1960 Pontiac

Bubble Top Coupe

8 - Cyl.

Automatic

Gasoline

This 1960 Pontiac Ventura 2-door hardtop "Bubble Top" Coupe is a true survivor with just over 78,000 actual miles experience. It is an all-numbers-matching original with Coronado Red Metallic exterior and original Deluxe Ventura tri-color (2 shades of red with white accent) interior. The Ventura line is "Catalina size" but with more deluxe trim; many think the lines are more attractive than the larger Bonneville and Star Chief lines but with comparably nice trim schemes. The engine is the 389 CI, 8.6:1 CR, 2bbl engine which makes 390 ft-lb of torque at only 2000 RPM. This great engine backed by the highly reputable 4-speed Jetaway Hydromatic transmission, makes it a peppy, very well behaved, drivable classic not needing high-octane fuel. The engine starts instantly, doesn't smoke or leak and runs out smooth and strong. It has not been rebuilt and shows no signs of needing it. The transmission has been fully serviced and adjusted by the local long-time Hydromatic expert who said emphatically that "it works perfectly". The car was acquired in a very straight, solid and rust free state. All accumulated minor dings were repaired and the body carefully prepped and repainted in the original color but with modern base-coat clear-coat materials. An advantage of this in addition to durability is that future touch-up and repairs can be handled more successfully. The very good original stainless body-trim and bumpers were removed for the paint job, polished and replaced. All body and paint work done by a very experienced professional specializing in restorations and custom builds. The original interior was found in remarkably good condition for it's age with a few exceptions which were carefully addressed. New "correct" carpet was installed along with new windlace, headliner and sun visor coverings. New front kick-panels and rear package shelf were installed and covered with carpet remnants, which can be easily removed if desired for originality. The door panel-boards (driver side in particular) were warped but not tattered. The old panel-boards were replaced with new waterproof pieces and recovered, utilizing the original stainless trim and new upholstery materials installed in the original (as close as possible) colors and style (see pictures). There was, unfortunately, a seam separation on the top-left of the front-seat back-rest which was repaired by a professional vinyl/leather upholstery repair service. It turned out pretty darn good (see pictures) saving a lot of agonizing as the original front seat upholstery was otherwise in remarkably good condition. NOTE: see pictures 4 and 14 for before and after repair views. The rear seat history suggests a bit of serendipity. The original upholstery looked very good at first glance but was found to be very brittle and cracked very easily. As fate would have it, I had recently purchased another Pontiac which came with some random spares, including a very nice, complete, set of rear seat upholstery from a 1960 Ventura. These pieces, matching mine in color scheme and condition were installed with great results by the same shop handling the other interior issues mentioned above (see pictures). NOTE: Picture 4 shows before front seat repair; Picture 14 shows after the repair. All survivor cars probably have interesting histories. This one (as I was told) was "Grandma's" car and driven very sparingly all those many years. The only problem later on was that ALL of the grandchildren wanted the car so, of course, Grandma couldn't give it to any of them without creating issues. When, as eventually always happens, the car "became available" none of the grandchildren were still interested and it was sold to another party intent on giving it a rebirth. After some routine servicing; lubrication, brake system overhaul, flushing and replacing all fluids, carburetor rebuild and tune-up, complete electrical maintenance etc. someone came along and broke the windshield, the rear window and and left side windows. The general discouragement and looming expense of replacing these led to the car being stored for some time with interest eventually being lost. I acquired the car about 1 year ago and am now offering it for sale to finance another project. This is truly a very nice, solid car and, in the opinion of many a true work of art The doors, trunk and hood open close very nicely. It rides and handles superbly at cruising and freeway speeds. Of course, it receives raves and lots of thumbs up whenever taken out. In addition to things mentioned in the narrative above the car has (I'm sure I'll forget some items); NOS windshield Left side glass replaced with new A very nice used replacement rear glass All new rubber seals (cowl, doors, windows, trunk etc.) New all season radial whitewall tires (70,000 mile estimated tread life) New 100 month battery New Heater core Complete drive-shaft rebuild including new center carrier bearing, u-joints etc. Fitted with very nice 1964 Pontiac hubcaps but I have the original 1960 caps if buyer prefers (I like the'64s much better) Other; see pictures for details Buyer terms; $500 deposit through PayPal within 72 hours. Balance due within 7 days by certified check, money order or cash. Validity of check or money order will be verified before physical release of the car and title. FINAL NOTE: The car is for sale locally and the auction may, therefor, be cancelled at any time without notice.