If you like the look of the Nova but don't quite want to be a part of the "Me too" crowd, then how about this clean 1972 Pontiac Ventura? Same great look as the Nova but 20% less expensive and a lot less common to boot. Add in the thrifty 6-cylinder engine and you get an affordable entry-level hobby car that is fun to drive and economical to own.The clean blue paint gives this Ventura a bright, cheerful look that will stand out among all the usual black and red examples at a show. It's probably not the original color, but the repaint was nicely done and it shines up all out of proportion to its sticker price. Good gaps and clean bodywork suggest that this car has never been wrecked or rusty, and with just 61,273 original miles, you know it hasn't led a difficult life. The two-door sedan was the least common model, and if you're planning a horsepower injection, it's the one to own because the body is lighter and stronger than the hardtop. A single darker blue pinstripe runs from nose to tail, highlighting the flared quarter panel line and all the original trim is intact, including the unique Ventura emblems on the front fenders. Pontiac's familiar split front grille is very much in evidence here, along with a V-shaped hood dome, and it's easy to see the evolution of the "wide track" look when you look at this car head-on. The bumpers are probably original and in very good condition and it still wears the original dealer's emblem on the trunk, which is pretty cool.The blue bucket seat is undoubtedly original, and while it shows some signs of being 44 years old, it's awfully darned nice. The cloth and vinyl bucket seats look sporty and are actually very comfortable for the era, and with a center console between them, this is more than just a stripped-down economy car. A horseshoe shifter is a great find in a car like this, and yes, it's got cup holders in the console as well, one of the first OEM applications. The instruments cover only speed and fuel level, but the gauges are bright and crisp and the original Pontiac steering wheel is in excellent shape. There's a later AM/FM/CD stereo head unit in place of the original AM radio, but that appears to be the lone modification to the interior. The good-sized trunk is also nicely preserved, with a replacement mat and a full-sized spare that seems to be wearing a brand new tire.The 250 cubic inch inline-six isn't going to roast the tires, but it's plenty torquey to make the Ventura feel quick around town. The bright turquoise engine enamel and valve cover advertise that it's a Pontiac motor, although it was the same corporate powerplant used down the street at the Bowtie factory. The engine bay looks clean and certainly backs up the low mileage status, and a weekend of cleaning would pay big dividends if you wanted to use it for preservation class judging. The original air cleaner and carburetor are up top, it still runs a factory distributor and ignition system, and it really runs great. Reliability is bulletproof and parts are still easy to get, making this a great choice if you like to drive, and with the 2-speed PowerGlide transmission, it's easy to handle. There's a new muffler out back and the floors show off a lifetime on the west coast. Flashy aluminum wheels add a sporting touch and it sits on a set of staggered 195/75/14 front and 225/75/14 rear blackwall radials.Honest, solid, and affordable, this Ventura is a great choice for the "dare to be different" crowd. Call today!