• Seller: Roger J etter (Contact)
• Location: Aurora, Colorado
• Mileage: 40,643.4 Shown
• Chassis #: 360 K 3462
• Title Status: Clean
• Engine: 389 V8
• Transmission: Hydramatic

Emerging from this garage is a classic with a great story to tell. It is a 1960 Pontiac Ventura Vista that spent three decades in storage. The current owner recently revived this beauty, returning it to a roadworthy state so the winning bidder can enjoy immediate motoring pleasure. The Ventura is rock-solid, presents nicely, and the 389ci Tri-Power V8 under the hood is the icing on the cake. A new home is beckoning, so the owner has listed the Pontiac exclusively with us at Barn Finds Auctions.

Pontiac launched the Ventura in 1960, offering potential buyers the choice between a two-door Sport Coupe and a four-door Hardtop called the Vista. Our first-year feature example is the latter, purchased by its original lady owner from a dealership in Sterling, Colorado. She enjoyed all that this classic offered before the car was placed in dry storage around 1995. That is an important point because Colorado’s favorable climate and the excellent storage conditions make this Pontiac rust-free. The panels are spotless, and the underside is equally impressive. The current owner confirms that the Ventura underwent a color change before 1995, and its lack of significant use since has left the car looking amazing. The paint has a rich depth of color and shine, there are no panel bumps or bruises, and the trim is excellent. One of the most distinctive styling features is the enormous expanses of glass. This was a common theme across several General Motors marques during this period. While the Pontiac’s overall length of almost eighteen feet makes it a full-size model, the crystal-clear glass makes it look light and elegant.

Pontiac offered 1960 Ventura buyers a choice of four versions of its legendary 389ci V8. This car was optioned with the top option, selecting the Tri-Power version delivering 318hp and 430 ft/lbs of torque. This potent powerplant was paired with a four-speed Hydramatic transmission. Someone also ticked the boxes on the Order Form for power steering and power brakes. The current owner worked through a meticulous revival process after removing this Ventura from its three-decade slumber. The braking system received a new master cylinder, new wheel cylinders, and the system was bled. The carburetors benefit from a complete rebuild utilizing correct parts, and the original air cleaner is located in the trunk. The odometer shows 40,643 miles, and considering the car’s history, that figure should be genuine. The careful revival has paid off, with the Pontiac running and driving beautifully. The engine has plenty of power, the transmission shifts as smoothly as silk, and the Ventura floats effortlessly down the highway on its older radial tires.

The exterior of this Ventura isn’t the only aspect of this classic to undergo changes before 1995. The previous owner treated it to an interior retrim, selecting cloth and vinyl that perfectly complemented the paint. They added new carpet, which is perfectly protected by high-quality rubber mats. I love interiors from this era, because manufacturers focused on creating a luxurious feel that made every journey seem special. That is undoubtedly the case with this Pontiac. The upholstered surfaces are free from wear or other issues, and the carpet is spotless. The dash could almost be considered a work of art, featuring what looks like acres of sparkling bright trim. The car isolates its occupants from the outside world, thanks to seals in excellent condition that eliminate wind noise. The dash houses an aftermarket radio/cassette player with matching speakers in the front doors and the rear package tray, while the six-way power seat allows the driver to tailor their position behind the wheel.

The day that Pontiac ceased passenger car production was a sad moment in American automotive history. The company produced 56,277 Venturas in 1960. Of those, 28,700 buyers selected the Vista variant. It is unclear how many survive, but preserving classics from this marque is crucial if future generations of enthusiasts are to gain a clear insight into what was lost on that fateful day in January 2010 when the last Pontiac rolled off the line. This Ventura gives you the chance not only to play your part in the preservation process but also to slip behind the wheel of a classic that perfectly combines looks, power, and practicality. It doesn’t come much better than that.

Bid On This Auction

• History (7 bids)