Considered to be one of the most beautiful of Jack Humbert’s Pontiac designs—let alone of the 1960s to roll off an assembly line—the 1961 Pontiac Ventura combines speed with the style of the base-model Catalina, featuring a squared-off body with smallish tail fins. Often referred to as the “bubble top,” the curvaceous A-pillar would become a hallmark in the Pontiac lineup of the 1960s, the slim C-pillar being a one-year look with only 13,297 produced.

Its iconic 'bubble top' design was a sight to behold, with the sweeping roofline seamlessly integrating into the rear, exuding a graceful yet commanding aura. The front carried the signature Pontiac split grille design with dual headlamps, which became a staple of Pontiac's identity in the years to follow. The car's interiors mirrored the exterior's promise of elegance, with the inviting contours of the seats, the intricate details on the dash, and the artful balance of chrome and color. To round it off, the lustrous chrome detailing and wide-stance tailfins lent the 1961 Ventura an air of regal audacity.

The stock 389 CI V-8 has been swapped with a 505 CI monster built from the parts bins at Butler Performance and Kauffman Racing. Delivering 515 HP and 605 lb-ft of torque, the engine breathes through Pontiac D port, long-branch cast iron headers, an Edelbrock fuel-injection system and stainless, three-chambered, Flowmaster Series 50 Deltaflow mufflers. Muscle is transferred from a 700R automatic transmission to a 3.40 Positraction rear end and on to the Pontiac-only eight-lug wheels with wide whitewall tires. Disc brakes help to control the beast, slowing everything up in a hurry. Inside, E-Z-Eye tinted glass helps to keep the vinyl-trimmed interior cool. Other cockpit features include a full-length center console, AM radio, passenger ashtray, crank vent windows and a factory clock. An estimated 2,222 man-hours were invested in this no-expense-spared build.

George Pehanick’s Take:

While I’m a GTO nut I really like the full-size Ponchos too. I’ve owned a lot of Bonneville’s and Grand Prix’s. I love big cars with big motors. I’ve owned and still own a number of 62-63-64-65 big Pontiacs. I looked for some time for the perfect 61 Ventura. Stock or Restomod, this car ended my quandary. The black with the gorgeous tri-tone Turquoise interior is so beautiful with the ‘bubble top’ body. I’ve never seen a prettier 61 Ventura. Someone spent a fortune of $150-200k+ restoring and building this car. Once I heard about the motor and the inboard disc brakes, I knew I had to have it. A beastie Edelbrock Fuel Injected 500hp+ Butler/Kaufman Pontiac racing motor! And highly engineered inboard front disc brakes, showing the classic Pontiac 8 Lugs. It’s got a 700R automatic overdrive transmission so it can be driven comfortably at highway speeds. When I bought it at auction the car showed perfectly, but wasn’t so mechanically. It had been built as a trailer queen show car, not as one to really drive. Now it’s a great drive too, it needs to be properly warmed up. And it runs nice and cool even on hot days. When you really romp on it, it feels like it wants to lift the front end. It’s a beastie beauty. Love it. 

Vehicle Specs

• Black Paint

• Tri-Tone Turquoise Interior

• White Wall Tires
• 8 Lug Wheels with Inboard Brakes

• 3.40 Positraction

• Edelbrock Fuel Injected 500hp Butler/Kaufman Pontiac Racing Motor

• 700R automatic overdrive transmission

• Pontiac D port long branch cast iron headers