Pontiac Ventura
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The Pontiac Ventura was an automobile produced by the Pontiac Motor Division of General Motors.
1960-1970
The Ventura trim package was first introduced in 1960 on the Pontiac Catalina four-door Vista sedan and two-door hardtop. The package included exterior identification, deluxe wheel covers, a sport steering wheel, and distinctive tri-tone seats done in Morrokide (Pontiac's imitation leather).In 1961 and 1962, the Ventura was a standalone model, although it was still based on the Catalina. The Ventura's length was 209.7 in (527.5 cm), and its wheelbase was 119.0 in (302 cm). Weight was between 3680 and 4005 lb (1670 and 1815 kg), depending on what options and engine the car had. The 389 in³ (6375 cm³) engines were standard, but the special-order 421 in³ (6900 cm³) could be had as well.
The Ventura returned to its trim package status on the Pontiac Catalina from 1963 through 1970. The name was resurrected in 1971 when name (augumented by the suffix II) was applied to the Pontiac version of Chevrolet's compact Nova.
1971-1977
In 1971, Pontiac moved the name to their new X-body variant, the Ventura II. The Nova-style Ventura II had a production run from 1971 to 1977. The "II" suffix was dropped after 1972, and the Phoenix name replaced the Ventura in 1978.In 1974, the legendary Pontiac GTO name moved to the Ventura, a move which greatly upset GTO enthusiasts. The GTO package gave the basic Ventura a 350 in³ (5735 cc) engine with a four-barrel carburetor that produced about 185 hp (138 kW). The package also came with a functional "shaker" hood scoop, tri-color GTO decals, Rally II wheels, and special grill-mounted driving lights. The GTO package could be ordered on the hatchback Ventura, as well as the base and Custom coupes.
There were plans to continue the Ventura GTO in 1975, however the project was dropped when GM decided to discontinue the Pontiac 350 in the Ventura that year. Instead, the Buick version of the 350 would be used in the model. The proponents of the '75 GTO knew that nobody would want to buy it if it had a Buick engine, and called the project to a close.
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