1961 Chevrolet Full-Size Cars Fact Sheet

Chevrolet’s Big Change
for 1961

 

Smaller, sleeker, and crisp new styling set the stage for the 60s. And the availability of a 409 CID of W-Series V-8 didn’t hurt either.

 

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General Year Information

The 1961 Chevrolets followed the General Motor’s pattern in adopting a brand new, downsized body, but varied from the corporate trend in that strictly carryover engineering was used. Grille and front areas were rather flat and square, while the rear end sported a flat V-type fin. At the front, a full-width air slot stretched above the grille, below the beveled front lip of the hood. The bevel line swept around the front body corners and ran, in a straight line, down and back towards the rear quarter panel. There, it angled upwards again, to connect with the flat V-type fin.

Models Offered

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The Biscayne line line consisted of  the “Deluxe” (1100 Series) and Station Wagon (1135 & 1145) and the economy “Fleetmaster” (1300 Series).

All Biscanes had twin circular tail­ lamps, small hub caps and model nameplates on upper rear fender tips, while lacking side body moldings along the bevel line. Rocker panel strips were used on 1100/1200 level cars, but not on the Series 1300/1400 Fleetmaster economy models. Standard equipment consisted of dual sun visors, electric windshield wipers, cigarette lighter, front arm rests and five 7.50 x 14 black tubeless tires.

The Bel Air line was distinguished from Biscaynes by a chrome trim bar, extending from the front parking lights rearward to the trunk. Bel Air nameplates appeared at the upper rear fender; twin tail lamps were seen; small hub caps were standard equipment and no rocker sill strips were used.

As in other lines, regular sedans, Sport Sedans, Sport Coupes and station wagons all had individual rooflines with the flat-top look on regular sedans, a formal look on Sport Sedans, a rounded semi-fastback on Sport Coupes and boxy, conventional station wagon styling. Station wagons had Bel Air trim, but “Parkwood” rear fender scripts. Standard equipment matched that of Biscayne, plus foam seat cushions and Deluxe steering wheel.

The Impala line were easily identified by their triple taillight treatment. They also had crossed racing flags insignia at the center of the rear deck and at the rear fenders, with model identification scripts in the latter location as well. Deluxe wheel discs and wide side moldings, with contrasting insert panels, were other visual distinctions of this top Chevrolet line. Nomad station wagons had Impala level trim, but “Nomad” logos on the rear fenders.

Standard equipment lists began with Bel Air features and added parking brake, glove box and backup lights; anodized aluminum trim; electric clock and 8.00 x 14 size tires on convertibles. All 1961 Chevrolet station wagons had 8.00 x 14 tires and nine-passenger wagons had power tailgates.

NOTE: A total of 142 Impalas were manufactured with Super Sport equipment and the 409 cubic inch V-8.

Engines

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Six-cylinder. Overhead valves. Cast iron block. Displacement: 235.5 cubic inches. Bore and stroke: 3.56 x 3.94 inches. Compression ratio: 8.25:1. Horsepower: 135 @ 4000 RPM. Torque: 217 @ 2200 RPM. Four main bearings. (w/3-speed SMT) Solid valve lifters. (Other Transmission) Hydraulic valve lifters. Valve Timing: (w/3-speed SMT) Intake 220°, Exhaust: 231°; (Other Transmission)  Intake 244°, Exhaust: 245°. Valve Lift: UNK. Carburetor: Rochester one­-barrel: SMT 7013003, Powerglide 7019000.

Base V-8. Overhead valves. Cast iron block. Displacement: 283 cubic inches. Bore and stroke: 3.875 x 3.00 inches. Compression ratio: 8.5:1. Horsepower: 170 @ 4200 RPM. Torque: 275 @ 2200RPM. Five main bearings. Hydraulic valve lifters. Camshaft Duration: Intake 265°, Exhaust 262°, Valve Lift: 0.3336″. Carburetor: Rochester two barrel: SMT 7019007, AMT 7019008.

Super Turbofire V-8. (RPO 410) Overhead valves. Cast iron block. Displacement: 283 cubic inches. Bore and stroke: 3.875 x 3.00 inches. Compression ratio: 9.5:1. Horsepower: 230 @ 4800 RPM. Torque: 300 @ 3000 RPM. Five main bearings. Hydraulic valve lifters. Camshaft Duration: Intake: 250°, Exhaust: 250°, Lift: 0.3987″. Overlap 28°. Carburetor: (SMT) Carter four barrel 3779178; (AMT) Rochester 7019004.

Turbo-Thrust V-8. (RPO 576) Overhead valves. Cast iron block. Displacement: 348 cubic inches. Bore and stroke: 4.125 x 3.25 inches. Compression ratio: 9.5:1. Horsepower: 250 @ 4800 RPM. Torque: 355 @ 2800RPM. Five main bearings. Hydraulic valve lifters. Camshaft Duration: Intake: 266°, Exhaust: 274°, Lift: Intake 0.400″, Exhaust 0.412″. Overlap UNK. Carburetor: (SMT) Carter AFB four barrel  3779180 (AMT) Carter AFB four barrel  3779179 or Rochester 7013006.

Super Turbo-Thrust V-8. (RPO 573A) Overhead valves. Cast iron block. Displacement: 348 cubic inches. Bore and stroke: 4.125 x 3.25 inches. Compression ratio: 11.25:1. Horsepower: 280 @ 4800 RPM. Torque: 355 @ 3200RPM. Five main bearings. Hydraulic valve lifters. Carburetors: Three Rochester two barrel: SMT – 7013015 (front) 7013020 (center) 7013017 (rear); AMT – 7013015 (front) 7013016 (center) 7013017 (rear).

Special Turbo-Thrust V-8. (RPO 572)  Overhead valves. Cast iron block. Displacement: 348 cubic inches. Bore and stroke: 4.125 x 3.25 inches. Compression ratio: 9.5:1. Horsepower: 305 @ 5200 RPM. Torque: 355 @ 3400RPM. Five main bearings. Solid valve lifters. Camshaft Duration: Intake: 256°, Exhaust: 262°, Lift: Intake 0.403″, Exhaust 0.412″. Overlap UNK. Carburetor: Carter AFB four barrel number 3772600. NOTE: Aluminum Intake on SMT vehicles.

Special Turbo-Thrust V-8 (High Compression- RPO 590). Overhead valves. Cast iron block. Displacement: 348 cubic inches. Bore and stroke: 4.125 x 3.25 inches. Compression ratio: 11.25:1. Horsepower: 340 @ 5800 RPM. Torque: 362 @ 3600RPM. Five main bearings. Solid valve lifters. Camshaft Duration: Intake: 306°, Exhaust: 312°, Lift: Intake 0.403″, Exhaust 0.412″. Overlap UNK. Carburetor: Carter AFB four barrel number 3772600. NOTE: Aluminum Intake on SMT vehicles.

Special Super Turbo-Thrust V-8. (RPO 573B) Overhead valves. Cast iron block. Displacement: 348 cubic inches. Bore and stroke: 4.125 x 3.25 inches. Compression ratio: 11.25:1. Horsepower: 350 @ 6000 RPM. Torque: 364 @ 3600RPM. Five main bearings. Solid valve lifters. Camshaft Duration: Intake: 316°, Exhaust: 290°, Lift: Intake 0.406″, Exhaust 0.406″. Overlap 80°. Carburetors: Three Rochester two barrel: SMT Only – 7013973 (front) 7013974 (center) 7013975 (rear).

Turbo Fire 409 V-8. (RPO 580) Overhead valves. Cast iron block. Displacement: 409 cubic inches. Bore and stroke: 4.3125 x 3.50 inches. Compression ratio: 11.25:1. Horsepower: 360 @ 5800 RPM. Torque: 409 @ 3600RPM. Five main bearings. Solid valve lifters. Camshaft Duration: Intake: 345°, Exhaust: 294°, Lift: Intake 0.434″, Exhaust 0.440″. Overlap 85°. Carburetor: Carter AFB model 3270.

Chassis Features

    • Wheelbase: 119 inches.
    • Overall length: 209.3 inches.
    • Front tread: 60.3 inches.
    • Rear tread: 59.3 inches.
    • Width: 78.4 inches.
    • Height: 55.5 inches.
    • Tires: Impala and Wagons – 8.00 x 14 black or whitewall tubeless, Bel Air and Biscayne – 7.50 x 14 black tubeless, whitewalls optional.

Significant Options

    • Air Foam front seat cushions for Biscayne and Brookwood models ($8).
    • Cool pack air conditioner ($317).
    • Crankcase ventilation system, required on California cars ($5).
    • Deluxe air-conditioner, with V-8 only, includes heater ($457). Deluxe heater ($74); recirculating heater ($47).
    • Deluxe steering wheel ($4).
    • Dual exhausts combined with 230 horsepower V-8 ($25).
    • Economy carburetor ($8).
    • Four-speed, close ratio manual transmission with V-8 ($188).
    • Four-way power seat, except Biscayne and Brookwood, ($65).
    • Group A body equipment package including OSRV mirror, front and rear bumper guards, grille guard and inside non-glare mirror, for all models except Impala and Nomad ($48).
    • Group B body equipment package with electric clock, door guards and backup lights for all models except Impala and Nomad; two-door ($23); four-door ($26).
    • Heavy-Duty battery ($8).
    • Heavy-duty clutch for six cylinder models ($5).
    • Heavy-Duty radiator ($11).
    • Heavy-Duty rear coil springs ($3).
    • Oil bath air cleaner ($5).
    • Oil filter with six-cylinder models ($9).
    • Optional generators, three types ($8-97).
    • Overdrive transmission ($108).
    • Padded instrument panel ($18).
    • Positive engine ventilation for six-cylinder models ($12).
    • Posi-traction rear axle ($43).
    • Power steering ($75).
    • Power tailgate window ($32).
    • Power windows, except Biscayne and Brookwood, ($102).
    • Powerglide transmission with six-cylinder ($188).
    • Powerglide transmission with V-8 ($199).
    • Radios, manual ($54); push button ($62).
    • Six-way power seat, except Biscayne and Brookwood, ($97).
    • Special Turbo-thrust 348 CID 340 horsepower V-8 ($344).
    • Super Turbo-fire 283 CID V-8 ($136).
    • Special Turbo-thrust 348 CID V-8 ($317).
    • Super Turbo-thrust 348 CID V-8 ($271).
    • Special Super Turbothrust 348 CID V-8 ($365).
    • Turbo-thrust 348 CID V-8 ($201)
    • Temperature controlled radiator fan for V-8 models ($16).
    • Tinted glass, all windows ($38); windshield only ($22); shaded rear windows on two-door Sport Coupe ($14).
    • Turboglide transmission with V-8 ($210).
    • Two-tone paint ($16). Power brakes ($43).
    • Two-speed electric windshield wipers and washers ($16).
    • Wheel covers ($15).
    • Windshield washers ($11).

Body Paint Color Codes

Click on the Paint Code Name to See the Mix Codes for the appropriate color:

 

Q  Seamist Turquoise
900 Tuxedo Black
903 Seafoam Green
905 Arbor Green
912 Jewel Blue
914 Midnight Blue
915 Twilight Turquoise
917 Seamist Tourquoise
920 Fawn Beige
923 Roman Red
925 Cobonna Cream
936 Ermine White
938 Almond Beige
940 Sateen Silver
941 Shadow Gray
948 Honduras Maroon

1961 Chevrolet –
Current Market Values

Super Sport Model

NOTE: The 1961 Super Sport package was available on any Impala model. It consisted of “SS” emblems on rear fend­ers and deck lid; instrument panel pad; special wheel covers with spinners; power brakes and steering; heavy-duty springs and shocks; sintered metallic brake linings; 7,000 R.P.M. tachometer and 8.00 x 14 narrow band white sidewall tires.

A choice of four performance power teams was available, beginning with the 305 HP 348 CID V-8 and ending with the 409 CID 360 HP V-8.  Price for the equipment package, not including the engine option price, was approximately $54.

A total of 453 Impala Super Sports were built, of which 142 Impalas were manufactured with Super Sport equipment and the 409 cubic inch V-8.

Powertrains

Three Speed Manual Transmission Ratios

  • I-6 and 283 CID V-8: 1st – 2.94:1, 2nd – 1.68:1, 3rd – 1:1, Reverse – 3.33:1
  • 348 CID V-8: 1st – 2.47:1, 2nd – 1.53:1, 3rd – 1:1, Reverse – 2.80:1
  • 409 CID V-8: None

Four Speed Manual Transmission Ratios

  • 348 CID V-8: 1st – 2.54:1, 2nd – 1.92:1, 3rd –  1.5:1, 4th 1:1, Reverse – 2.61:1
  • 409 CID V-8: 1st – 2.20:1, 2nd – 1.66:1, 3rd –  1.31:1, 4th 1:1, Reverse – 2.26:1

Rear Gear Standard Ratios

  • I-6: 3-Speed SMT and Powerglide – 3.36:1, Station Wagon All – 3.55:1, Overdrive SMT – 3.70:1 (Turboglide not available)
  • 283 CID V-8 170 HP: 3-Speed SMT – 3.36:1, Overdrive SMT – 3.70:1, Powerglide – 3.08:1, Turboglide – 3.36:1
  • 283 CID V-8 230 HP: 3-Speed SMT – 3.36:1, Overdrive SMT – 3.70:1, Powerglide – 3.08:1, Turboglide – 3.36:1
  • 348 CID V-8 250 HP: 3-Speed SMT – 3.36:1, 4-Speed SMT – 3.08:1, Turboglide – 3.08:1
  • 348 CID V-8 280 HP: 3-Speed SMT – 3.36:1, 4-Speed SMT – 3.08:1, Turboglide – 3.36:1
  • 348 CID V-8 305 HP: 3-Speed SMT – 3.36:1, 4-Speed SMT – 3.36:1, Powerglide Special – 3.55:1
  • 348 CID V-8 350 HP: 3-Speed SMT – 3.70:1, 4-Speed SMT – 3.70:1
  • 409 CID V-8 360 HP: 3-Speed SMT – 3.36:1, 4-Speed SMT – 3.36:1

NOTE: Optional dealer installed gear ratios ranged from 3.08:1 to 4.56:1.

Related Document
Downloads

Files directly related to the 1961 Chevrolet Full-Size Line will appear below. Click to Download:

1961 Chevrolet Full-Size Car Brochure

1961 Chevrolet Full-Size Print Advertisements

1961 Chevrolet Factory Specifications Sheets

1961 Chevrolet 409 CID Drag Test – Motor Life Magazine

1961 Chevrolet Impala SS 409 Road Test – Motor Trend Magazine

1961 Chevrolet Full-Size Car Production Figures

Related Images

Related Images to the 1961 Chevrolet Line will appear below

1961 Chevrolet Impala Sport Sedan

The 4-door hardtop version of the Impala was a very attractive vehicle. There is no model by model breakout of the Impala line but 491,000 units were built in total.

1961 Chevrolet Impala Sport Coupe

The hottest looking and most likely to sport the 348 or 409 CID V-8 was the Impala Sport Coupe. There is no model by model breakout of the Impala line but 491,000 units were built in total.

1961 Chevrolet Impala Convertible

The 1961 Impala Convertible was the ultimate Chevrolet in this year. While few, if any received the 409 CID V-8. Plenty received the 348 CID in various horsepower settings.

1961 Chevrolet Impala 2-door Sedan

The Chevrolet Impala 2-door Sedan was a favorite or drag racers due to it’s light weight and sporty looks. Many a 360 HP 409 CID V-8 found its way into these cars.

1961 Chevrolet Impala 4-door Sedan

The 1961 Impala 4-door Sedan may have been the least purchased Impala. Those wanting the practicality of a 4-door sedan likely save their dollars and bought the $150 less Bel Air – after all most of what they would lose is two tail lights and some trim.

1961 Chevrolet Bel Air Sport Coupe

The Bel Air Line sat just below the Impala as they had since 1959. The sport Coupe was an understated version of the higher line. Hot Rodders grabbed them up because of their lower price but sporty looks.

1961 Chevrolet Bel Air Sport Sedan

The Chevrolet Bel Air Sport Sedan was very popular because of its reasonable price and good looks.

1961 Chevrolet Bel Air 2-door Sedan

The 1961 Chevrolet Bel Air 2-door Sedan was the least expensive Bel Air model. But at only $100 less than the Sport Coupe, they were not a hot seller.

1961 Chevrolet Bel Air 4-door Sedan 1XMB

1961 Chevrolet Nomad Station Wagon

The 1961 Chevrolet Nomad Station Wagon was trimmed as an Impala though it was its own line. The only missing item was the Impala’s triple tail lights.

1961 Chevrolet Brookwood-Parkwood Station Wagons

The standard 1961 Chevrolet Station Wagons came in two flavors: Brookwood (left) and Parkwood (right). Except for interior trim that impacted the price, they were identical.

1961 Chevrolet Biscayne 2-door Sedan

The 1961 Chevrolet Biscayne 2-door Sedan was a low-price offering in this year. Because of its light weight and bare bones interior, it was used by drag racers.

1961 Chevrolet Biscayne 4-door Sedan

The 1961 Chevrolet Biscayne 4-door Sedan was the entry-level family car for this year. Simple yet good looking, it sold in great numbers. The less expensive “Fleetmaster” 4-door used the same body style.

1961 Chevrolet Biscayne Utility 2-door Sedan

The 1961 Chevrolet Biscayne Utility 2-door Sedan was the least expensive Chevrolet. Surprisingly, it used the “Vista” roof line rather than the standard as was used by the regular 2-door Biscayne.

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