Pontiac Ventura - A Heavyweight Performer

The Pontiac Catalina made way for the Pontiac Ventura in 1960. The Ventura got noticed by a great deal of motorists with its deluxe wheel covers, sport steering wheel, and tri-tone, faux leather vinyl seats. Based on the B-body frame by General Motors, the car was 210 inches long with a 119 inch wheel base. At 4000 pounds the Ventura was a real 'heavyweight' in terms of performance. Options were a standard 6.4 liter or 6.9 liter engine. The Ventura was available as a four-door sedan and a two-door hardtop. While it had its own identity in 1961, the Venture was available as a trim option on the Catalina, between 1962 and 1970.

The company went back to the production of the Ventura in 1972 with a number of different engines that included a 2.5 liter 6 cylinder, a 3 liter V8, and a 3.5 Liter V8. The V8 versions featured two barrel carburetors. Automatic transmission was the main feature of the V8 Venturas. The two-door models were known as Ventura Spring until 1975 and were fitted with a 3.5 L V8 engine. Vinyl bucket seats, custom steering wheel, black grille, and special striping were all offered on this version.

The Southern California market was blessed with the Ventura SD, a sport luxury compact that was America's answer to European sports compacts. All Ventura SDs were built in California. The Ventura SJ, in 1977, was a new version with improved suspension and restyled roof lines. Bucket seats, rally instrumentation, and a center console were part of an upgrade in interiors. Midway through 1977 the car was replaced by the Phoenix, with a distinctive center grille, luxurious interiors, and rectangular headlights. The Venture name was retired in 1978, and was replaced with the Phoenix nameplate. Most of GM's X-body cars were dropped from production during the year.

Many may say that the Pontiac Ventura was the most underrated car to be manufactured by General Motors. The GM X-body platform had a few design flaws which gave most of the X-body cars a bad reputation. However, the Ventura remains a favorite among some of Pontiac's diehard fans. Those who are looking for spares, repair, and restoration of their Ventura can find a great number of dealers online.

The V8 engine was among the notable features on Pontiac cars in the 1950s (and the advent of the pony cars). The powertrain system brought about the manufacture of 173-horsepower muscle cars that rolled of the assembly lines in quick succession. Another major feature was the signature silver streaks on the hood and roof of Pontiacs. Innovative changes in the design of Pontiac cars was responsible for the company's lineup being chosen as the 1959 Car of the Year by Motor Trend Magazine.

Further improvements were made in terms of aerodynamics and other external features of Pontiacs, which continue right through until today. Sadly, the end of 2010 will see the end of production of all Pontiac models, signaling the end of one of the most efficient cars to have been ever produced.