While perusing the Ebay-and-other-classified section of Yenko.net a few weeks ago, someone had posted a '73 Pontiac Ventura resto-mod-custom-very-cool car that was on the San Fran Craigslist. A very close match to a car I owned for 7 years throughout school, Air Force Pilot training and beyond. I made a positive comment regarding the car and a fellow member made mention that he was going to be parting with a '71 Ventura. I contacted the member, Hawkeye (Marty S) and discussed the car. He was selling the car that his Grandmother bought new on December 31, 1971. It is Cardinal red with a sandlewood interior, 307/TH350 and 60k original miles. Marty had it for many years but was in the middle of a career change and move, hadn't used the car in years, and decided to let it go.... to the right owner. After exchanging pictures and information, we agreed on a purchase.
This isn't a perfect car, or a high dollar, or high performance car; but still maintains a high level of originality. Aside from some lower sheet metal rust (which really isn't that bad), it is in great shape. I took delivery of the car two mornings ago. Did some minor mechanical repairs and put it in storage today, until next season. I'll be planning the body and paint repairs this winter.
While driving it to the storage facility this afternoon, I drove it through the Kent State Campus where my old Ventura faithfully transported me around town for 4 years. What great memories.
The shipping ordeal, was just that. I figured on an easy East to West run (Allentown to Cleveland) it would be a piece of cake getting a spot on a transport. Ends up, I was wrong about that. Calling most transport companies puts you in contact with a broker. I didn't pick the most expensive, or the cheapest, but I did pick the worst possible one. The car was promised to be shipped on 9/20 (shipping was contracted on 9/15). Marty was moving on 9/25 and I was leaving on a 4 day trip on 9/24. It was obvious on the evening of 9/22 that this wasn't going to happen. The broker must have had an encyclopedia of excuses. I heard them all... well, maybe. I asked for recommendations on this site, got a few, but the notice was too short. I relisted the car for transport and got a broker (DIYTransport) from Ohio that really went to work on it. They got me a driver that afternoon and the car was shipped promptly.
Here are some pix of the car. It still smells new on the inside. The interior is nearly perfect and very crisp. Marty included all the original paper work to include the original bill-of-sale, window sticker, warranty booklet and dealer jackets. Plus the parts he acquired throughout the years. My goal is to fix what needs to be and preserve all of what is still good on the car. It is an absolute pleasure to drive. I really like big block cars, but there is nothing like a carefree ride in a small block that purrs like a kitten. This is one of those cars.
Many thanks to Marty for putting up with the shipping roller coaster. I'm sure he didn't need the hassle at this time, but he was very accommodating and made it work on his end. The car is in good hands and I'm sure one day will end up back in his garage.... with a few extra miles on it. Thanks Marty.
Phil Woj.
Look at this male end lap belt. I don't think Grandma was using her seatbelt.
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