When I clicked the link for this tip, I expected to see a Pontiac Ventura, but I was surprised by what opened. There have been a couple of these cars featured on Barn Finds recently but none as clean as this one, which it should be, considering it has been driven less than 200 miles. Kit cars were especially popular in the United States during the 1960s and 1970s, into the early 1980s before declining. You can find this Brazilian oddball here on Facebook Marketplace for $13,500, located in Reedley, California. Thanks to Jack M. for this tip!
There is no information about the actual production numbers, but sales were rather modest. The Ventura was offered as both a factory-built vehicle and a kit car that was easy to build and could be completed at home in just a couple of days. Though L’Automobile exported the Ventura as a kit car to other countries, including the United States, most examples remained in Brazil, which explains why not many car enthusiasts are able to identify it outside its native country.
The Ventura was a fiberglass rebody of a Volkswagen from Brazil, similar in concept, spirit, and styling to the Puma. But while the VW-based Puma GT became one of the most successful sports cars ever produced in the country, the Ventura is a rather obscure GT model that very few have heard about. If Volkswagen made a rear-drive GT car that preceded the Scirocco and Corrado, and looked half as good as this does, they would be everywhere. Sadly, the Ventura was quickly classified as “just another kit car,” though it looked, felt, and handled like a genuine sports car.
It has roll-up windows, two seats, a carpeted interior, big rectangular headlights, a prominent hood power bulge even though the engine is in the back, and taillights borrowed from what looks like an Alfa Romeo. The seller has included a minute-long video for your viewing pleasure. First, I’d get rid of that ugly VW steering wheel and replace it with a nice wood one to match the interior. It also looks like the exhaust was changed and isn’t an exact fit, so that might need some work. Is there anything you would change or add?
Be interesting to see what was done if anything to the 1800cc motor it’s advertised as the power plant. If it were well modified it’d turn up to 200hp!
In a car that probably comes in about 2200#’s it be a nickel rocket for what it is.
Interesting car, and not bad looking at all. Definitely won’t see anyone else in the neighborhood with one like it, and it’d be fun to stump your favorite car know-it-all.
– as long as they don’t look up Barn Finds all the time.
This looks great for a kit car!! Only 300 miles? Glad they went with different wheels than what is on the mag. cover.