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'74 Ventura GTOs
My son and I are hunting for a project car for his senior year in auto shop. We've been looking at 3rd gen F-bodies (Z28s, GTAs and Formulas), but a '74 Ventura popped up that looks like a potential prospect. It appears to be a GTO, but I haven't verified.
These have never called to me, but he loves these cars. What should I know about them? I assume there's a lot of Nova overlap. What are the gotchas, unique parts or trouble areas? We're going to try to go take a look this week. |
Cool project. If it's solid and something you want to pusue - go for it.
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The biggest issues I've seen have been availability of Ventura-specific parts such as the tail panel and the trunk floor. Obviously, Nova tail panels are different, and I've never seen a reproduction of the tail panel or trunk floor (the repro trunk floor is 68-72 Nova). As you mentioned, a lot of parts interchange with the Nova. For some reason, steering components (tie rods, center link, etc.) are different and more expensive than the Nova, but I'm told if you swap the whole setup you can use Nova stuff.
Overall, parts are available, and they're easy cars to work on. The best change you can make is to replace the 350 with a 455! Importsmasher |
It’s like building a Firebird with a slightly longer wheelbase, the front subframe is basically identical to the first-gen cars, pretty sure after that year they used the second-gen front steer subframe.
Nice lightweight platform with tons of aftermarket support, they’re underrated and very nice looking cars. |
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The ultimate point is more power is great lol. Importsmasher |
This one has a 4 speed and what looks to be the original 350. All the GTO-specific parts are there. If it’s a California car, it’s likely pretty solid. The suspension, chassis and engine were recently gone through. It’s been gutted in prep for paint and body and comes with a number of parts.
On paper, it seems like a solid project for a high schooler. I didn’t want to throw something at him that would be hard to find parts for or excessively expensive to fix up. |
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They’re neat.
A GTO with a shaker hood scoop. I didn’t used to like them but once I saw a nice example I had to admit they’re surprisingly good looking. The drag racer in me appreciates their light weight. Probably a good 250 to 300 pounds lighter than your ‘68 GTO. |
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Here's an inspiration photo.
Dennis |
Years ago I wouldn't have given these a second look, but they're starting to grow on me. I definitely dig the shaker and the red/white/blue stripes are kind of fun. Honeycomb wheels, while not original, look pretty good on them IMO. I bet with the 4 speed and a hopped up 350 it would be a fun driver that wouldn't get you in too much trouble.
Looking at pics of '74s, some have chrome around the windows and others don't. Is that a different trim level (Custom?) or did the restorers just leave them off? I'll keep you all posted on what we find. |
The original 350 can be made to run pretty well ;)
My biggest issue is traction in low gear ;) Jon |
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Dennis |
I dont think these get as much love as other GTO's, and I would be willing to bet most guys that own 1st and 2nd gens wont admit to one of these. BUT it is a GTO! I have always liked these and the Ventura is a rare counterpart to the Nova. I am surprised at the stupid prices Nova's now get, not sure Ventura's get that love either. I would be all over this for the right price and if its in good enough condition. I admire you wanting to get your kid an old car to fix up, but its not like the 50's-70's when one could buy a junker for $50, put another $100 into and have a car to cruise around in. Anything that needs restoring is a money pit!
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It does have 46 heads on it which leads me to believe it's the original 350. It looks sun baked with a few dents and dings, but solid. I think it may have originally been a red on red car which is cool. I'm trying to align on a time to take a look at it tomorrow afternoon. https://forums.maxperformanceinc.com...1&d=1723740345 https://forums.maxperformanceinc.com...1&d=1723740432 |
Like allot of Pontiac guys, I dismissed the 74 GTO when they were fairly new. As time has passed, they have grown on me quite a bit. Personal friend Bill Rink, (RIP) raced a beautiful red hatchback in NHRA Stock and Super Stock and was extremely successful with it setting multiple National Records and winning many "Wally's" with it. Even with the lowly 350, he made those cars "cool " for the rest of us. As mentioned, it's allot like the F body of the time period and if solid a great project for a young person interested in Pontiacs. Value has not peaked either IMO. Exciting project, good luck with it.
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The biggest "gotcha" might be your insurance agent!
Would check with the agent before purchase for a high schooler. Since the GTO is an OPTION in 1974, try telling the agent the car is a 1974 Pontiac Venturi with V-8 engine. If you get it, and are interested in easy, and some not so easy, modifications, give me a call at 573-392-7378 (9-12, 1-4 central time). Jon |
They are very fun and underrated cars. If you get one just be ready for people telling you "nice Nova." If it is a hatch back, the hatch likes to rust out. They also tend to rust behind the rear wheels. But as was said, they are easy to work on and easy to make quick. A lot of them got bucket seats, console with gauges, and an in dash tach. A lot of them also got 3:08 8.5 positracs. I have owned one since 2001 and it is still every bit as fun to drive as it was when I bought it and got it going. I would recommend buying it if the price is right.
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Jon |
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