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!
