In July of 1960 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania (where this car is located), the 50-star U.S. flag debuted for the first time after Hawaii was admitted to the union in 1959. It was also the year that Pontiac debuted the Ventura for the first time, as a trim level for their Catalina family of cars. This 1960 Pontiac Ventura Sports Coupe has been parked since 2009 and needs some work but it’s a rare model. Thanks to Mitchell G. for the tip!
With a one-year-only V-shaped horizontal-bar grille that replaced the former split grille, the 1960 Pontiac Ventura is somewhat rare to see today in any condition. You can see primer on this two-door hardtop model that Pontiac called the Sports Coupe, and it does have some rust to deal with. At least on the body, the seller says the floors are “rock solid.”
The seller is only the second owner of this beautifully-designed car and they say that the former owner started to restore it, which is the bodywork shown on the lower portions of the car. New rocker panels and many other parts come with the car to make sure the next owner can finish restoring this gorgeous car. Around 50,000 were built in 1960, split fairly evenly between the Vista four-door hardtop and Sports Coupe hardtop as seen here.
That knee-knocker windshield, ouch! The ripped seating surfaces give the impression that the interior is toast, but that’s easily fixable (it’s only money, right?) (cough), and the rest of the interior looks pretty good, considering this car is 64 years old. The back seat is much worse, which is unusual, was this car sitting outside since 2009? We don’t know, and I’d love to see underside photos since it’s a Pennsylvania car.
The engine is Pontiac’s 389-cu.in. OHV V8, which had between 215 and 348 horsepower. A three-speed manual would have been standard (no pun intended) but most, as with this car, were equipped with a three-speed Hydra-Matic automatic transmission. The seller says this one isn’t currently in running condition but it is reported to have run great when it was parked in 2009. They have it posted here on craigslist in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania and they’re asking $4,500, and here is the original listing. As a comparison, Hagerty is at $10,300 for a #4 fair-condition car so this one could be a bargain depending on the rust situation. Have any of you owned a 1960 Ventura?
The former owner “started to restore” the car and then stopped (and what work he did perform “needs to be gone over”) and the present owner bought a bunch of parts but decided he didn’t have time to restore it. I see red flags here…is there somebody with bodywork skills who wants to take this on?
Sometimes people can’t finish projects they set after due to conditions unbeknownst to us. This looks like a workable vehicle for a decent price. And we’ve all seen far worse for much more…plus this one comes with extras. I was up there myself 2 weeks ago…and if I was aware of it…I would have brought it back with me, but now I’m 1,200 miles away..lol
“… most, as with this car, were equipped with a three-speed automatic transmission.”
These had a 4-speed Hydra-Matic, not a 3-speed.
You’re right, Tiger66! I saw three-speed automatics listed in several sources but most were Hydra-Matics. Thanks for catching that.
Find another one, in this condition, for $4500. Unless the frame is swiss cheese. Not a GM guy, but this is tempting.
A very desirable, 1960 Pontiac Ventura sports coupe, and a very fair price. I’m sure it’s already gone. These 389s are great engines, rockers don’t sound like alot of fun to tackle, but the asking price does make it tempting.
The price is right, but I could see this project taking on a life of its own and becoming a money pit. Why did to previous owners bail on it?
So much style both outside and in ,that tri-tone interior is just killer for that era .Alas,as stated by others ,it is both a “deal ” (great price ) ,and money pit at the same time .
If it sat outside for 15 years. The entire underside is toast. See it all the time in Indiana. The humidity eats them from the bottom up. Especially if they sit in grass. Shame, hopefully someone uses it to put a more solid one back on the road.
I used to do extra large automotive paintings which were sold through galleries. A friend had a 1939 custom Chevy with Carson top, LaSalle grille, ect. I did a photo session on his car for future art work. I painted a four foot by six foot painting of his car. Once finished I called to let him know. He had since sold the car. Upon finding out he immediately headed over to my studio. He walked in and said that painting is going home with me, how much. I had just looked at a 1960 Ventura two door HT across town. This car was awesome, light blue with tri tone blue and white interior and hit a mean lick. I told him where the car was. I said I don’t care what you trade for it or what you pay. Put it in my drive way and the painting is yours. He did exactly that the next day. I and my family enjoyed that car for many years before I traded for a retired show car, a 1954 Chevy Belair. Eventually sold the Chevy and it went to England to be a permanent fixture with a music company. The gentleman who got the Pontiac took it home parked it in his garage where it sets to this day.
I owned a 1960 Catalina that I loved, First car I owned with air conditioning. It had all the power items and the 3 color interior.
I really love the design of this 1960 Pontiac Ventura. I had a 66 Pontiac Catalina 2 Dr hardtop with a running 389 that came with factory air and loved the 389. This one really needs a decent body and paint guy after getting it starting, running and stopping again. Again, I’m glad it’s far away.
The big back window = back seat woes…..nice car you just don’t see much of and at a good price for a hardtop.
The listing has been deleted, did one of you grab it?