Market shifts buffeted the Ventura’s niche throughout its existence. Its first incarnation as a premium trim level on the Catalina, a full-sized cruiser, lasted until 1970. By then, smaller imports were swarming our roads, sparking platform downsizing across all manufacturers. Pontiac shifted the Ventura to the compact X-body chassis in 1971 and made it a distinct model. But once again, sales sank as imports – now in luxury guise – absorbed yet more market share. Meanwhile, the division’s GTO suffered a similar fate, driven by weight gains layered onto performance downgrades. So in a last effort to save the model, Pontiac gave buyers a GTO trim package option in 1974. The market rebelled against the perceived downgrade of the formerly revered GTO name, and the option lasted only one year. Here on craigslist is a restored Ventura GTO with an asking price of $19,000, located in Winchester, Virginia. Thanks to Jack M. for the tip – great find!
The Ventura GTO received GM’s L76 350 cu. in. V8 topped with a four-barrel Quadrajet, good for about 200 hp. A functional shaker hood and a dual exhaust emphasized the car’s performance aspirations. This one has an automatic, but at least one manual transmission was available. It looks like it has a new-ish aluminum radiator. Other rebuilt or renewed parts include the brakes and the fuel system. The car also rides on fresh tires. The Ventura GTO couldn’t match its much older sibling from the ’60s in a drag race, but it came close.
GTO trim meant optional power steering, which our subject car has; front discs, Pontiac’s Saf-T-Track limited-slip differential, and special radial tires. These bucket seats were also optional, as was AC. The seller notes that this interior has been restored along with the mechanical bits mentioned above.
The paint is new, but I wish the bumpers had been left chromed. The Rallye wheels are handsome, and most every other detail adds to this car’s presence. Only 7058 Ventura GTOs were made, and far fewer survived. And 1974 was the final year for GTO-anything, as Pontiac began marketing its TransAm in the performance niche. If this example passes an in-person inspection, this little muscle car is probably priced right. Comparable cars haven’t sold recently, but asking prices are hovering around $50k.
I like the way it looks, painted bumpers and all. What a great color for this car! 200 HP may not be much, but there’s plenty of aftermarket grinds that can easily bump that number up and won’t harm originality.
I take that back, this car is not original anyway.
I don’t believe this is a real GTO, I’d need to see some documentation. The small block Chevy kills it for me. That said, pretty car, but it needs 72 bumpers, chrome, of course.
The 7 UPS anybody?