51k Mile Survivor: 1977 Pontiac Phoenix

In the 1970s, Pontiac adapted the popular Chevrolet Nova for sale under their brand, calling it Ventura II (at first) and Phoenix later. Because of General Motors’ shift to sharing powerplants across divisions, many later Phoenix had Chevy engines, including the 305 cubic inch (5.0-liter) V8 in the seller’s car. I owned a ’77 Phoenix back in the day and it was a good automobile overall, though it was rather anemic with Buick’s V6 engine.

The Phoenix began as an upscale option on Ventura in 1977 and the name took over in 1978. In ’77, it could be distinguished from the Ventura by the use of square headlights instead of round ones. Three trim levels were offered, and the seller’s car appears to be the fancier LJ edition. The 305 engine was only rated at 140 hp (SAE net) and the seller’s edition is likely paired with GM’s TH-350 automatic transmission. When Chevy moved away from the Nova to the FWD Citation in 1980, the Phoenix followed suit.

As a dealer is involved in the sale of this Pontiac, little of its history is known. It’s said to have just 51,000 miles and the paint, vinyl top, and interior all look original. My 1977 was red in color all over and the interior was velour while the seller’s car has leather-like material over the seats (fancy vinyl?). Since the car is being sold from the seller/dealer’s lot in Mullins, South Carolina, we assume the car called the general area home.

Perhaps this was Grandma or Grandpa’s car which might explain its limited use over the years. We’re told it recently received a “full service,” but we don’t know if that goes beyond changing the oil and airing up the tires. But this car is mechanically a Chevrolet with low miles, so it should provide lots of miles unless it has been sitting and needs more work than meets the eye. It’s available here on eBay for $7,500.