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 hood of the 1966 Catalina Ventura. The result was a car that perfectly combined space, comfort, and performance. This Ventura features that powerplant, plus plenty of positive points that might make it irresistible to potential buyers. I must say a big thank you to Barn Finder numskal for spotting the Pontiac listed here on Craigslist in Ventura, California. Handing the seller $21,500 is all that stands between you and life behind the wheel of this classic.
The Catalina achieved standalone model status in 1959 after spending the rest of the decade as a trim level for the Chieftain and Star Chief. The Third Generation graced showroom floors from 1965 until 1970, with our feature car rolling off the line in 1966. The first owner chose to cloak its panels in Code N Burgundy, which is a classy shade. The seller’s emphasis on originality in the listing suggests it might be a genuine survivor, although the lack of visible significant imperfections could point towards a cosmetic refresh. Whatever the truth, this Ventura would undoubtedly turn heads. There are no visible rust issues, and with the Californian climate being conducive to steel preservation, I won’t be surprised if this baby is rock-solid. The trim and glass are excellent, while the Cragar wheels are a later addition. These suit the car’s character, although I would find it hard to resist refitting the beautiful original 8-lug wheels that are included in the deal.
Okay, this is where things become serious. Pontiac developed a reputation during the 1960s as the home of high performance. Therefore, bolting a 421ci V8 into the engine bay of a ’66 Catalina Ventura seemed a no-brainer. Pontiac offered several versions of the 421, and while this motor is the most conservative, it still dishes up 338hp and 459 ft/lbs of torque. A three-speed Turbo Hydramatic transmission takes care of shifting duties, while power assistance for the steering and brakes guarantees an effortless driving experience. At 4,081 lbs, the Catalina isn’t exactly light. However, this car should still cover the ¼-mile in 15.3 seconds before hitting 131mph. The seller doesn’t indicate whether this Catalina is numbers-matching, although their emphasis on originality suggests that it is. They say that it runs and drives well, ready to take its new owner on a life of classic motoring adventure.
The carpet looks to be faded on the transmission tunnels and someone has cut an oil pressure gauge into the dash. Those appear to be the only significant issues inside this Pontiac. The Black vinyl upholstered surfaces are spotless, as are the headliner and pad. The dash looks good, and the wheel has avoided the seemingly typical deterioration that can leave them looking tired. The first owner ordered this classic with a rear defogger, which the seller claims is a rare option. I can’t confirm this conclusively, meaning potential buyers may need to perform some detective work on the subject.
Hmm. Looks, space, and performance. There is no doubt that this 1966 Pontiac Catalina Ventura ticks many of the right boxes to maximize its desirability. I am probably not alone in believing that the first port of call for the new owner should be to remove the Cragar wheels and bolt on the factory 8-lugs. Other than that, I wouldn’t change a thing. The price isn’t outrageous, but it is heading towards the top end of the market. The listing is only a few days old, but how quickly do you think someone will snap up this classic?
Nice car, but right in the current fire danger zone. I all but guarantee many classics were left behind.
Fortunately the Auto Fire in Ventura is now 100% contained though it took out more than 55 acres up a river wash in an area infamous for homeless camps but no structures reported.
Just got a look at one classic car collection, about 6 or 7 cars, on the Weather Channel that were burned to a crisp. One was obviously made of aluminum as it’s now a pile of melted metal. Tough to look at.
The fire Eaton fire, which burned through parts of Altadena is the one that would have destroyed a lot of classic cars, the fire in Pacific Palisades would have gotten a lot of exotics.
This car was featured on this website in December when it was listed on eBay for $29k+. The seller seems to have found the right price to move the car.
Steve R
I already posted the picture, but this is my fathers ’66 Bonneville, same exact color as this Ventura. Really nice car.
Why would anyone swap out Pontiac 8-lugs? At least they had the sense to keep them. I wonder if the fender skirts are still around?
I don’t believe that is original paint color considering the interior is green not black.
The Crager wheels are 5 lug, right? How would someone just ‘swap’ on the 8 lug wheels? Seems there may be a lot more work involved…
neil it isn’t a ton of work. the only extra is popping the bearings on the front wheels. b.a.t has some great pics of this setup in a great american wheels article dated mar 2019.
it’s gone!!!!!
Back to the 8 lug wheels do you have the drums and the rear axles?
tmk you don’t need the rear axles they were normal 5 bolt. and adam provided a picture of the included drums and wheels.
Nice car. Where are the missing fender skirts?
Given the way prices are these days to me the asking seems reasonable. I like it just as it sits. I do like the 8 lug wheels but to some this will be blasphemy. I prefer the Cragers and RWL tires on this. Probably because they remind me of my youth. I’m definitely not young but I’m also not old enough to truly appreciate the 8 lug wheels like some do. Don’t get me wrong though because I do like them.
Don’t get me wrong, I like Cragars (not “Cragers”) of this era, but in this case they look like donning Nike “sneakers” whilst wearing a business suit. For sport wheels of this era, Cragars are iconic. Yes, perhaps it helps that I was born in the 50s.
8-12 mpg with California gas prices ? Ouch !
8-lugs are one of my favorite things about Pontiacs of this era. We had a 1964 Grand Prix which was replaced with a new 1968 LeMans. It’s not just that the wheels on the ’64 had 8 lugs, the styling of their wheels is what made them look so right and 5-lugs look lesser for it.
Super nice car and I agree with Adam, eight lugs would be cool. One thing that I find a little odd though. That Sun oil pressure gauge cut into the dash, (which by the way I have never seen before) appears to be the same size as a Super Sun tach so why not opt for the tach? Anyway, it doesn’t surprise me that it sold so quickly.
I love the look of the Cragars on this car along with the color of the car. I believe the asking price is fair. Nothing like the big block big Pontiac appearance. I wonder if it would fit in my garage?