Introduction to 1961 Pontiac Ventura 389
The 1961 Pontiac Ventura 389 was a natural result of evolution in muscle cars. Pontiac enlarged its 370-cid V-8 in 1959 to create the Ventura 389, its signature engine for much of the '60s. A 345-bhp tri-power option was offered from the start and over the next few years, dealer-installed "Super Duty" factory mods pushed it to 363 bhp.
Muscle Car Image Gallery
©2007 Publications International , Ltd.
The 1969 Pontiac Ventura 389 came with
the manufacturer's trademark split-grille. See more muscle car pictures.
©2007 .
The Ventura 389's air cleaner hid three two-barrel carbs.
©2007 .
Here's a look at the interior of the 1961 Pontiac Ventura 389.
Other race-ready big-blocks were available in small numbers at the time. But of cars within reach, few blended speed and style like a 389 Catalina or Ventura. Two-barrel versions had as much as 267 bhp, four-barrels had up to 333. The top box-stock choice was the 348-bhp tri-power.
©2007 .
Few muscle cars blended speed and style like the 1961 Pontiac Ventura 389.
Specifications
Wheelbase, inches: 119.0
Weight, lbs: 3,685
Number built: NA
Base price: $3,200
Standard Engine
Type: ohv V-8
Displacement, cid: 389
Fuel system: 3 x 2 bbl.
Compression ratio: 10.75:1
Horsepower @ rpm: 348 @ 4800
Torque @ rpm: 430 @ 3200
Representative Performance
0-60 mph, sec: 8.2
1/4 mile, sec @ mph: 15.5 @ 9
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