1961 Pontiac Ventura

1961 Pontiac Ventura Coupe

The Pontiac Ventura was an automobile model that was produced by Pontiac. The name is most likely derived from Ventura, California. For 1961, the split front grille is back and would remain throughout the 1960\'s and beyond. Also, a \"waterfall\" grille gently curves into the hood, and of course the amazingly thin curved A pillar, not unlike a piece of angel hair pasta, supports the bubbled safety glass, and takes on the infamous name of \"bubble top\".

For consignment a somewhat difficult car to find as a mere 13,297 were made, and since it\'s a bubble top available only in this 1 year of production, these examples are not everywhere today. Our example is nicely restored, has its PHS documentation, is painted in Tradewind Blue, and is a very desirable 389ci V8 tri power mill, and the infamous Morrokide upholstery. Read on!

Exterior
With several iconic design cues showing up on this car I guess we should start at the top, or should I say bubble top. An impossibly thin A pillar beautifully curves from the roof to the end of the front quarter panel, supporting a corresponding piece of safety glass which appears as though it was a piece of blown glass...hence the bubble top. Not to be outdone, the rear glass is showing in a nice curve as well in keeping with the \"blown glass\" look. Trimmings around all this glass is excellent. The second cue is the reintroduction of the infamous Pontiac beak. This is created by a split grille with the center being a V shaped hood front which supports the Pontiac arrowhead logo. This grille is also finely crafted using plated horizontal steel bars that have a few vertical supporting bars in a curved waterfall pattern. A script type Pontiac badge is on the driver\'s side of the grille, and dual headlights are flanking either side. A shiny bumper is below and is in excellent condition. On either side within a field of Tradewind Blue painted metal minding their gaps nicely, is an ever widening trim spear in white with a Ventura badge written in grandmother\'s handwriting. The back of the car has a long trunk deck, slight use of fins on either side, and inset oval taillights framed below and on either side of the rear quarter in chrome. Dual exhaust tips jut out from below. 14-inch 8 lug wheels in excellent condition are seen on all 4 corners and are all wrapped up in wide white Coker classic rubber.

Interior
A swing of the doors and we begin to notice what\'s in store with the two toned lighter and darker blue Morrokide and some trimmings to separate the two colors. Aftermarket power windows toggles are now on, and all is clean and green on these doors. Looking inside the bubble, are a split back front bench and a full bench in back. These chairs are covered with more Morrokide upholstery and present in a trio of blue colors from dark to medium to light and are in near perfect condition. Seat belts are seen, and all of this is floating in a sea of blue carpeting which is looking good. Upfront the original dash is installed and this sports a trio of horizontal bars with various yellow anodized aluminum treatments along with more 2 topped blue paint. A like new two toned steering wheel fronts this dash and presents as excellent condition. On top is a pristine light blue headliner in vinyl and even the dome light is in working condition.

Drivetrain
Under the hood nestled in comfortably is the blue painted block and valve cover 389ci V8 featuring a tri power carburetor setup that can produce a fire breathing 318hp. The engine bay overall is clean and is unrestored. On the back is a Hydramatic 3-speed automatic transmission, and there is a 2.87 rear axle on this model.

Undercarriage
A light coating of surface rust is noted, mostly contained to the frame and drivetrain parts on the back of this car. Floor pans appear to have a fresher coating of black rustproofing and seem overall solid. Independent coil springs are on the front along with power drum brake, and a 4 link with coil spring setup along with more power drum brakes are on the back. A clean stock exhaust works its way back through the undercarriage to the culmination in chrome tips out the bottom back of the car.

Drive-Ability
This car fired right up and with a minor press of the accelerator I was off. On the track it performed beautifully with limitless acceleration from the tri power setup under the hood. The steers and handles well and has bias free panic stopping brakes. During my test drive I noted the horn is not working and the HVAC blower is not working. The aftermarket power windows worked beautifully.

A very nicely preserved somewhat rare bubble top, front end beaked Pontiac Ventura all buttoned up and ready to have its key turned. Plenty of power and that panoramic glass surrounding you you won\'t miss a trick!

VIN DECODE
561k1572
5-Ventura
61-1961
K-Kansas City, KS Assy P

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