Ventura is a name that Pontiac used twice in its 85-year history. Its second go-around was based on an X-body architecture which was the underpinning for the Chevrolet Nova. Novas to this day are still commonly found, the Ventura? Not so much so. That being the case, when this excellent ’75 Pontiac Ventura surfaced here on craigslist, I thought it warranted a closer look. It is located in Overland Park, Kansas and available for $7,500. Thanks to Pat L. for this tip!
Ventura “version two” was in production between 1971 and 1977. In ’78 its name changed to Phoenix and then in ’80, the Phoenix moved to a new front-wheel-drive platform also designated as “X-body”. The Ventura of the ’70s was essentially a compact entry that was a bit more upscale than the Nova. The most notable version was probably the ’74 star-crossed GTO which was a one and done version as well as the final year for the GTO until a minor revival occurred between ’04 and ’06 courtesy of GM’s Australian Holden subsidiary.
With the GTO performance variant of the Ventura gone for ’75 that left just the sporty “Sprint” model, such as this example, occupying that space. Beyond that, there was also a luxury-inspired Ventura package, new for ’75, referred to as the SJ which is also bestowed on this Pontiac. So this Ventura is a double optioned SJ/Sprint. The seller tells us that it’s rare with about 1,800 SJs produced and 1,400 of those with the Sprint option. This SJ/Sprint hatchback ( a notchback body style was available too) shows well with its repainted Bimini Blue finish. After the repaint, the seller was able to obtain and reapply the Sprint graphics. The seller states that this original Minnesota car spent most of its life in southern California and that it has clear-coat issues from the strong sun-shine and an included image of the roof does reveal the break-down. Of importance, as the seller states, the move early on from Minnesota to California saved this Ventura from the curse of winter weather. The seller does not indicate if there are any body panel or underside integrity issues but based on the accompanying images, this Ventura looks pretty solid.
The interior is a two-tone affair of white (parchment?) and light blue. From what can be seen it appears to be in very good nick with the exception of the carpet which the seller states is just worn and faded after 45 years of use. Speaking of use, this is a 42K mile Pontiac so any wear is going to be more predicated on age than actual motoring. Even at that, the carpet actually looks reasonably good still. The seller adds that the dash instruments work as intended and the dash pad, in spite of all that California living is not split; unusual for this vintage GM car. My recollection is that all hatchback Venturas came equipped with a bench seat even though the SJ package stipulated reclining buckets – that would explain the presence of the bench seat in this example.
I was a bit flummoxed at first when I checked out the engine department because I didn’t immediately recognize the motor. The seller states that his Ventura has a 350 CI V8 and it does indeed but it is a Buick version and not a Pontiac or the more ubiquitous Chevrolet small-block. I was unaware of the potential inclusion of a Buick engine in a Ventura but research confirms it. The power rating was either 145 or 147 net HP. The seller claims that this Ventura, “Mechanically drives great and has had normal repairs over the years like a new water pump, belts, spark plugs/wires, etc”. Buick always built a stout V8 engine and with only 42K miles underneath it, I imagine this Ventura has a lot of life left to go. A Turbo-Hydramatic three-speed automatic transmission backs up the Buick V8.
This is an overlooked example of GM’s model variety and market reach from the ’70s. It’s a nice looking car and can be driven and enjoyed as-is. It would be easier to find a mechanically similar Nova (the SS was still being produced in ’75) but a Ventura is more unique, especially when you consider the double SJ and Sprint options. What do you think? Have any of you ever owned a Pontiac Ventura, and if so, how did you like it?
My dad had one of these in the medium green and the biggest engine available. He was heavy into a large boat rebuild and the hatchback was perfect for hauling materials to the boat yard. Wife and I helped for a week and I got to be the parts runner. That car would run. Didn’t weigh much, handled well, and went like stink. Lot more fun than rebuilding a boat.
Nice, but needs the trim rings to dress up the Rally II wheels. I’d like it a lot more if it were buckets and console, but I wouldn’t push it out of my driveway! GLWTA! :-)
If it checks out as good as it looks that is a fair price for a good car. It would suit me just fine. Just need a little more garage space unfortunately.
Malaise era or not, this looks like a street fighting muscle car compared to most of what’s on the road today. Great color combo. That guy who badmouths any Pontiac without Pontiac power ought to be along any minute now saying it should be crushed.
I almost bought a 75 SJ Ventura 4 door sedan in the late 70s. I was back from a year overseas and wanted a decent, dependable car. That SJ did have buckets and a console, but it also had high miles and an Oldsmobile engine…I wanted a X-body but with the same brand of engine as the car so wound up with a Nova.
I don’t know which is more odd, the white bench in a blue interior or a bench seat in a car you would think should have had buckets.
I like it.
I had a 76 Ventura hatchback with the 260 V8 back in the day and loved that car. I wish I still had it.❤️
Distributor up front? Yep, that’s a Buick V8 allright. They changed to blue by this point, or were the valve covers just painted that way?
I found a 75 Electra on EBay with blue rusty valve covers.
Pull the engine, store it and replace with a 400 or 455, have fun, repeat!
By 1975 Pontiac had 276 different models and half those were the same car.
Regardless this is extrenely rare version.
Too bad no bucket seats.
Nada says about 14 grand. What would you pay ?
Gap between door and fender kinda large
I’d take this over the Nova of the same years. Too bad they didn’t make a GTO version after the ’74 model year.
A Nova SS would cost a lot more than this Pontiac
Hubba hubba. Since not bucket equipped then free for a zz4 upgrade and limited slip. Geez what great lines the Ventura’s had/have.
Double options including a luxury package and you are left with a vinyl bench seat and roll up windows?
I have a friend who had one of these with white buckets and red carpet just like a firebird interior. What a sleeper! It was an off grey exterior and would go like a scalded cat with that 350 engine. With five of us in packed in her it could roast the tires like crazy! Beat a lot of cars back at the time…
The Buick was one of the lighter weight V-8’s, one reason it’s in this car.
Always like these as they were a good for the day……from someone that lived thru those bumper days !
What exactly did the SPRINT option get you in these years? Any hi-performance goodies? Shame about the bench seat but what a practical car with the hatch if you can keep the backend dry when parked. Car looks great with or without trim rings. If someone here buys it, I have a set of four appropriate for this car.
Ugh, so many of these middle 70’s smog-motored big-bumpered cars designed to placate the car-haters in DC. Compression ratios right out of 1952… I wish the years from ’73 or ’74 until the advent of fuel injection could be purged from the record.
I ordered a Ventura SJ (76), with a total of 33 options—2 pages! I got the custom trim option which in essence was the “sprint” equipment . The buckets were optional—period. I had a suspension option listed as RALLY RTS. Also claiming a 1:1 steering ratio. It really handled I was triple black hatch. I order a 5 speed man, but changed my mind next day to get auto.It was a great car!!
Rally Radial Tuned Suspension. Do you still have those two pages @Dean svee? Would make an interesting read if scanned electronically and included here. These were the years my family was living in Pontiac land. Every 18 months or so one family member or another would pull up in the driveway with a new Poncho…from our first 1967 Firebird Sprint all the way to a 1984 Gran Prix.