1961 Pontiac Ventura Vista

4dr Hardtop Sedan

8-cyl. 389cid/267hp 2bbl

#1 Concours condition#1 Concours
#2 Excellent condition#2 Excellent
#3 Good condition#3 Good

$12,800 CAD*

-1.5%
#4 Fair condition#4 Fair
Value Graph01/2404/2407/24$5k$10kOct 2024
Pricing adjustments
+10% for factory a/c.
Adjustments are in USD
+10% for factory a/c.
Adjustments are in USD
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1960-1961 Pontiac Ventura stats
Highest sale
$294,676 CAD
Lowest sale
$13,043 CAD
Most recent sale
$50,536 CAD
Sales
64

Photos

2 photosImages may not reflect selected vehicle.

1961 Pontiac Ventura Sport Coupe
1960 Pontiac Ventura Sport Coupe
insurance

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**Figure based on a stock 1961 Pontiac Ventura valued at $12,800 CAD with ON rates with $100/300K liability/UM/UIM limits. Actual costs vary depending on the coverage selected, vehicle condition, province and other factors. Hagerty determines final risk acceptance.

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

  • Shipping Weight3795 lbs
  • Vehicle Length210 in
  • Wheelbase - Inches119 in
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Common Questions

The value of a 1961 Pontiac Ventura Vista can vary greatly depending on its condition, mileage, options, and history. Typically, you can expect to pay around $12,175 USD for a 1961 Pontiac Ventura Vista in good condition with average spec.

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.

All prices shown here are representative of stock condition vehicles only and based on various data sources, as detailed in About Our Prices. Value adjustments for optional equipment are in U.S. dollars. More information on how forecast models are calculated can be found on Forecasted Values page. For additional information and a complete description of benefits, visit hagerty.CA/legal. Purchase of insurance not required for membership in HDC. Hagerty, Hagerty Valuation Tools & Hagerty Drivers Club are registered trademarks of the Hagerty Group LLC, ©2024 The Hagerty Group, LLC. All Rights Reserved.