Vehicle Description
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 Plant
1572-Sequential Unit Number
TRIM TAG
09E-5th Week September Build
ST 61 2537-1961 Ventura Sport Coupe
BDY BK242-Kansas City Body #
TR 225-Blue Vinyl
PNT HH-Tradewind Blue
Classic Auto Mall is a 336,000-square foot classic and special
interest automobile showroom, featuring over 650 vehicles for sale
with showroom space for up to 1,000 vehicles. Also, a 400 vehicle
barn find collection is on display.
This vehicle is located in our showroom in Morgantown,
Pennsylvania, conveniently located just 1-hour west of Philadelphia
on the I-76 Pennsylvania Turnpike. The website is
www.classicautomall.com and our phone number is (888) 227-0914.
Please contact us anytime for more information or to come see the
vehicle in person.
