Frequently Asked Ventura/X-Body Questions
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1. What's my Ventura worth?
Always a tough question, but here are some pointers and general guidelines I can offer from having observed the market over the past few years.  These tips apply to stock or slightly-modified cars; custom street machines and race cars will have to be judged on the value of their performance parts and workmanship.  You can also get some ideas from sites such as www.vmrintl.com 

1971-1972
Advantages: These model years tend to be most desirable, possibly because the C pillar is a bit sleeker, interior panels are not too cheap-looking, and they are marginally lighter because they don't have the massive bumpers of later years.  They also have the best level of aftermarket support due to the popularity of the early Nova equivalent model years.  A Pontiac 350 V8 (introduced in 1972) would be a best-case situation.

Disadvantages:  The '71 was available with an optional 307 Chevy V8 that is known for ruining its plastic cam gear, so this will count against it.  4 door versions have very limited appeal and you'd be very lucky to break over $1000; most buyers will be looking at these as cheap parts cars.  Sorry.

1973-1974
Advantages:  A higher percentage of these came with Pontiac 350 V8s, meaning less engine and front end work if you've been planning on V8 power.  New rear bumpers on the '73 and shock-mounted front and rears on the '74 means they can take (and dish out) a lot more punishment than the earlier versions.  Availability of new hatchback style is a flexibility/convenience plus for some buyers.  "Sprint" versions (primarily an appearance package) have increased in popularity and may boost the price a bit.  The GTO option on the 1974 Ventura tops the price scale but can vary wildly. 

Disadvantages: Advent of the heavier bumpers and el-cheapo interior panels.  Less aftermarket support and slightly less market interest than the 71-72 body style.  Smog-era motors top out at 150 hp, 200 hp in a GTO.  Hatchbacks are prone to water leaks, hatch lid rust out, squeeks, and rattles.  With extra folding seat mechanisms and indestructible spare tire compartment trap door, my suspicion is that the hatchback is heavier than the coupe.  Lots of GTO clones, so know how to spot the real deal if it's important to you.  Same story as the '71-'72 when it comes to 4 doors.

1975-1977 (includes Phoenix 77-79)
Advantages: Interiors are prettied up (provided the original buyer had good taste in seat coverings), with nicer door panels and redesigned receding dash pad for roomier feel.  More glass for better rear visibility. Some comfort features such as power windows are introduced, especially on the Phoenix.  New front subframe/ steering/ suspension geometry provides much better handling.  Same hatchback benefits as on '73-'74.  "Sprint" appearance package (1975) may provide a small boost in value.  Rock-bottom price for what can be a very sharp-looking, great-handling vehicle makes them a screaming deal.  Lots of L6 and V6 versions were built and are worth a second look from a fuel economy standpoint.  Shock-mounted bumpers on all years.

Disadvantages: Almost total indifference by the market, still almost zero collectibility, poorest resale.  Limited aftermarket support, but not too different from '73-'74 situation, almost no parts commonality with earlier years.  Production shortcuts give the impression of a weaker, cheaper car.  Mid- to late-70s V8 offerings (Buick 350, Chevy 305, Olds 260 and Pontiac 301) are compromises that have virtually no performance parts available.  Same drawbacks for hatchback versions and 4 doors.  Poor power-to-weight as expected.  Styling not a hit with many of the X-body crowd.

2. How can I tell a real '74 GTO from a clone?
The only sure-fire way to tell is to get the VIN of the car and pay about $30 to Pontiac Historic Services ( www.phs-online.com ).