1961 Pontiac Ventura Super Duty

1961 Pontiac Ventura – Mr. 4-Speed’s Earliest Ride: The Sox & Martin Legacy

Few names carry more weight in the world of drag racing than Sox and Martin. With Ronnie Sox’s legendary driving skills and Buddy Martin’s promotional brilliance, the duo dominated the sport, racking up hundreds of national event wins and five world championships over their nearly two-decade partnership.

But before the iconic Sox & Martin era began, Ronnie Sox teamed up with Jack Ashley, a successful businessman from Burlington, North Carolina, with a keen sense for racing and promotion. In 1960, Sox and Ashley were nearly unbeatable, winning 39 out of 40 races and earning the nickname "The Untouchables." Their success granted them access to one of the most coveted performance machines of the time: the very first 1961 Pontiac Super Duty.

This historic car was shipped directly from Pontiac to Ray Nichels Engineering in Highland, Indiana, for race preparation, and then delivered to Hughes Pontiac in Burlington, NC, where Sox and Ashley took possession. Years later, the car would pass into the hands of a former president of Penske Racing before being acquired by its current owner.

Now offered by 111 Motorcars, this Ventura has undergone a full nut-and-bolt rotisserie restoration and remains the earliest known Ronnie Sox race car in existence. It is an extraordinary piece of drag racing history and would serve as a stunning centerpiece to any serious collection.

Highlights:

• Earliest known Ronnie Sox race car

• Serial #1 of approximately 11 produced

• Original build sheet and shipping documents from Pontiac

• Original window sticker

• Prepped for racing in 1961 by Ray Nichels Engineering

• Super Duty engine built by Penske Racing

• Factory cast-iron headers

• 390 Safety-Trac rear end

• 8-lug wheels

• Lightweight aluminum bumpers

Shown by appointment only – Visit 111 Motorcars online or contact us directly to schedule your private viewing of this historically significant vehicle.