1961 Pontiac Full Size Cars Fact Sheet

Pontiac Gets
Smaller in 1961

 

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 .

A new 421 CID V-8 arrives as well.

 

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General Year Information

Full-Size Pontiacs

Downsizing was the theme for the full-size models this year. The bodies on standard sized cars were smaller with a 119″ or 123″ wheelbase and they were lighter in weight.All full size cars featured sculptured side panels, taller roof lines, and squared-off bodies with small tail fins added. 

The Vista-roofed 4-door models featured new roof lines that emulated a convertible with the top up while the sport Coupes retained the “bubble top” look. Surprisingly, the 2- and 4-door sedans used the old flat Vista roof line but were pillared.

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.

 

Note: 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.

Models Offered

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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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Engines

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Catalina, Ventura and Star Chief  Economy V8 – With Synchromesh Transmission: Overhead valves. Cast iron block. Displacement: 389 CID. Bore and stroke: 4.0625″ x 3.750″. Compression ratio: 8.6:1. Horsepower: 215 @ 3600. Torque: 390 @ 2000 RPM. Five main bearings. Hydraulic valve lifters. Camshaft Duration: Intake 252°, Exhaust 252°, Overlap 38°, Lift 0.330″. Carburetor: Rochester 2GC two-barrel Model 7019060.

Catalina, Ventura, Star Chief, Bonneville and Bonneville Wagon Economy V-8 – With HydraMatic Transmission: Overhead valves. Cast iron block. Displacement: 389 CID. Bore and stroke: 4.0625″ x 3.750″. Compression ratio: 8.6:1. Horsepower: 230 @ 3600. Torque: 390 @ 2000 RPM. Five main bearings. Hydraulic valve lifters. Camshaft Duration: Intake 269°, Exhaust 270°, Overlap 49°, Lift 0.370″. Carburetor: Rochester 2GC two-barrel Model 719071.

Bonneville and Bonneville Wagon V8 – With Standard Transmission (Optional All Others): Overhead valves. Cast iron block. Displacement: 389 CID. Bore and stroke: 4.0625″ x 3.750″. Compression ratio: 8.6:1. Horsepower: 235 @ 3600. Torque: 402 @ 2000 RPM. Five main bearings. Hydraulic valve lifters. Camshaft Duration: Intake 252°, Exhaust 252°, Overlap 38°, Lift 0.330″. Carburetor: Carter AFB four-barrel Model 3123S.

Catalina and Ventura 267 HP V8 – With Hydramatic Transmission: Overhead valves. Cast iron block. Displacement: 389 CID. Bore and stroke: 4.0625″ x 3.750″. Compression ratio: 10.25:1. Horsepower: 267 @ 4200. Torque: 405 @ 2400 RPM. Five main bearings. Hydraulic valve lifters. Camshaft Duration: Intake 269°, Exhaust 270°, Overlap 49°, Lift 0.370″. Carburetor: Rochester 2GC two-barrel Model 7019071.

Star Chief  V-8 – With Hydramatic Transmission: Overhead valves. Cast iron block. Displacement: 389 CID. Bore and stroke: 4.0625″ x 3.750″. Compression ratio: 10.25:1. Horsepower: 283 @ 4400. Torque: 413 @ 2800 RPM. Five main bearings. Hydraulic valve lifters. Camshaft Duration: Intake 269°, Exhaust 270°, Overlap 49°, Lift 0.370″ Carburetor: Rochester 2GC two-barrel Model 7019071.

Catalina and Ventura V-8 – With Hydramatic Transmission: Overhead valves. Cast iron block. Displacement: 389 CID. Bore and stroke: 4.0625″ x 3.750″. Compression ratio: 10.25:1. Horsepower: 287 @ 4400. Torque: 417 @ 2800 RPM. Five main bearings. Hydraulic valve lifters. Camshaft Duration: Intake 269°, Exhaust 270°, Overlap 49°, Lift 0.370″ Carburetor: Carter AFB 4-barrel Model 3125S.

Star Chief, Bonneville Wagon and Bonneville – With Hydramatic Transmission:  Overhead valves. Cast iron block. Displacement: 389 CID. Bore and stroke: 4.0625″ x 3.750″. Compression ratio: 10.25:1. Horsepower: 303 @ 4600. Torque: 425 @ 2800 RPM. Five main bearings. Hydraulic valve lifters. Camshaft Duration: Intake 269°, Exhaust 270°, Overlap 49°, Lift 0.370″. Carburetor: Carter AFB four-barrel Model 3124S.

Optional 318 Horsepower V-8 – All Models , All Transmissions: Overhead valves. Cast iron block. Displacement: 389 CID. Bore and stroke: 4.0625″ x 3.750″. Compression ratio: 10.75:1. Horsepower: 318 @ 4600 RPM. Torque: 430 @ 3200 RPM. Five main bearings. Hydraulic valve lifters. Camshaft Duration: Intake 273°, Exhaust 282°, Overlap 55°, Lift 0.400″. Carburetors: three 2-barrel Rochester carburetors: (front) 7013063 (center Synchromesh) 7019064 (center HydraMatic- Catalina & Ventura) 7019069 (center – Star Chief, Bonneville & Wagon) 7019067, (rear) 7013065.

Optional 333 Horsepower 425-A V-8 – All Transmissions: Overhead valves. Cast iron block. Displacement: 389 CID. Bore and stroke: 4.0625″ x 3.750″. Compression ratio: 10.75:1. Horsepower: 333 @4600 RPM. Torque: 430 @ 3200 RPM. Five main bearings. Hydraulic valve lifters. Camshaft Duration: Intake 283°, Exhaust 293°, Overlap 60°, Lift 0.411″. Carburetor: Rochester 4GC 4-barrel (Catalina, Ventura, Star Chief & Bonneville – Synchromesh) 3123S, (Catalina, Ventura – HydraMatic) 3325S, (Star Chief & Bonneville – HydraMatic) 3324S.

Optional “Trophy 425-A Block” V-8: Overhead valves. Cast iron block. Displacement: 389 CID. Bore and stroke: 4.0625″ x 3.750″. Compression ratio: 10.75:1. Horsepower: 348 @ 4800 RPM. Torque: 430 @ 3200 RPM. Five main bearings.  Hydraulic valve lifters. Camshaft Duration: Intake 283°, Exhaust 293°, Overlap 60°, Lift 0.400″. Carburetors: three 2-barrel Rochester carburetors: (front) 7013063 (center Synchromesh) 7019064 (center HydraMatic – Catalina & Ventura) 7019069 (center – Star Chief, Bonneville & Wagon) 7019067, (rear) 7013065. Low-restriction dual exhausts and dual-breaker ignition.

Optional Dealer Installed “Super Duty” V-8: Overhead valves. Cast iron block. Displacement: 421 CID. Bore and stroke: 4.09375 x 4.00″. Compression ratio: 11.0:1. Horsepower: (early) 373 @ 5400 RPM (late) 405 @ 5600 RPM. Torque: 430 @ 4400 RPM. Five main bearings. Hydraulic valve lifters. Camshaft Duration: Intake 283°, Exhaust 293°, Overlap 60°, Lift 0.411″. Carburetors: two 4-barrel Carter AFB carburetors (front) 3435, (rear) 3433.  Low-restriction dual exhausts and dual-breaker ignition.

More detailed information on the 1961 389 CID V8 engines may be found in the 1961 AMA Specifications Sheets. You may access the Full Size sheets using the navigation on the top right of the main page.

Chassis Features

    • Wheelbase: Series 23, 25 and 27 – 119″, Series 26 and 28 – 123″.
    • Overall length: Series 23 and 25 – 210.0″, Series 23 Safaris and 27 – 209.7″, Series 26 and 28 – 217.0″.
    • 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.

Power Train Options

    • Three-speed manual transmission was standard.
    • Four-speed Super Hydra-Matic was $231.34 extra.
    • A four-speed manual gear box with floor shift was $306.66 extra on full-sized cars.
    • Rear axle ratios: (Synchromesh) 3.23:1; (Hydra-Matic) 2.87:1. Other ratios were available.
    • Safe-T-Track differential was $43 extra.
    • Four-barrel induction system was $24 extra on all cars except Bonnevilles.
    • Tri-Power induction was priced $110 – $168 depending upon model and transmission.
    • The four-barrel “Tempest 425A” high-performance engine was priced $230 to $293 depending upon model and transmission.
    • The Tri-Power “Tempest 425A” high-performance engine was priced $338 to $396 depending upon model and transmission.

Significant Options

    • 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).

Body Paint Color Codes

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

1961 Pontiac Full Size

    A Regent Black
    C Shelltone Ivory
    D Richmond Gray
    E Brisol Blue
    F Richelieu Blue
    H Tradewind Blue
    J Jadestone Green
    K Seacrest Green
    L Coronado Red
    M Bamboo Cream
    N Cherrywood Bronze
    P Rainier Turquoise
    R Fernando Beige
    S Dawnfire Mist
    T Mayan Gold

1961 Pontiac –
Current Market Values

 

Power Trains

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
    • 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

Hydra-Matic Ratios

    • 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

    • See Page 2A in the 1961 Pontiac Full Size AMA Specifications Sheet for all potential ratios
    • See Page 15 in the 1961 Pontiac Full Size AMA Specifications Sheet for all standard/optional ratios

Click HERE to view the AMA Specification Sheets

Related Document
Downloads

Files directly related to the 1961 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 389 CID Road Test – Cars Magazine

1961 Pontiac Production Figures

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 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 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. However it was considered the performance convertible by Pontiac.

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 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 was flashy, but below that oft=of the Bonneville & Ventura. The Convertible interior cut the difference between flash and practical.

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