige interior may be fine, too, though a little detailing wouldn’t hurt. A 350 cubic inch V8 resides under the hood, but it needs a fuel pump that the seller provides. The Poncho also requires a front-end alignment, but it has new tires on Chevy Rally wheels (vintage 1970?). We’re told the mileage is 23,000 (or 123,000?) and the vehicle has a salvage title, but we don’t know why. Since it’s a one-owner vehicle with that paperwork, perhaps this auto is being sold from an estate, and the seller has minimal knowledge or records of it.