Bowing for the 1960 model year, the Pontiac Ventura was an upscale B-body offering available in either two-door Sports Coupe or four-door Vista trim. The Ventura was equipped with deluxe wheel covers, sport steering wheel, and Pontiac’s Morrokide tri-color seats. It was named after a city in California, like a number of other models of the era, such as the Pontiac Catalina, Chevrolet Malibu, and Mercury Monterey.
With the introduction of the Grand Prix for the 1962 model year, the Pontiac Ventura became a trim option for the Catalina. The Ventura option was last available for the 1965 model year.
For the 1971 model year, the Pontiac Ventura returned as its own model. Now known as the Ventura II, it was built on GM’s new semi-unibody rear-wheel-drive X-body platform, along with the Chevy Nova.
The 1971 Pontiac Ventura II could be had with either a 250 cubic-inch six cylinder or 307 cube Small Block V8 (in sportier Sprint trim), with a choice of two-speed automatic or three-speed manual transmissions.
Our feature 1971 Pontiac Ventura II looks to have begun life as the economy trim model, but that is no longer the case. Gone is the economical six cylinder, and in its stead is a far more potent 4.8-liter LS V8 laying down a claimed 305 horsepower at the rear wheels. Feeding the LS is a Holley Sniper electronic fuel injection system. The LS also features a Comp Cams xr273hr-12 camshaft and Holley oil pan, while a Griffin aluminum radiator keeps things cool. The column shifter remains, but it now operates a robust 4L80 four-speed automatic transmission that moves power to a ten-bolt rear end stuffed with 4.10 gears and Moser axle.
The exterior of the Pontiac Ventura II has been painted a radiant green metallic. Rather than installing a true vinyl top, the roof appears to have received some sort of crinkle-coat, over which a black paint has been applied. Chevy Rally wheels are shod in meaty blackwall radials. Leed four-wheel disc brakes ensure you’ll be able to stop the forward velocity the LS creates, while power steering eases parking chores.
Inside the Pontiac Ventura II, the interior is largely original and quite clean. The bench seat is covered in era-correct patterned cloth, with black GM seat belts front and rear. The stock steering wheel and column are still fitted. The dash shows a large crack at the instrument binnacle. The stock gauges have been replaced by Dakota Digital VHX gauges.
This hot rod Pontiac Ventura will cross the auction block at the Mecum Auctions Glendale, Arizona event taking place March 16th through the 19th.
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Comments
… ohh… like this mix, mean it is good GM Authority shows sometimes the real cars… not EVs
it is like a prompt enthusiasm up among the 80 % boring things … Beautiful greens, inside and out
Novas of the era were more popular than other gm cousins. The ’74 had better looking grille. Needs Rallye II wheels instead of Corvette wheels. Quick fix. Looks like rubber floor mat?
Actually, the Ventura name appeared on full-sized Pontiacs through the 1970 model year. Once it was discontinued, the Ventura II nameplate appeared as a 1971 mid-year addition to the lineup.
The car’s paint job reminds me of my car model building days. That candy color I kind of missed that came in those small cans that for a kid took all his budget money.