[57Charley]

I thought this was an interesting sales pitch on this nice Ventura on Ebay that sold for $42k, now I see it relisted due to one of those rat bastard non paying bidders. Then I run across a nice Bonneville on my local FB for $20k, if you had the $ which would you get?

Ventura-It's considered one of the most beautiful automobiles of the post-war era. Its proportions are nearly perfect, its grille design absolutely captivating and the treatment of the hardtop's shape with its thin C-pillar is utterly gorgeous.

This two-door hardtop body style was available in three trim levels: the Bonneville, Catalina and Ventura, but because the heavier Bonneville sits on a four-inch-longer wheelbase and has a six-inch-longer rear quarter panel that throws its shape out of proportion, it's the shorter and lighter Catalina and Ventura models that performance enthusiasts are seeking to buy today, especially those who want to compete in the fast-growing sport of nostalgia drag racing.

Pontiac built 16,906 Bonneville hardtops for the 1961 model year and 14,524 Catalinas, but the lowest production model was the Ventura at only 13,297. The Ventura was based on the Catalina, but had a custom trim level that included three-tone upholstery and other special details such as a custom steering wheel, electric clock and unique oval-shaped taillamps. Other than that, both models were the same, including being offered with the same 389-cu in V-8 engine and manual and automatic transmission options.

Pontiac's strikingly beautiful Ventura hardtop offers grace, space and pace in an affordable package, at least for now. Due to their increasing rarity, and the simple fact that you rarely, if ever, find one for sale, anywhere, they are fast becoming highly sought after by knowledgeable collectors everywhere.
Adding to the distinctive styling of the 1961 Ventura are the optional 8-lug aluminum wheels. These Pontiac-only wheels are unlike any others. The Kelsey-Hayes wheels first appeared on 1960 Pontiac. These wheels weren’t just for looks. They were cast integrally with the brake drum for improved braking. All manufacturers were big on acceleration, but Pontiac also provided superior braking.

https://www.ebay.com/itm/23407713461...134610&vxp=mtr

Bonneville
1961 Bonneville with original 389 4 barrel motor. Original miles of 97K. Automatic Transmission, Power Steering and Brakes. Power Windows. Has power seats but not working. Runs and Drives well. It's a super clean interior. We are the second ever owners and we have had this car for about 25 years. It was repainted about 25 years ago in the same color. So the color is original to the car. HERE is the coolest part. This is the 2nd Bonneville produced in 1961. Which how cool is that to have the 2nd one ever rolled off the line.

https://www.facebook.com/marketplace...3A108%7D%22%7D

I myself would pick the Bonneville, love the taillights, but a moot point, as I have a 61 Ventura LOL. (Not for sale, pic from my lucky purchase day)

[Stuart]

I have a '61 Bonneville, but truth be told I think the Ventura is a better looking car - the shorter wheelbase gives it more sporty proportions, and the side trim is less fussy. On the other hand, I like the interior of a Bonneville better.

Of those two cars, the Ventura is particularly handsome in Jadestone Green. In my experience that's a pretty uncommon color too. (edited to add: It's a minor point but the 8 lugs on that car are from a later model year.)

I wonder what they based their claim on for the Bonneville being the second one produced - they were built at multiple assembly plants, so it may be the second from a particular location but that doesn't necessarily mean the second one ever.





Here's mine, for good measure.

[FirebirdHank]

Give me a Ventura with Bonneville tail lights!

[dhutton]

Nothing says shill bidding like a private eBay auction. I wouldn’t bid just based on that. It likely was a shill bid that won the previous time it was listed….

Don

[Stuart]

Originally Posted by FirebirdHank

Give me a Ventura with Bonneville tail lights!

Some years back there was a '61 Catalina vista roof two door sedan floating around that was said to be an ex-highway patrol car (I think from Georgia.) At some point in its life, someone had grafted in Bonneville taillights. It then sold, and then reappeared on the market a few years later and by then the taillights had been converted back to the regular Catalina style.

[misterp266]

‘61 two door sedans are cool!



BTW, I’d pick the Ventura, awesome color combination.....

[tom s]

investment wise the 61 Ventura is very hard to beat.JMHO,Tom

[stevep]

I'll take the Bonneville unless the Ventura is a stick shift.

[tom s]

There are WAY more stick shift 61 Venturas around then the factory EVER built!Tom

[padgett]

Ventura is on the short chassis, Bonne is on long. I'd prefer the Ventura.

[Phil Thompson]

I sold a Coronado Red 61 Ventura in 1993 after a divorce , looked for another for the next 27 years got lucky and found mine on Craigslist in 2019 , dawn fire mist with ivory top , original paint survivor look , been waiting on SMS door panels for over a year ,seats being covered now , don’t know when I’ll paint it, get the interior finished probably just enjoy it like it is for awhile, the 61 Ventura is the prettiest automobile ever built

[tom s]

I needed to wear a bike helmet to work on it,finally got sick of hitting my head on the hood and sold it.Tom

[wbnapier]

I know of a beautiful '61 Catalina bubble top, 4-speed w/ tri-power, AC, Coronado Red.

It was purchased from a museum, restored, and is now perfect. The owner says it's mine for $90K and he's waiting on me. Unfortunately, I don't have the money, but it's there and is a nice dream.

[PunchT37]

`61 Catalina/Ventura. My favorite big Pontiacs.

[bird72]

I used to live in Kingman AZ until 1990. There was a Ventura bubbletop 61 there that had Tripower. It was that emerald like medium green. Stunning. Talked to the guy once, had my 78 TA then. Wonder where that car went, anyone? Hazy memory, but believe 4 speed also.

I grew up as a child riding in a 61 Delta 88 bubble. Back seat played toy cars on the shelf under the bubble, pre seat belt era. I remember laying on the shelf under the bubble, ha. Christ I am old as dirt it feels.

[wbnapier]

Coincidence, the one I know about is just down the road from Kingman, AZ, but different color.

[Stuart]

Originally Posted by tom s

I needed to wear a bike helmet to work on it,finally got sick of hitting my head on the hood and sold it.Tom

That beak on the hood can be painful. I've been around these cars long enough that I instinctively duck my head when I get close to it.

[421mike]

Took two years to finally get mine. Got everything else first but the door panels take the longest. Worth the wait though.

[bird72]

Originally Posted by wbnapier

Coincidence, the one I know about is just down the road from Kingman, AZ, but different color.

Wondering if there might be an explanation to it being the same car, hmmm....

[GT182]

My folks had a grey 1960 Ventura back when I was 10 years old, but it was the 4 door model. Wraparound rear window with the overhang roof. Personally I like the 60 over 61 for the prettier grill. To me that 61 grill ain't all the great for looks.

Like this one that's blue with the white top.... but was grey.
https://www.bing.com/search?q=1960+p...11faf83e2757c0