X-body Files

“ Because Pontiac decided to build a compact with punch, they went for the knockout,” asserted the 1977 dealer brochure description of the Ventura line. For

’77, these cars received a modern front-end treatment and interior revisions.

A two-door coupe or hatchback and a four-door sedan in base or upscale SJ trim offered a step up from their slightly lower-priced Chevrolet Nova siblings. Conversely, the Oldsmobile Omegas and Buick Skylarks cost a bit more than the Pontiacs. Though various styling cues, trim, and equipment differed between them to instill brand identity and justify prices, they all shared GM’s X-body platform.

Fuel efficiency became a high priority during the energy-crisis-riddled 1970s and automakers responded. Buick’s 231-cu.in. V-6 became the Ventura’s standard engine for 1977 and