1960 Pontiac Ventura

1960 Pontiac Ventura 4 Door Hardtop California's influence on car names is extensive. A quick internet search will yield Malibu, Bel Air, Laguna, Tiburon, Tahoe, Monterey, Santa Cruz, and many others. When Pontiac was looking to create a higher trim package for their Catalina in 1960, they chose Ventura as the name, and it wasn't until 1972 that the Ventura, (II), became its own nameplate. For consignment, a 1960 Pontiac Ventura 4 door hardtop showing 26,645 miles, but the true miles are unknown. A fantastic design meets with some clear coated patina to create a unique ride that's guaranteed to be one of one at the car show!  Exterior Mahogany paint covers the body while Shelltone ivory colors the roof and both are in a stage of patina including checking and surface rust that's coated with clear and locked in place. Given the shape and features of the car, any color would do. Its deeply furrowed on down the sides with multiple body bends in the rear that coincide with the bumper, reverse lights, and fantastic dual tail lights and even the latch panel has the character of curves and coves. Big dual exhaust now fit contoured cutouts on the chrome bumper and in front, the tail light configuration is mirrored in the dual headlight setup, while the grille has curves and the indent detail on the hood is wildly unique. 14-inch steel wheels are painted gold and are dressed only by trim rings, fitting the patina vibe. The paint and metal are perfectly imperfect here and it's fully intentional. Interior Fawn, beige, and brown make up the door panels which also present with patina, especially the rear doors where the bottom panels are missing the uppers are heavily checked. The bench seats front and rear wear beige cloth covers and are not fancy and the steering wheel up front is missing some of its rim, revealing the metal skeleton below. The dashboard has all the appeal of a worn juke box with chrome rimmed coves, a horizontal speedometer underscored by a series of round gauges and ribbed faceplate. A glove box fits into a sectioned motif under a stretch of ribbed plating that houses the Super Deluxe AM radio and gold scripted Ventura emblem. A touch of 21st century is applied with a water gauge mounted under the dash, over black loop carpet that's in good condition. There's no headliner above and the trunk wears a fitted mat and houses a spare. Drivetrain Consistent conditions prevail in the engine bay where a bright blue 389ci V8 resides, complete with a 2-barrel carburetor and a horsepower rating of 215. It's tied to a Hydramatic 4-speed automatic transmission routing power to the rear axle with 2.87 gears. Our consignor informs us the engine was resealed a few years ago and is original with the exception of an alternator. Wiring for the generator is still in place. Undercarriage Clean dry conditions are found underneath with the typical coverage of surface rust and some residual oil drops. Dual exhaust runs through glasspack style mufflers before snaking over the rear axle and out the back. Power drum brakes are on all four wheels and suspension consists of coil springs front and rear with a 4 link on back.  Drive-Ability The 389 starts without protest and while we note some exhaust leaks, the engine runs well and carries us on to the test loop for a quick go around. Plenty of power on board and the low stance helps with handling. We note a few things not working including the wipers, clock, speedometer and odometer. The radio turns on but there's no speaker playing the tunes. All other functions on board operate as they should and we roll this Ventura back to the mall. While Classic Auto Mall represents that these functions were working at the time of our test drive, we cannot guarantee these functions will be working at the time of your purchase.  We've seen very few 60's Venturas come through our Hallowed Halls here at the mall and it's never a dull moment when one arrives. The body is unique and