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… more»
Ventura
• For Sale • 12 Comments
59k Documented Miles: 1975 Pontiac Ventura
Malaise Era vehicles have found their place in the market as a new generation of enthusiasts recognizes that they often offer an affordable entry into classic ownership. This 1975 Pontiac Ventura has hit the market above the market-average price,… more»
• For Sale • 29 Comments
Chevy Power + Nova Roof: 1973 Pontiac Ventura
The 1970s Ventura was Pontiac’s version of the successful Chevrolet Nova. The GM division was lacking a compact from 1964 to 1970, so rather than cook up something completely new, they borrowed the Nova, changed the front clip and… more»
• For Sale • 11 Comments
Almost A Driver: 1973 Pontiac Ventura
Pontiac, along with Oldsmobile and Buick, didn’t offer a compact car from 1964 to 1970. Their “senior compacts” of 1961 to 1963 had grown to become mid-size automobiles. Buick tried to compete by importing small cars from Opel during… more»
• For Sale • 12 Comments
No Nova! 1973 Pontiac Ventura Sprint
With the large number of Chevrolet Novas running around in the early to mid seventies, some people assume at first glance that every GM X-Platform they spot from that period is of the Chevy variety, and most probably are. … more»
• For Sale • 30 Comments
29k-Mile Survivor? 1974 Pontiac Ventura
The 1970s Ventura was Pontiac’s version of the Chevrolet Nova. They needed a compact car to compete, and cloning the Nova was the logical (and easiest) route to go. The front clip and taillights were different, but not much… more»
• For Sale • 12 Comments
Former Movie Car: 1976 Pontiac Ventura
Needing a compact to sell, Pontiac introduced a knock-off of the Chevrolet Nova in 1971 and called it Ventura II (the Ventura had previously been a full-size car). It followed in the Nova’s shadow through 1977, after which it… more»
• For Sale • 50 Comments
Crazy Custom: 1960 Pontiac Ventura
It is true that while some classics appearing on Barn Finds raise barely a murmur, others will ignite spirited debate. I expect this 1960 Pontiac Ventura to fall into the second category. It is a crazy custom with so… more»
• For Sale • 20 Comments
455 V8 Transplant: Final Year 1974 Pontiac GTO
The Pontiac GTO had a storied run of 11 years (1964-74). But changes in the market and the demand for muscle cars would shift as the 1970s unfolded. For the first 10 years of its life, the GTO was… more»
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Nova Alternative: 1973 Pontiac Ventura
Among the seventies GM X-Body platform offerings, the Chevrolet Nova generally seems to receive more attention than all the others combined, which is easy to grasp since it remains such a well-known and desirable auto. However, that car’s corporate… more»
• Auctions • 7 Comments
BF Auction: 1960 Pontiac Ventura Vista
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… more»
• For Sale • 26 Comments
Same Owner 40 Years: 1966 Pontiac Ventura
Throughout the 1960s, the Ventura was a trim option on the popular Pontiac Catalina. It was limited to` coupes and convertibles’ to add an extra touch of sportiness. That goal led to the introduction of the Grand Prix in… more»
• For Sale • 21 Comments
GTO Tribute: 1976 Pontiac Ventura 350 V8
Pontiac needed a smaller car to sell going into the 1970s. So, their solution was to go with a badge-engineered version of the tried-and-true Chevrolet Nova in 1971. The front clip was different, as were the taillights, and the… more»
• For Sale • 19 Comments
One-Owner Survivor: 1970 Pontiac Ventura 400
Launched in 1960, the Ventura was a trim option on the popular Catalina. In 1971, the Ventura nameplate was transferred to Pontiac’s version of the Nova compact. This beautiful 1970 edition is a one-owner car with 68,000 miles and… more»
• For Sale • 19 Comments
8-Lug Wheels Included: 1966 Pontiac Catalina 421
The horsepower race was well and truly alive in the 1960s, and every American manufacturer wanted a slice of the pie. Given its recent success with the GTO, it is unsurprising that Pontiac bolted a huge V8 under the… more»
• For Sale • 9 Comments
Original 421: 1966 Pontiac Catalina Ventura
When a classic tips the scales at over 4,000 lbs, it requires something special under the hood to deliver respectable performance. This 1966 Pontiac Catalina Ventura ticks that box, courtesy of its 421ci V8. The car presents superbly, and… more»
