1961 Pontiac Facts, Figures, and Specifications
1961 Pontiac Gets Smaller
Smaller, and sleeker, the new divided grille styling sets the look for the 60s. The return to the twin grille styling theme of 1959 was a major design difference from 1960 to 1961. It was a look that would say “Pontiac” well into the 70s . Thanks to a new perimeter frame design, the bodies of full size cars were smaller with either a 119″ or 123″ wheelbase but did not give up interior size. A new 421 CID V-8 arrived as well.
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1961 Pontiac Facts and Specifications
General Year Information – 1961 Pontiac Full-Size Cars
The 1961 full-sized Pontiacs were completely restyled with more squared-off body lines and the reintroduction of the split grille seen in 1959. An all-new Torque-Box perimeter frame with side rails replacing the “X” frame chassis used since 1958. The new frame not only provides greater side-impact protection than the “X” design but also improved interior roominess. The new body is somewhat smaller and lighter than the 1960 model with the wheelbase down three inches 119, overall length reduced by the same to 210 inches and significantly, the width dropped nearly two inches to 78.2 from 80.0. The front and rear track of the 1961 Pontiac was reduced to 62.5 inches, both front and rear.
Rooflines are more squared off on four-door models with the six-window styling dropped on pillared sedans and wider C-pillars with flat rear windows on four-door hardtops. A revised version of the 1959-60 “bubble top” roof was used on two-door hardtops. Wrap-around windshields were dropped in favor of flatter glass work for improved entry and exit to the front seat.
Engines were still 389 CID V-8s but now called “Trophy” engines, rather than “Tempest”. New this year was the 421 CID V-8. The standard engines were two-barrel units. Offered as extra-cost options were more powerful 4-barrel versions of the 389. New to the options list were two higher performance versions of the 389, including a four-barrel 333 unit and a 348 Tri-Power option, both with higher, 10.75:1, compression ratios. A 363 HP engine was offered to drag racers. Late in the 1961 sales season the 421 CID Super Duty V-8 was released as a dealer installed engine. The 421 was a specialty item installed and sold at the discretion of individual dealers.
A new “three-speed four-range” “Roto-Hydramatic” automatic transmission replaced the previous four-speed unit for 1961. The new transmission is slimmer and lighter than the older four-speed Hydramatic. The older 4-speed unit was continued on the larger Star Chief and Bonneville models. Also new for 1961 was a four-speed manual transmission with Hurst floor shifter, available on special order.
The Bonneville differed from its lesser Catalina and Star Chief counterparts by featuring more luxurious interior trim with upgraded cloth and “Morrokide” vinyl or expanded “Morrokide” upholstery in sedans and coupes, expanded “Morrokide” in Safari wagons and genuine leather seating in convertibles. Bonneville models, with the exception of Bonneville Safari station wagons, were along with Star Chief models built on a longer 123 inch wheelbase.
Historical
A total of 113,354 Catalinas were built. Of these, 6,337 had Synchromesh transmissions while 107,017 had Hydra-Matic. Of the 27,209 Venturas built, 1,940 had Synchromesh and 25,269 had Hydra-Matic. 29,581 Star Chiefs were delivered, and, of these, 130 had Synchromesh and 29,451 had the Hydra-Matic.66,000 Bonnevilles were delivered as well as 3,323 Bonneville Safaris. The four-speed manual floor mounted transmission was an available option in all Pontiacs, including the new Tempest. In the large cars, bucket seats were available only in the Bonneville convertible.
1961 Pontiac Factoids
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The 421 CID V-8 was a dealer-installed “Super Duty” option. The first of the “large journal” (3.125″) V-8s. Bore & stroke of 4.094″ x 4.00″. Specs: Compression ratio: 11.0:1. Horsepower: (early) 373 @ 5400 RPM (late) 405 @ 5600 RPM. Torque: 430 @ 4400 RPM. Mechanical Camshaft Duration: Intake 308°, Exhaust 320°, Overlap 87°. Lift 0.445″. Dual four-barrel carburetors.
1961 Pontiac Facts – Models Offered
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Catalina – Series 23 – As usual, adornment on Catalinas was left to minimal chrome and no medallions. The Catalina was fitted with single horizontal-oval tail lamps and utilized small hub caps. Standard equipment on Catalinas included turn signals, oil filter, cigarette lighter, sun visors, electric windshield wipers, and five tubeless black wall tires.
Catalina models were 2-door Sedan, 2-door Hardtop Coupe, 4-door Sedan, 4-door (Vista) Hardtop, Convertible and 6- and 9-passenger Station Wagons.
Ventura – Series 25 – The Ventura was a Catalina with Custom level trim inside and out. Identification included chrome outline moldings for side spears, “Ventura” in script inside the bright metal spear on the door, and bright metal roof drip moldings. Venturas carried two round tail lamps and full DeLuxe wheel discs. Interiors were trimmed in three-tone Jeweltone Morrokide. Standard equipment included all Catalina equipment plus custom steering wheel, electric clock, and right-hand ash tray.
Ventura models were 2-door Hardtop Coupe and 4-door (Vista) Hardtop.
Star Chief – Series 26 – Star Chiefs were identified by chrome outline moldings on the concave portion of the side spears that encircled “Star Chief” in script on the front door. Thin horizontal moldings were placed on the convex section of the spear, three chrome stars stacked on the side of the fins, and triple taillights on each side. Interiors were finished in Jacquard woven cloth with metallic highlights accented by Jeweltone Morrokide. Standard equipment included everything found in Venturas and Catalinas plus two-speed wipers.
Star Chief models were 4-door Sedan and 4-door (Vista) Hardtop.
Bonneville Custom Safari Series 27 – The Bonneville Custom Safari wagon was a separate series. It was built using the Catalina platform, but with Bonneville power plants and interior appointments. Most of the trim and equipment was as fitted to the Bonneville line, but the four-door station wagon had unique rear fender “Safari” in script, vertical tail lamps, and a circular keyhole ornament on the tailgate.
The Custom Safari was only available as a 6-passenger Station Wagon.
Bonneville – Series 28 – The Bonneville could be identified by golden “Bonneville” nameplates on the left-hand grille, bright metal moldings on side spears, and “Bonneville” in block letters on the convex portion of the spears where the front fenders and doors met. Triple tail lamps set into bright metal housings identified the car from the rear. Upholstery ranged from nylon and Morrokide combinations on closed cars to all-Morrokide on convertibles, with full genuine leather trims optional. Standard equipment included everything found on Star Chiefs plus rear foam cushions, padded instrument panel, and courtesy lamps.
The Bonneville models were 2-door Hardtop Coupe, 4-door (Vista) Hardtop and Convertible.
1961 Pontiac Facts – Engines
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- 215 HP 389 CID V-8 SMT
- 230 HP 389 CID V-8 AMT
- 235 HP 389 CID V-8
- 267 HP 389 CID V-8
- 283 HP 389 CID V-8
- 287 HP 389 CID V-8
- 303 HP 389 CID V-8
- 318 HP 389 CID V-8
- 333 HP 389 CID 425-A V-8
- 348 HP 389 CID 425-A V-8
- 373 HP 421 CID SD V-8
- 405 HP 421 CID SD V-8
- NOTES
389 CID 2-Barrel Economy V8 – Manual Transmission Only Overhead valves. Cast iron block. Five main bearings.
Displacement: 389 CID.
Bore and stroke: 4.0625″ x 3.750″.
Compression ratio: 8.6:1.
Horsepower: 215 @ 3600 RPM.
Torque: 390 @ 2000 RPM.
Valve lifters: Hydraulic.
Camshaft timing: Intake 252°, Exhaust 252°, Overlap 38°, Lift 0.330″.
Carburetor: Rochester 2GC two-barrel Model 7019060.
NOTE: Standard engine for Catalina, Ventura, and Star Chief.
389 CID 2-Barrel Economy V-8 – Automatic Transmission Only. Overhead valves. Cast iron block. Five main bearings.
Displacement: 389 CID.
Bore and stroke: 4.0625″ x 3.750″.
Compression ratio: 8.6:1.
Horsepower: 230 @ 3600.
Torque: 390 @ 2000 RPM.
Valve lifters: Hydraulic.
Camshaft timing: Intake 269°, Exhaust 270°, Overlap 49°, Lift 0.370″.
Carburetor: Rochester 2GC two-barrel Model 719071.
NOTE: Standard engine across all lines when economy V-8 with automatic transmission was selected.
389 CID 4-Barrel Low Compression V-8 – Manual Transmission Only. Overhead valves. Cast iron block. Five main bearings.
Displacement: 389 CID.
Bore and stroke: 4.0625″ x 3.750″.
Compression ratio: 8.6:1.
Horsepower: 235 @ 3600 RPM.
Torque: 402 @ 2000 RPM.
Valve lifters: Hydraulic.
Camshaft timing: Intake 252°, Exhaust 252°, Overlap 38°, Lift 0.330″.
Carburetor: Carter AFB four-barrel Model 3123S.
NOTE: Standard engine Bonneville and Bonneville Custom Safari.
389 CID 2-Barrel High Compression V-8 – Automatic Transmission Only. Overhead valves. Cast iron block. Five main bearings.
Displacement: 389 CID.
Bore and stroke: 4.0625″ x 3.750″.
Compression ratio: 10.25:1. Horsepower: 267 @ 4200.
Torque: 405 @ 2400 RPM.
Valve lifters: Hydraulic.
Camshaft timing: Intake 269°, Exhaust 270°, Overlap 49°, Lift 0.370″.
Carburetor: Rochester 2GC two-barrel Model 7019071.
NOTE: Optional Catalina and Ventura only.
389 CID 2-Barrel High Compression V-8 – Automatic Transmission Only. Overhead valves. Cast iron block. Five main bearings.
Displacement: 389 CID.
Bore and stroke: 4.0625″ x 3.750″.
Compression ratio: 10.25:1.
Horsepower: 283 @ 4400 RPM.
Torque: 413 @ 2800 RPM.
Valve lifters: Hydraulic.
Camshaft timing: Intake 269°, Exhaust 270°, Overlap 49°, Lift 0.370″
Carburetor: Rochester 2GC two-barrel Model 7019071.
NOTE: Optional Star Chief only.
389 CID 4-Barrel V-8 – Automatic Transmission Only. Overhead valves. Cast iron block. Five main bearings.
Displacement: 389 CID.
Bore and stroke: 4.0625″ x 3.750″.
Compression ratio: 10.25:1.
Horsepower: 287 @ 4400 RPM.
Torque: 417 @ 2800 RPM.
Valve lifters: Hydraulic.
Camshaft timing: Intake 269°, Exhaust 270°, Overlap 49°, Lift 0.370″
Carburetor: Carter AFB 4-barrel Model 3125S.
NOTE: Optional Catalina and Ventura only.
389 CID 4-Barrel V-8 – Automatic Transmission Only. Overhead valves. Cast iron block. Five main bearings.
Displacement: 389 CID.
Bore and stroke: 4.0625″ x 3.750″.
Compression ratio: 10.25:1.
Horsepower: 303 @ 4600 RPM.
Torque: 425 @ 2800 RPM.
Valve lifters: Hydraulic.
Camshaft timing: Intake 269°, Exhaust 270°, Overlap 49°, Lift 0.370″.
Carburetor: Carter AFB four-barrel Model 3124S.
NOTE: Optional Star Chief, Bonneville and Bonneville Safari only.
389 CID Three 2-Barrel V-8 – All Transmissions: Overhead valves. Cast iron block. Five main bearings.
Displacement: 389 CID.
Bore and stroke: 4.0625″ x 3.750″.
Compression ratio: 10.75:1.
Horsepower: 318 @ 4600 RPM.
Torque: 430 @ 3200 RPM.
Valve lifters: Hydraulic.
Camshaft timing: Intake 273°, Exhaust 282°, Overlap 55°, Lift 0.400″.
Carburetors: three 2-barrel Rochester carburetors: (front) 7013063 (center manual transmission) 7019064 (center automatic transmission: Catalina & Ventura) 7019069 (center – automatic transmission Star Chief, Bonneville & Wagon) 7019067, (rear) 7013065.
NOTE: Optional all models.
389 CID 4-Barrel 425-A V-8 – All Transmissions: Overhead valves. Cast iron block. Five main bearings.
Displacement: 389 CID.
Bore and stroke: 4.0625″ x 3.750″.
Compression ratio: 10.75:1.
Horsepower: 333 @4600 RPM.
Torque: 430 @ 3200 RPM.
Valve lifters: Hydraulic.
Camshaft timing: Intake 283°, Exhaust 293°, Overlap 60°, Lift 0.411″.
Carburetor: Carter AFB 4-barrel (Catalina, Ventura, Star Chief & Bonneville – Synchromesh) 3123S, (Catalina, Ventura – Hydra-Matic) 3325S, (Star Chief & Bonneville – Hydra-Matic) 3324S.
NOTE: Optional all models.
389 CID Three 2-Barrel 425-A V-8: Overhead valves. Cast iron block. Five main bearings.
Displacement: 389 CID.
Bore and stroke: 4.0625″ x 3.750″.
Compression ratio: 10.75:1.
Horsepower: 348 @ 4800 RPM.
Torque: 430 @ 3200 RPM.
Valve lifters: Hydraulic.
Camshaft timing: Intake 283°, Exhaust 293°, Overlap 60°, Lift 0.400″.
Carburetors: three 2-barrel Rochester carburetors: (front) 7013063 (center Synchromesh) 7019064 (center Hydra-Matic – Catalina & Ventura) 7019069 (center – Star Chief, Bonneville & Wagon) 7019067, (rear) 7013065.
Ignition: dual-breaker ignition.
Exhaust: Low-restriction dual exhausts.
NOTE: Optional all models.
421 CID 4-Barrel Super Duty V-8: Overhead valves. Cast iron block. Five main bearings.
Displacement: 421 CID.
Bore and stroke: 4.09375 x 4.00″.
Compression ratio: 11.0:1.
Horsepower: 373 @ 5400 RPM.
Torque: 430 @ 4400 RPM.
Valve lifters: Mechanical w/1.65:1 rocker arms
Camshaft timing: Intake 300°, Exhaust 304°, Overlap 75°, Lift @ 1.5:1 Rocker: (intake) 0.405″ (exhaust) 0.404″. Lift @ 1.65:1 Rocker: (intake) 0.447″ (exhaust) 0.446″.
Carburetors: 4-barrel Carter AFB carburetor 3123S.
Ignition: dual-breaker.
Exhaust: Low-restriction dual exhausts.
NOTE: Dealer Installed for NASCAR where single carburetor is required. Perhaps re-rated to 405 HP by NASCAR.
421 CID Dual 4-Barrel Super Duty V-8 – Manual transmission Only. Overhead valves. Cast iron block. Five main bearings.
Displacement: 421 CID.
Bore and stroke: 4.09375 x 4.00″.
Compression ratio: 11.0:1.
Horsepower: 405 @ 5600 RPM.
Torque: 430 @ 4400 RPM.
Valve lifters: Mechanical with 1.65:1 rocker arms.
Camshaft timing: Intake 308°, Exhaust 312°, Overlap 83°, Lift @ 1.5:1 Rocker: (intake) 0.405″ (exhaust) 0.404″. Lift @ 1.65:1 Rocker: (intake) 0.447″ (exhaust) 0.446″.
Carburetors: two 4-barrel Carter AFB carburetors (front) 3435, (rear) 3433.
Ignition: dual-breaker.
Exhaust: Low-restriction dual exhausts.
NOTE 1: Dealer Installed
NOTE 2: Early production 405 HP 421 CID engines used cylinder heads with casting #540306 with 1.92” intake & 1.66” exhaust valves.
NOTE 1: Except where cited, Torque is in lb. ft.
NOTE 2: More detailed information on the 1961 389 CID V8 engines may be found in the 1961 AMA Specifications Sheets. You may access the Pontiac Full Size models sheets HERE.
1961 Pontiac Facts – Chassis Features
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- Wheelbase: Series 23, 25 and 27 – 119.0 inches, Series 26 and 28 – 123.0 inches.
- Overall length: Series 23 and 25 – 210.0 inches, Series 23 Safaris and 27 – 209.7 inches, Series 26 and 28 – 217.0 inches.
- Overall width: 78.2 inches.
- Overall height: Sedans – 55.8 inches, 2-door Hardtops – 55.6 inches, Convertibles – 55.0 inches, wagons – 57.0 inches.
- Front tread: (All Full-Size) 62.5″.
- Rear tread: (All Full Size) 62.5″.
- Tires: Full-Size Coupes and Sedans 8.00 x 14, Station Wagons & all w/Air conditioning 8.50 x 14.
- Optional tires: 8.50 x 14, Police & H.D. 8.00 x 14 6-ply.
1961 Pontiac Facts – Powertrains
- Three Speed Manual Transmission Ratios
- Catalina & Ventura V-8: 1st – 2.47:1, 2nd – 1.53:1, 3rd – 1:1, Reverse – 2.63:1.
- Star Chief & Bonneville V-8: 1st – 2.49:1, 2nd – 1.59:1, 3rd – 1:1, Reverse – 3.15:1.
- Four Speed Manual Transmission Ratios
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- 425-A & 3 2-barrel Carburetor V-8: 1st – 2.54:1, 2nd – 1.92:1, 3rd – 1.5:1, 4th 1:1, Reverse – 2.61:1.
- 425-A & 3 2-barrel Carburetor V-8: 1st – 2.54:1, 2nd – 1.92:1, 3rd – 1.5:1, 4th 1:1, Reverse – 2.61:1.
- Automatic Transmission Ratios
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- Three Speed Hydra-Matic: 1st – 2.97:1, 2nd – 1.56:1, 3rd – 1:1, Reverse – 2.49:1.
- Four Speed Hydra-Matic: 1st – 3.97:1, 2nd – 2.55:1, 3rd – 1.55:1, 4th – 1:1, Reverse – 3.74:1.
- Rear Gear Standard Ratios
NOTE: For more information view the 1961 AMA Specification Sheets HERE.
1961 Pontiac Facts – Powertrain Options
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- Three-speed manual transmission was standard.
- Four-speed Super Hydra-Matic ($231.34).
- A four-speed manual gear box with floor shift ($306.66).
- Four-barrel induction system was $24 extra on all cars except Bonnevilles.
- Tri-Power induction was ($110 – $168) depending upon model and transmission.
- The four-barrel “Tempest 425A” high-performance engine ($230 – $293) depending upon model and transmission.
- The Tri-Power “Tempest 425A” high-performance engine ($338 – $396) depending upon model and transmission.
- Safe-T-Track differential was $43 extra.
1961 Pontiac Facts – Significant Options
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- Air-conditioning ($430).
- Aluminum 8-lug hubs and drums ($107).
- Bucket seats ($116).
- Electric antenna ($30).
- E-Z Eye glass ($43).
- Guide-Matic headlamp control ($43).
- Heavy-duty springs ($19).
- Luggage carrier ($99).
- Magic-Cruise ($16).
- Power brakes ($43).
- Power tailgate ($32).
- Power windows ($104).
- Safeguard speedometer ($19).
- Six-way power seat ($97).
1961 Pontiac Downloads and Images
1961 Pontiac Facts – Related Document Downloads
Files directly related to the Pontiac Full-Size Line will appear below. Click to Download:
1961 Pontiac Full Size Deluxe Brochure
1961 Pontiac Full Size Regular Brochure
1961 Pontiac Full Size Car Large Size Announcement Print Ads
1961 Pontiac Full Size Car 8.2 x 11.0 Print Ads
1961 Pontiac Full Size Car 22.0 x 14.5 Print Ads
1961 Pontiac Full-Size AMA Specifications Sheets
1961 Pontiac 425-A Tri-Power Road Test – Motor Life Magazine
1961 Pontiac 425-A Tri-Power Road Test – Car Life Magazine
1961 Pontiac Facts – Related Images
Related Images to the 1961 Pontiac Full-Size Line will appear below
1961 Pontiac Bonneville Convertible
The 1960 Pontiac Bonneville convertible was 4″ shorter than the previous year but still retained its sleek, luxurious look. With 18,264 sold, it was the best convertible Bonneville sales year so far.
1961 Pontiac Bonneville Sport Coupe – 4-dr Vista Hardtop
The 1961 Bonneville Sport Coupe had a roof line similar to the ’60 version. The4-door Vista had a convertible-like look. The 2-door sold 16,906 units and the 4-door 30,830.
1961 Pontiac Bonneville Safari Wagon
The Bonneville Custom Safari was the most expensive Pontiac for 1961. As such, only 3,323 were delivered.
1961 Pontiac Bonneville Interiors
The 1961 Pontiac Bonneville interiors were the most plush and highly stylized. The bucket seats shown were optional.
1961 Pontiac Ventura Sport Coupe and Vista Hardtop
The 1961 Pontiac Ventura was an upscale Catalina sold only in Vista and Sport Coupe models. The Sport Coupe had 13,297 buyers and the Vista saw 13,912 sold.
1961 Pontiac Ventura Interior
The 1961 Pontiac Ventura was intended to be the performance line in that year and the interiors reflected that.
1961 Pontiac Star Chief Vista 4-dr Hardtop
The Star Chief Vista 4-door was a solid car that found 13,557 buyers.
1961 Pontiac Star Chief 4-dr Sedan
he bread-and-butter Star Chief 4-door sedan retained the old Vista roof line and sold a solid 16,024 units.
1961 Pontiac Catalina Convertible
The 1961 Pontiac Catalina convertible sold less than its big brother Bonneville with only 12,397 delivered.
1961 Pontiac Catalina Sport Coupe – 4-dr Vista Hardtop
The 1961 Catalina Sport Coupe (left) had a roof line similar to the ’60. The Vista had a convertible-like look. The 2-door sold 16,906 units and the 4-door 30,830.
1961 Pontiac Catalina 2-dr and 4-dr Sedans
The 1961 Pontiac Catalina line contained 2- and 4-door sedan models. The 2-door was not a popular as the 4-door but sold 9,846 units. The 4-door was quite popular with 38,638 delivered – the top full size seller that year.
1961 Pontiac Catalina Safari Wagon
The 1961 Pontiac Catalina Safari wagon came in to flavors – 6- and 9- passenger versions. The total sales were 20,378, with the 6-passenger garnering the most at 12,595
1961 Pontiac Star Chief and Catalina Interiors
Set just below the Bonneville in price, but considered more conservative, the Star Chief interior, while featuring high-end materials, was not ostentatious. The Catalina interiors on the closed roof cars were flashy, but below that oft=of the Bonneville & Ventura. The Convertible interior cut the difference between flash and practical.