1975: Out of the Ashes?
In late 1975,Pontiac showed a rather interesting version of their Ventura compact, called the Phoenix. The Phoenix was, in essence, a plastic Ventura. The car used plastic for all major body panels, and was powered by a 152cid cast iron four-cylinder engine. Pontiac also pioneered the use of high density fiberglass in place of steel for such items as the wheels, bumper striker bars, and side door guard beams.Side windows were plastic, and the traditional hood was replaced by a small access panel. In this manner, the hood panel could be stressed to carry a greater load.
Pontiac engineers admitted they were developing the Chevy II like four cylinder engine for production, they were emphatic in their statements that their Ventura-as-light-as-an-Astre would remain as mythical the Phoenix of lore.
Related Posts
1980 Oldsmobile Omega Test Drive →
1980: X-Car Convertibles →
1984 Pontiac Phoenix Manufacturer Promo →
What Junkies are Saying