 the pontiac ventura was an automobile produced by the pontiac motor division of general motors. the name derived from ventura, california. until 1992, gm had an assembly plant that manufactured x-body models in the city of van nuys, california.   == 1960â1970 full-sized ==  the ventura was first introduced for 1960 as a new higher priced model on pontiac's standard full-size 122-inch b-body wheelbase, shared with the pontiac catalina. it was available as a four-door vista sedan and two-door hardtop. it had unique exterior identification, deluxe wheel covers, a sport steering wheel, and distinctive tri-tone seats done in "morrokide" (pontiac's leather-like vinyl upholstery). the ventura continued for 1961 as a series, but for 1962 through 1965, it was a custom trim option on the catalina. the ventura series returned for 1966, continuing through 1969. it went back as an custom trim option on the catalina for 1970. it was replaced by the catalina brougham series for 1971.  == 1971â1977 x-body compact ==  in 1971, pontiac moved the name to their new x-body nova clone, the ventura ii. ventura ii production ran from 1971 to 1977. the "ii" suffix was dropped after 1972, and the phoenix name replaced ventura in 1978. engine offerings for the abbreviated 1971 mod
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