During the 1970s, Volkswagen reigned supreme in practical and affordable vehicles. But beneath the shadow of the iconic Beetle, a niche market craved something more exhilarating.
This gap presented an opportunity for independent automakers to leverage the reliable air-cooled VW platform for sportier applications.
Enter L’Automobile Distribuidora de Veículos Ltda., a Brazilian company whose name now evokes a sense of forgotten ingenuity. Their answer to the call for speed? The L’Automobile Ventura is a sleek fiberglass sports car built upon a modified Volkswagen chassis.
Unlike its utilitarian VW foundation, the Ventura embodied a modern aesthetic, a stark contrast to the boxy lines dominating the era.
This particular 1980s Ventura is a project car ripe for restoration, offering a chance to own a piece of automotive history and a surprisingly affordable gateway to sports car ownership.
Revealed at the 1978 São Paulo National Motor Show, the Ventura wasn’t just another Volkswagen. This sporty two-seater aimed to shake things up with a design that was both stylish and practical.
Its sleek fiberglass body, boasting a prominent hood bulge and a fastback rear end, offered a dramatic departure from the boxy lines that defined most Volkswagens. But the real surprise lay beneath the surface the Ventura was built upon a familiar VW floor pan.
This clever engineering trick allowed the car to maintain a manageable size while providing a comfortable ride. Available in two engine options a 1.6-liter air-cooled flat-four or a liquid-cooled variant from the VW Passat the Ventura offered drivers a choice between classic air-cooled simplicity or a potentially more powerful option.
Production continued into the early 1990s, with later models receiving a bump in power thanks to a 1.8-liter engine, pushing the car’s top speed to a respectable 115 mph. While the Puma achieved legendary status, the Ventura remained an enthusiast’s secret.
Dismissed by some as simply another kit car, the Ventura possessed genuine sports car qualities in terms of looks, handling, and feel. This particular example, built in the 1980s by a previous owner, presents a unique chance to acquire a rare slice of Brazilian automotive heritage.
Bathed in a head-turning yellow paint job accented with black stripes, the Ventura boasts distinctive rectangular headlights and a functional rear hatch. Beyond its undeniable visual appeal, the car harbors a 1.6-liter VW engine, enhanced with performance-oriented Weber downdraft carburetors.
Though exhibiting cosmetic wear and tear, the Ventura is described by the current owner as operational, promising a rewarding project for a passionate car collector or someone seeking a thrilling vintage driving experience.
This fiberglass-bodied sports car stood out from the boxy silhouettes of standard Volkswagens, offering a sleeker, more contemporary design.
Built on a modified VW chassis, the Ventura cleverly combined affordability with undeniable style. It was even available as a kit car, allowing gearheads to build their dream machine at home.
Now, a rare Ventura has emerged in Encinitas, California, poised for a new chapter. Listed for auction with an Arizona title designating it as a 1989 Puma, some intrigue surrounds the car’s exact history.
Nevertheless, this unique vehicle presents an exciting opportunity for a passionate collector or restoration enthusiast. Its distinctive lines and classic features hold the potential to be reborn, transforming the Ventura back into a head-turning icon of the road.