1966 Pontiac Catalina Ventura
The Pontiac Catalina is a full-size, junior series automobile produced by Pontiac from 1950 to 1981. Initially, the name was a trim line on hardtop body styles, first appearing in the 1950 Chieftain Eight and DeLuxe Eight lines. In 1959, it became a separate model as the “entry-level” full-size Pontiac.
The Catalina was Pontiac’s most popular model, available in multiple body styles, and served as the donor platform for the popular Pontiac Grand Prix, Pontiac 2+2, Pontiac Ventura, and the Pontiac Safari station wagon.
A special luxury edition of the Catalina was the Ventura. The bodywork of the Ventura was similar to that of the Catalina, but it had the Ventura name on the sides. Inside there was a special upgraded interior with “Morrokide” upholstery, a Pontiac name for a leather-like kind of vinyl.
The full black interior has the appeal of formalwear, especially with the level of loaded that comes on this sedan. The two wide rows of bench seats have plenty of room for everyone, and it has a terrific classic style with textured cloth inserts and button-top seatbacks. This has a very vintage style but has a far fresh feel from a proper investment, and the same goes for the carpeting. Plus, the black door panels, headliner, and dash also look great for an inviting atmosphere. Even the factory steering wheel even fits into the color theme, and the translucent elements are all part of that great time capsule feeling when individual style was top priority at each automaker.
Engine options for the 1966 Pontiac Ventura were a 389 and 421 cubic inch V-8. The 389 V8 was first introduced by Pontiac in 1959. The 1966 Pontiac Ventura doesn’t necessarily come up when speaking of 60’s muscle cars, but the type of V-8’s offered with the Ventura meant plenty of power. This engine would end up being one of the most popular engines of the latter 1960’s muscle car era.
The Ventura model is not considered a hot collector car at this time. Because of this, these models are quite affordable and offer a low cost way to start a car collection. In the future, the Ventura could possibly increase in popularity.
