1961 Pontiac Ventura Coupe

Generously Lent by Jeffrey Goldstein of the Piston Palace , Warwick RI

·       Muscle car predecessor to the GTO

·       Iconic convex rear window nicknamed the “Bubble-top”

·       Awarded 1st Place in the Sport Class at the 2021 Audrain Concours

This 1961 Pontiac Ventura “Bubble-top” coupe, shown with Richelieu Blue matching interior, the Ventura was the forerunner of GM’s muscle car models of the 1960s.

Pontiac developed this one year only 2-door version of its Catalina sedan with a performance-oriented powertrain and body style.  Reducing the wheelbase to 119 inches, shaving 4 inches off the total length, and taking out more than 200 pounds of curb weight, the Ventura was extremely capable compared to the Catalina. The Ventura was offered with several different engine options, all ranging in power and torque; however, what remained the same along all options was the clear push to engage a younger and more enthusiast-focused market. 

It would serve as a template for the legendary GTO model, released 3 years later in 1964.  Powered by Pontiac’s venerable 389 V8 engine, it offered several engine upgrades over the Catalina along with a shorter wheelbase and overall length, trimming pounds in favor of performance.  8-bolt alloy wheels featured integrated internal brake drums as another weight savings.  Styling of the Ventura was distinguished by the narrow “C” Pillar at the rear of the roofline along with a convex rear window that gave the car the appearance of a fighter jet cockpit enclosed in glass.  It became known as the “Bubble-top” coupe and is now a prized collector item.

Chrome, colored leather, swooping rear fins, and stunning pillarless coupe design helped to distinguish the Ventura from the more regal and boat-like cruisers that came before it. The iconic Pontiac “split grille” also headlined the styling of the Ventura, which would find its way into many other models in the decade to come. The term bubble top comes from the fact that Ventura’s C-pillar is convex, creating an inflated, almost bubblelike appearance from the rear.

Prior to the Concours, this Ventura underwent a thorough restoration which is evident in its gleaming chrome trim inside and out, the unique split grill front end, and its spacious interior.  It features popular options such as automatic transmission, power steering and power brakes along with tinted glass.  Among its many accolades, this car was the subject of a feature article in Hemmings Classic Car Magazine.

Specifications

Engine: 389ci V8, 4-barrel carburetor, 3-speed turbo Hydromatic automatic transmission

Power: 267 horsepower, 405 ft lbs torque

Performance:  0-60mph  9.4 sec, Quarter mile: 17.1 sec

Top Speed: 123 mph

Weight: 3860 lbs