[U47]

Originally Posted by Centurion

U47, yes, it's very interesting to observe what was happening with the Star Chief series in '59. Despite sharing the larger body with the Bonneville, Pontiac was careful to avoid overlap in body styles, with the exception of the Vista 4-door hardtop.

The local owner of the '59 Bonneville Vista (solid Cameo Ivory shown earlier in this topic) had described the '59 Star Chief as a "Bonneville with Catalina trim", but I do not believe this is an accurate description. Perhaps Pontiac was being careful not to lose any existing Star Chief loyalists, because the car seems to me to be only slightly downgraded compared to the Bonneville series. The interior lacks the fancy tri-tone vinyl, the passenger side assist handle, and the bright headliner moldings, but still strikes me as a significant step up compared to the '59 Catalina. In my view, there was a far greater difference between the Catalina and Star Chief than between the Star Chief and Bonneville, allowing room for the introduction of the Ventura in 1960. Was the Ventura regarded as a separate series in 1960, or was it essentially a trim option on the Catalina series?

Yes you are correct, and the the Ventura is a separate series for 60-61 and then becomes a upgraded trim option on Catalina afterward. The 62 Grand Prix essentially took the Ventura concept of 60 & 61 and raised it even higher. I mentioned my dad's special ordered Catalina with the NASCAR hand built 389 Tri-Power and complete Tri-Tone leather Bonneville interior. Perhaps there was enough pressure to make a more luxurious interior Catalina/short wheelbase and hence Ventura and later G/P. I know one thing, our Catalina just made it into the garage. A seven inch longer Bonneville or StarChief wouldn't have fit!