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1961 Pontiac Ventura
2dr Sport Coupe
8-cyl. 389cid/333hp 4bbl
#1 Concours condition#1 Concours
#2 Excellent condition#2 Excellent
#3 Good condition#3 Good
$34,100*
+5.9%
#4 Fair condition#4 Fair
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Apr 2025
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1960-1961 Pontiac Ventura stats
Highest sale
$273,000
Lowest sale
$12,760
Most recent sale
$35,750
Sales
65
Photos
2 photosImages may not reflect selected vehicle.
Past sales
$35,750
1960 Pontiac Ventura Base
60745 M
Automatic
North America
Dec 7, 2024Mecum Auctions
View details
$32,450
1960 Pontiac Ventura Base
12850 M
Automatic
North America
Apr 4, 2024Mecum Auctions
View details
$66,000
1961 Pontiac Ventura Base
Standard
North America
Aug 18, 2023Mecum Auctions
View details
$18,150
1960 Pontiac Ventura Base
Automatic
North America
Jan 29, 2023Barrett-Jackson
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$29,700
1961 Pontiac Ventura Base
Automatic
North America
Sep 17, 2022Mecum Auctions
View details
$24,200
1960 Pontiac Ventura Base
Automatic
North America
May 18, 2022Mecum Auctions
View details
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More 1961 Pontiac Ventura values
Model overview
Model description
The Pontiac Ventura was launched in 1960 as a “custom” trim level of the division’s entry-level Catalina, and cost approximately $200 more. The brand’s 1960 redesign was one of GM’s best that year and the Ventura ably showcased the Pontiac look, much flatter hood and trunk surfaces and limited trim flourishes. Venturas rode on a short 122-inch wheelbase and were available as four-door “flat top” Vista hardtop sedans and two-door hardtop coupes. More than 50,000 were built during the model’s first year, with an even split between the two bodies.
The Ventura shared the same engine options as the Catalina, which were plentiful. A 389-cid V-8 came standard with a two-barrel carburetor good for 215 hp. The mill could also be configured to generate from 283 up to 348 hp depending on carburetion and transmission, with the Tri-Power setup being the top of the line. Despite having a three-speed manual transmission as standard equipment, virtually all Venturas were manufactured with a Hydra-matic shifter.
Pontiac downsized the Ventura in 1961, with the car’s wheelbase and length shrinking by three and four inches respectively. From a design perspective, a divided grille was introduced, as were sculptured side panels. The car’s engine range was essentially unchanged. A national recession caused Ventura sales to fall by half, again nearly all with automatics and evenly split between two- and four-door models.
Following the 1961 model year, the Ventura became a trim package on all Catalinas except for the convertible, until 1970. Although the cars were technically a Catalina, they only carried Ventura badging..
Early Pontiac Venturas are interesting as high-level, short wheelbase Catalinas, and they remain affordable entry points into early 1960s American motoring. Tri-Power coupes are the most sought after, and also carry a premium in price. Of course, engine swaps are not out of the question, so make sure the car’s asking price is supported by documentation.
Vehicle specifications
- Vehicle Length210 in
- Wheelbase - Inches119 in
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Common Questions
The value of a 1961 Pontiac Ventura can vary greatly depending on its condition, mileage, options, and history. Typically, you can expect to pay around $28,975 for a 1961 Pontiac Ventura in good condition with average spec.
The highest selling price of a 1961 Pontiac Ventura at auction over the last three years was $66,000. The highest prices are usually reserved for rare or exceptionally well-maintained examples with desirable features or modifications and excellent history.
The lowest selling price of a 1961 Pontiac Ventura at auction over the last three years was $29,700. The lowest prices are usually paid for examples that have extensive maintenance needs, differ greatly from their original configuration, or have accident histories or title problems.
In the last three years there have been 2 1961 Pontiac Venturas sold at public auction.
The most recent auction sale of a 1961 Pontiac Ventura was $66,000 on August 18, 2023 by Mecum Auctions.
Many factors can increase a car's value including excellent condition, exceptional originality, a recent restoration, low mileage, unique provenance, desirable options, popular or unique color choices, and excellent maintenance records. Upgrades and modifications that enhance performance or aesthetics can also add value.
Factors that can decrease a car's value include unusually high mileage, poor maintenance history, visible wear and tear, accidents or damage, title issues, and gaps in ownership history. Additionally, less popular color choices and extensive modifications that don't appeal to a broad audience can reduce value.
Mileage plays a significant role in a classic car’s value. Lower mileage usually increases value because it indicates a higher degree of originality, is rarer, and suggests less wear and tear. However, cars with exceptionally low mileage may also have maintenance needs due to lack of use. Whether someone should pay more for a vehicle with lower miles will depend on how they plan on using it, and the vehicle's specific condition.
The value of modified cars differs widely based on the type and quality of modifications. While some modifications can significantly increase value, especially performance enhancements and high-quality custom work, others may not add much or could even detract from the car’s value if they appeal to only a limited audience.