The GM 2-door hardtops with the thin C-pillar are often referred to as “bubble tops” and were a one-year-only body style for Pontiac, Oldsmobile, and Buick in 1961. However, Chevy would use it a bit longer. This ’61 Ventura, based on the Catalina body and considered Pontiac’s performance car at the time, is a beautiful one-owner machine that has a 389 V8 with 3×2-barrel carburetors. Located in Portland, Oregon, it’s offered with no reserve here on eBay where the bids are up to $29,600 so far.
Pontiac’s Bonneville, Catalina, and Ventura series cars could all be had with the “bubble top”, but it looked a bit out of place on the senior Bonneville as it had four more inches of wheelbase and six more inches of the rear quarter panel. Yet, more people went for the Bonneville in that body style at 16,906 units for ‘61, while the Catalina saw 14,524 builds and the Ventura another 13,297. The Ventura looked like the Catalina but had a higher level of trim and creature comforts along with a standard 389 V8.
This single owner Ventura from Arizona has seen fewer than 55,000 miles in its 60 years on Planet Earth. We’re told it’s a rust-free car and that all the sheet metal is it’s own. The body looks straight and clean and if the car has been repainted, there are no tell-tale signs. The Jadestone Green shines nicely from every angle. The glass is nice and original to the car, with an interior that looks immaculate. The dash is perfect and the vintage air conditioning that was added later is said to blow cold.
Besides the styling, another cool feature of this Ventura is the optional 8-lug aluminum wheels. Unique to Pontiac, the Kelsey-Hayes wheels first appeared in 1960 and weren’t just for looks. They were cast integrally with the brake drum for improved braking. So not only could the car go fast, but it could also stop fast, too (by the standards of the day). The 389 engine could be configured several ways in 1961 and this one has the Tri-Power set-up, which we understand is good for 360 hp. It’s paired with an automatic transmission that is said to be smooth through the gears and the whole package is numbers-matching.
It’s somewhat surprising to see that Hagerty places a top dollar figure on the ’61 Ventura at just $36,000, which sounds kind of low. And the Tri-Power engine should add a premium that Hagerty doesn’t factor in. This looks to be a lot of car at any price and yours truly will be watching the auction to see where it finally tops out.
Good looking Pontiac that means business! Got to love those 8 lug wheels. I like the photos as well especially the one of the dash with the backlighting on. Seems like Oregon is the honey hole for clean classic cars. This one is guaranteed to bring smiles at local car events or just enjoying a Sunday drive.
I am a native of Portlandia and have been a car guy forever and all these supposed classic cars must be securely locked in garages as I rarely seem them on the street. I see lots of hot rods of all types and vintage but not enough true classics.
Wow! What a stunning car is so many ways. If it impresses us today, some 60 years later, it must have left people stunned by its design and performance back then. I find myself going back to look at those pics over and over! If I didn’t already have too many cars (like many of us), I’d jump on this.
This car is longer than my 1990 Mercedes 560 SEL! That’s huge!
msheiner–do you own a 1990 Mercedes 560 SEL?
I doubt any buyer’s remorse here. The under side is as clean as the top side. Stunning car.
Steering wheel upside down?
Not if you turn it. If you catch my drift…
Not if you turn it.
Not if you turn it. If you catch my drift…
you can say that again!!
Is there an echo in here?
Well, those modern wiper frames have GOT to go.
Flyweel could use a cover.
Not sure why only the powerglide(?) back then got a trans drain plug – scratchin my head – why make more of a mess dropping the pan when you don’t have to.
Other than a convertible, perhaps the amazing stylish roof design here also makes it 1 of the most dangerous in a rollover?
I feel sorry for people with this Y2K perspective.
Joe, I think the brainiacs decided to make people drop the tranny pan so they would change the filter as well as just the fluid. Certainly the right way to service the tranny, just a PITA. I always had a big bag of oil-dry, kitty-litter handy to clean up the mess. The fluid NEVER managed to all hit the drain pain.
BTW….BEAUTIFUL Poncho!
One owner? Well they should know where the original breather housing is.
A work of art, I could look at that all day!
What puzzles me the most is that being a Catalina (Ventura was only a trim package to the Cat) it ‘should’ have the new-for-’61 Roto-Hydramatic 375 ‘Slim Jim’, while our seller claims it’s #s matching vehicle. The tranny seen here is the 4spd Jetaway /Strato-Flight /315 Hydramatic that would see continued use in the larger Star Chief and Bonneville up to ’64.
With that said, any new owner will appreciate this upgrade; as we have discussed here before the ‘Slim Jim’ was not the most reliable construction
Beautiful car. Someone loved this car for a lifetime. Must have hardly ever seen rain. Price getting close to convertible money.
2 (related) things not mentioned by Russ: the aftermarket (modern) head unit and the aftermarket (modern) speakers on the parcel shelf. It wouldn’t make a difference to me, but someone looking for originality….
I wish my bank balance was larger, rather than its current state.
What a car! Beautiful.
Gets my vote as the best exterior design to ever come out of Detroit.
Unfortunately, the system allows me to give your comment ONE thumbs up. It obviously deserves more. Such a beauty.
I’m always saying, “Man, I wish I had a car like that”, except for this one, because I do! Well, not quite like it, although it has added AC, and I bought a set of 8 lug wheels for it. It even has a similar interior, just one bad spot on the driver’s side of the seat. Mine came with patina, maybe that’s a plus?
Pic is from when I bought it, got a great deal, and it’s not for sale. It’s one of the best looking grilles out there, the back window is cool, the only improvement would be the Bonneville tail lights.
Great Poncho you have there Chuck, is yours a Ventura too? I’m curious about the conversion from regular wheels to the 8lugs – other than the obvious rims and drums/centers what other parts are needed?
Yes, it’s a Ventura, my interior looks the same as this one, same color too. (Click pic to enlarge /\) The 8 lug drums go on just like other brake drums, they changed the front size in 1965, and changed the fins in 63, exact info at http://www.pontiacparadise.com/parts-id/8-lug-wheels.php. There’s a Lethco Sales Ava MO dealer badge on the back, it was in Oklahoma, San Diego, and came wearing Texas plates. It’s pretty solid, has a couple small rust through spots at the fender well corners, great original survivor. I was putting wheels cylinders and drums on it, I ordered drums the 2nd time as the web thickness wouldn’t fit the adjusting star wheel, and they still sent ones too thick. I got distracted by running Corvettes and haven’t got back to it, my fiance said I need to get it running. Oh, it also has tinted glass in great condition.
Beautiful Bonneville. I wonder who submitted it to BF but didn’t get credit for it.
Front bumper tweaked and hood doesn’t fit well
It looks like, to me, that the bumper is so shiny it is reflecting something – which makes it appear to be tweaked. Take a look at the other multiple views on the eBay listing and let me know if you see the same thing. I agree about the hood, but could it be adjusted correctly by a good body man?
I love this car (can you tell?).
My dream car for years
Seeing that it’s pillarless and there are only 2 pillars doesn’t the “C” pillar become the “B”pillar? Just asking.
Nope, that would only lead to a massive state of confusion.
I thought I was confused, now I’m not so sure. lol.
Gosh what a stunner! Could look at it all day. Strange about the rims being cast for drums and better braking..Kelsey Hayes huh? Learn something new everyday.
The ultimate expression of Pontiac W-I-D-E track design.
Great looking and preserved car🥰
My brother bought a Bristol blue tri-power 61 Catalina 4 speed new. Hard shifts into 3rd would bust his knuckles on the dash. Eventually the factory shifter snapped off just above the boot. Until he replaced the shifter with a Hurst, he took a short length of copper tube and slipped it over the stub. Not race quality, but it worked. When he parked the car, he’d slip the copper tube under the seat. Didn’t worry about it getting stolen.
I like the Kelsey Hayes wheels (and the upgraded braking that should have come with them) but I always wonder how do you get those wheels balanced?
This is a pretty cool Ponch. local_sheriff pointed out that it doesn’t have a ‘Slim Jim’, which is a plus. Someone also upgraded the brakes to a dual system and gave it upgraded rear control arms. A really nice Pontiac.
I am 69 years old. Looking at the pictures of this car reminded of just how much I loved Pontiacs of the early sixties. Back then, gearheads etc went after the GTO’s, but this- this is Detroit art! The bubble top, the width, the grille, and yes, nice touch to leave the running lights on! I hope it goes to a nice home.
@glenn C marks
It sold on June 20 for $42,200.
Well, that SOUNDS like a nice home! Glenn