This 1976 Pontiac Ventura SJ reminds me of a cute but quiet, shy girl that I knew years ago. I wonder what ever happened to her?
Chances are, nothing ever happened to her. She led a quiet, uninteresting life that was safe and predictable. Boring too if you ask me. She had a fair amount of attention when she was young but the sad truth of the matter is, or was, no one, including me, found her interesting enough in the long run. It happens. Some people people, like this old Pontiac Ventura, get forgotten about and life passes them by.
Another sad truth is that we are what we drive. This little car, actually, it's not that little but it was considered compact back then, sends out mixed messages that are very confusing. As if it's trying to be something that it ultimately can't live up to. Is it a luxury car or a sporty car? Did that shy girl want to run with the cool kids or be a bad girl? The person or persons who drove this car no doubt sending out mixed messages as well.
Mixed messages like the snappy Pontiac "mags" with white walls, this bench seat with this oh-so-'70's pattern, the landau top and the stand up hood ornament. Seriously - what was this thing trying to be?
All would be forgiven if this car had anything but an Oldsmobile 260 under the hood. Yeah, even the Buick 231 V-6 would be better since there at least is an aftermarket out there to help breathe some life into it. Not so with the Olds 260. Like that shy girl who may have at least attempted to break out of her shell, this car is held back by a lack of either nerve, heart or gumption.
Thing is, this car could get an engine swap that would give it all the gumption in the world. These rear wheel drive GM X-bodies are fairly light and they handle quite well. Some real horsepower and you have neat little sleeper - you know, the librarian who's a lot of fun to hang with. Not sure what if anything could be done for that shy girl who led the life of a shy, quiet woman. Hope at least she's happy and content.
I love your assessment (or at least attempt at an assessment); as you noted, "just what was the thing trying to be"? In my opinion, this Pontiac "Nova" should not have even had options available such as "mag" wheels, vinyl top and a hood ornament. It should have been just basic transportation (which is what it was) with a little Pontiac flair in the styling department.
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