Vehicle Description
Nobody else nailed the elusive blend of performance and
sophistication like Pontiac did in the 1960s, and one of their most
exclusive, top-of-the-line models was the rare and extremely
stylish 1960 Pontiac Ventura Sports Coupe. Essentially a
higher-priced 'custom' trim level of the entry-level Catalina
(although to be clear, the Ventura was indeed an actual model for
Pontiac in 1960 & 1961, until it was demoted to a just trim level
from 1962 and on), the Ventura perfectly showcased Pontiac's
new-for-1960 design that featured uniquely flattened hood and trunk
surfaces, a horizontal grille, and more refined trim from
end-to-end. Offered in the highly-desirable 2-door Sports Coupe
iteration, this early Pontiac 'Bubble Top' is as chiseled and sleek
as a perfectly tailored suit, but with its believed-original 389
Tri-Power under the hood it has the heart of a muscle car. And with
factory options like power steering, power brakes, and A/C, this
rare Poncho is truly an incredible find.
Refinished in Code N Mahogany Metallic, this stunning bubble-top
coupe doesn't need a bunch of chrome or a convertible top to stop
traffic wherever it goes. Freshly designed for the 1960 model year,
the look is pure satellite-era Pontiac all around (the profile
practically looks like a spaceship dome atop a flat platform), but
one can also see the hints of the GTO to come in the front end. The
aforementioned flat hood and decklid make the car look gigantic,
even though it's actually built on GM smaller 122-inch wheelbase.
It's obvious that the car was painted not terribly long ago, as the
finish still has a very fresh look, and although it's certainly a
driver, it's a top-end driver with deep, lustrous paint that has
very few imperfections to speak of. In fact, take a couple steps
back and you likely won't spot a demerit, and a professional
buff-and-wax would only further improve things. Undivided
horizontal bars in the unique front grille were actually quite
revolutionary for the year, and that trim styling continues on the
hood trim and profile moldings, which do a great job breaking up
all that Mahogany finish. In back, the cool 'rocket' taillights are
surrounded by plenty of chrome trim as well, and those have to be
the biggest (and coolest) turn signals ever incorporated into such
an ornate rear end. There's a lot of sheetmetal all in great
condition and the gaps are uniform as well, which is especially
critical thanks to that arrow-like side trim. A matching Mahogany
vinyl roof adds a touch of sophistication to this Pontiac's already
off-the-charts curb appeal, and it helps draw attention to the
incredibly cool bubble top - with those incredibly thin pillars and
awesome curved E-Z-Eye glass.
Inside, this Ventura is fitted with Pontiac's tri-tone "Morrokide"
harmonizing upholstery, which isn't its original Fawn combination,
but you can't argue that it doesn't look awesome in those varying
shades of tan and brown. The dash is a piece of '60s modern art,
with a lovely combination of chrome, brushed stainless, and
matching two-tone finish that is as cool as a vintage Rolex. The
seats have been correctly fitted with unique seat covers and
springy foam underneath makes them firm and supportive. Look
closely and you'll dig all the detailing this up-model Ventura gets
you. For example, the large Lucite, chrome, and vinyl steering
wheel is in excellent condition, the slender chrome shifter and
matching turn signal stalk are minimalist yet ornate, and even the
original Wonder Bar AM radio remains in the dash. A SunPro
tachometer that was strapped to the steering column is the only
piece that's not stock inside, as even the A/C unit is the correct
Circ-L-Aire system that this Ventura was born with. Color-matched
floor mats protect the plush wall-to-wall carpets and the trunk is
correctly finished with a bright red mat and full-sized spare with
cover.
Power comes from the believed-original 389 cubic inch V8, which
with a Tri-Power carburetor setup was Pontiac's top performer and
would become the foundation of the GTO just a few years later. With
big horsepower and plenty of torque, this middleweight coupe moves
like a bantam yet hits like a heavyweight. The engine is properly
dressed in Pontiac Turquoise paint and topped with a black snorkel
air cleaner, and there wasn't much flash this year, apparently they
were waiting for the GTO to start adding chrome under the hood.
Although not perfect, the engine bay has a very nice shine, and
turns heads everywhere it goes because it looks completely
authentic. Pontiac's famed Wide-Track wheel design teams with a
supple, softer suspension introduced in 1960, meaning this Ventura
floats down the road, further aided by factory 'Wonder Touch' power
steering and brakes. The Hydra-Matic transmission shifts smoothly,
sending power to the Safe-T-Track rear differential that can easily
handle the car's torque, and the stock-style dual exhaust
underneath has a fantastic note. Underneath, it's incredibly solid
and clean with original floors, and 14-inch PMD 8-lug wheels
wrapped in 225/70/14 Laramie whitewall tires at the corners are the
perfect endcaps.
Fans of early Pontiac muscle, don't miss this opportunity! There
hasn't been this much cool on wheels since Sinatra's goodbye tour.
Call today!
