1961 Dodge Facts, Figures, and Specifications
Five Fast Facts You May Not Know
1961 Dodge Dart Phoenix Hardtop
1961 Dodge Dart Phoenix Convertible
1961 Dodge Polara Coupe
1. "Police Packages" Allow the 413 CID V-8
2. Styling Redone
3. No Bucket Seats for Dodge
4. Aluminum Slant Six Fitted in Some Cars
5. All Dart Wagons on Polara 122 Inch Wheelbase
1961 – Styling Takes a Strange Turn
Dodge retained its lineup from 1960 for this year, but changed the styling somewhat drastically. The result was a net loss in sales that was only saved by the introduction of the Dodge Lancer Compact. Power teams were similar to 1960, however the 413 CID V-8 was listed as optional.
1961 Dodge Resources
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1961 Dodge Mid-Size Facts – Body Paint Color Codes
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1961 Dodge
| A Bamboo | |
| B Midnight Black | |
| C Glacier Blue | |
| D Marlin Blue | |
| F Spring Green | |
| G Frosted Mint | |
| H Cactus | |
| J Turquoise | |
| K Nassau Green | |
| L Silver Gray | |
| P Vermilion | |
| S Rose Mist | |
| U Aztec Gold | |
| W Snow White | |
| Y Buckskin | |
| Z Roman Bronze |
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1961 Dodge Facts and Specifications
General Year Information – 1961 Dodge Full Size Car
NOTE: There were no mid-size Dodge models in 1961. Other than the compact sized Lancer, all Dodge cars were full size. The Dodge Dart line for 1961 were full size cars set on a 118 inch wheelbase. There were three series Seneca, pioneer and Phoenix, in order of scale. Wagons used the Chrysler full size wheelbase of 122 inches.
The Dodge Polara was even larger and was set on the Chrysler line’s 122 inch wheelbase. The Compact Line was called Lancer and sat on a 106.5 inch wheelbase – Lancer vehicles are NOT covered in this Fact Sheet.
Dart
The Dodge Dart continued as the smallest full-size Dodge. It was restyled to emulate the larger Polara. Three trim levels were available: the premium Phoenix, mid-range Pioneer, and base Seneca. Wagons shared the Polara model’s unique side-mounted taillights.
Engine choices included the 225 CID I-six, and the 318 CID and 361 CID V-8s were available in various HP ratings. Phoenix convertibles were only available with V-8 engines. Beginning mid-year, some Darts ordered with the 225 CID I-6 engine were equipped with the die-cast aluminum block. All Darts were equipped as standard with three-speed, column-shifted manual transmissions. The push button Torqueflite automatic was available at extra cost. The alternator, introduced as standard equipment in 1960 on the Valiant, replaced the previous DC generator on all 1961 Chrysler products. Canadian-built 1961 Darts were identical to U.S. models on the outside, but the interior trim, controls, and trim were those used on the U.S. Plymouth.
Polara
For 1961, Dodge dropped the Matador, leaving the Polara as the sole Dodge 122 inch wheelbase model. The 1961 restyling of the Dodge line-up was different from anything else on the US market at that time, and considered , at best, “strange”, and consumers shied away from the 1961 model. Sales of 122 inch wheelbase Polara models plunged to their lowest levels since the firm’s founding in 1914, with only 14,032 units produced in the United States. The Dart line carried the full size line, with sales of 142,000 units, but Dodge sales for 1961 were down 53% compared to 1960, dropping the make from sixth in the American market to ninth place.
Police Pursuit Cars
A total of 1,236 units were part of a special order for the State of California Highway Patrol produced in what was the 999 trim code. The four-door sedans were essentially low-cost models equipped similarly to Dodge Dart standards, including rubber floor mats, gray vinyl interiors, and limited chrome trim. California officials insisted on a longer 122 inch wheelbase police pursuit vehicle rather than using the smaller wheelbase Dodge Dart. Check Out the AMA Specifications Sheet on 1961 Dodge “Police Options” HERE.
Styling Issues
For 1961, Exner’s styling department reversed the car’s fins, making them taller as they flowed toward the rear window. As the fins sloped towards the rear of the car, they cut slightly towards the center (to allow the single tail light housing on each side) of the rear of the vehicle, wrapping downward and then back along the side fender to form a C-shaped line accentuated in chrome. The overall effect made the car’s rear seem to “pucker” from the angles the design created. The massive front bumper treatments that had been a Dodge hallmark since 1957 were replaced with a simple bar design, above which was a massive concave grille shared with the Dodge Dart.
The concave grille was highly unpopular with consumers. The low position and small size of the tail lights, just above the corners of the bumper, was also criticized and drivers of following cars complained that they could not see them. The wraparound taillights projected light side-wards, not rearward. By mid-year, Dodge made auxiliary taillights available at extra cost through its dealer network. However, these large round lights were mounted near the inboard side of the reverse fins and aggravated the already awkward styling.
Historical Information
The 1961 automobile market was generally an off-year for automobile sales, and Dodge production went down to 269,367 units, with 142,708 Dart models, 14,032 Polara models and the remaining 74,773 vehicles the Dodge Lance compact. Among all the Darts sold, 66,100 were the Seneca line, down from 111,600 in 1960. Dodge ranked ninth in sales in the American market in 1961, down from sixth place in 1960. The 1961 model year saw Dodge’s total production drop below the slow-selling 1959 model year and almost as bad as the disastrous recession year of 1958.
1961 Dodge Factoids
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The 413 CID V-8, previously relegated to the Chrysler 300s was now listed as optional. Available in 350 or 375 HP and in single, dual in-line, or dual short tube length long ram configurations. They were labeled “Special Police Package” 1, 2, or 3. Hot Rod Magazine explored these options HERE.
Want to learn about all the B and RB wedge V-8s? See all the specs through 1965 HERE.
In an inexplicable move, Dodge went to a very radical styling theme. Most thought the car ungainly and filled with different styling cues, none of which worked together. The rear fins were the most awkward – reversed with the peaks at the front instead of the rear. Sales plummeted.
Approximately 52,000 die-cast aluminum blocks were produced and installed in passenger cars. These open-deck blocks used integrally-cast high-nickel iron cylinder liners, and bolt-in iron upper and lower main bearing caps. Internal components (crank, rods, and pistons) were the same as used in the iron engine, and an iron cylinder head was used with a special copper-asbestos gasket. The aluminum block weighed about 80 pounds less than the iron block.
1961 Dodge Facts – Models Offered
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The Seneca was the base level Dart. Exterior trim included chrome windshield and rear window moldings, a single chrome strip along the top of the fin that wrapped around the body side, and “Seneca”, in script, was placed directly below the fins. On the interior there were front arm rests, electric windshield wipers, sun visors, and turn signals as base fittings.
Seneca models were: 4-door Sedan, 2-door Sedan, and 4-door Station Wagon 6-Pasenger.
The Pioneer was the intermediate trim level Dart and included all Seneca features, plus rear arm rests, front foam cushion and cigarette lighter. The nine-passenger station wagons also included a power tailgate window. On the exterior, “Pioneer”, in script was set at the rear of the rear fender fins.
Pioneer models were: 4-door Sedan, 2-door Sedan, 2-door Hardtop Coupe, 4-door Station Wagon 6-Pasenger and 4-door Station Wagon 9-Pasenger.
The Phoenix was the top trim level Dart for 1961 and included all Pioneer features, plus exterior moldings, custom interior upholstery and trim;, and backup lights.
Phoenix models were: 4-door Sedan, 4-door Hardtop Sedan, 2-door hardtop Coupe, and Convertible.
The Polara was the only 122 inch wheelbase Dodge offered in 1961. All Polara models were fitted with the 361 CID V-8 engine as standard equipment. Polara models featured chrome windshield and rear window moldings, a single horizontal chrome strip behind the front wheel opening, and a split chrome strip, with an aluminum insert. Behind the door, this split chrome trim changed back into a single strip – it then ran to the rear of the car, sweeping up, over the tail fin. Deeply tunneled taillights were recessed into a chrome bezel at the top of the fenders. Polara models used Dart grilles, with a unique ornament in the center. “Polara”, in script. was located on the front fender ahead of the wheel well.
Polara models were: 4-door Sedan, 4-door Hardtop Sedan, 2-door hardtop Coupe, Convertible, 4-door Station Wagon 6-Passnger, and 4-door Station Wagon 9-Passnger.
1961 Dodge Facts – Engines
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- 225 CID I-6 145 HP
- 318 CID V-8 230 HP
- 318 CID V-8 260 HP AMT
- 361 CID V-8 Polara Base 265 HP
- 361 CID V-8 Polara 305 HP
- 383 CID V-8 325 HP
- 383 CID V-8 330 HP In-Line Carbs
- 383 CID V-8 330 HP Long Ram
- 383 CID V-8 340 HP Short Ram
- 413 CID V-8 350 HP
- 413 CID V-8 375 HP In-line Carbs
- 413 CID V-8 375 HP Short Ram
225 CID I-6. Overhead valves. Cast iron block. Four main bearings.
Displacement: 225 cubic inches.
Bore and stroke: 3.400 x 4.125 inches.
Compression ratio: 8.20:1.
Horsepower: 145 @ 4000 RPM.
Torque: 215 @ 2800 RPM.
Valve lifters: Mechanical.
Camshaft timing: 232°, Exhaust: 228°, Overlap: 8°. Valve Lift: Intake 0.371″, Exhaust 0.364″.
Carburetor: one-barrel (manual transmission) Ball & Ball: BBS 3098S; (automatic transmission) Ball & Ball BBS 3099S.
Dart Base 318 CID V-8. Overhead valves. Cast iron block. Five main bearings.
Displacement: 318 cubic inches.
Bore and stroke: 3.91 x 3.31 inches.
Compression ratio: 9.0:1.
Horsepower: 230 @ 4400 RPM.
Torque: 340 @ 2400 RPM.
Valve lifters: Mechanical.
Camshaft timing: Intake 244°, Exhaust 240°, Overlap: 20°. Valve Lift: (Intake) 0.380″, (Exhaust) 0.386″.
Carburetor: Two barrel: (manual transmission) Bendix WW15-43, St. Louis Vehicles Ball & Ball BBD-2921S; (automatic transmission) Bendix WW15-44, St. Louis Vehicles Ball & Ball BBD-2922S.
Dart Power Pack 318 CID V-8 Automatic Transmission Only. Overhead valves. Cast iron block. Five main bearings.
Displacement: 318 cubic inches.
Bore and stroke: 3.91 x 3.31 inches.
Compression ratio: 9.0:1.
Horsepower: 265 @ 4400 RPM.
Torque: 380 @ 2400 RPM.
Valve lifters: Mechanical.
Camshaft timing: Intake 248°, Exhaust 248°, Overlap: 30°. Valve Lift: (Intake) 0.400″, (Exhaust) 0.406″.
Carburetor: Four barrel Carter AFB 3103S.
NOTE: As shown, this optional engine was only available with Torqueflite automatic transmission.
Polara Base 265 HP V-8. Overhead valves. Cast iron block. Five main bearings.
Displacement: 361 cubic inches.
Bore and stroke: 4.125 x 3.375 inches.
Compression ratio: 9.00:1.
Horsepower: 265 @ 4400 RPM.
Torque: 380 @ 2400 RPM.
Valve lifters: Hydraulic.
Camshaft timing: Intake 252°, Exhaust 252°, Overlap: 30°; Lift: (Intake) 0.390″, (Exhaust) 0.390″
Carburetor: Bendix Two-barrel Model (all transmissions) WWC3-188-380943; (all transmissions California) Ball & ball BBD-3132S.
Polara 305 HP V-8. Overhead valves. Cast iron block. Five main bearings.
Displacement: 361 cubic inches.
Bore and stroke: 4.125 x 3.375 inches.
Compression ratio: 9.00:1.
Horsepower: 305 @ 4800 RPM.
Torque: 395 @ 3000 RPM.
Valve lifters: Hydraulic.
Camshaft timing: Intake 268°, Exhaust 268°, Overlap: 48°; Lift: (Intake) 0.430″, (Exhaust) 0.430″
Carburetor: Carter Four-barrel Model (manual transmission) AFB-3105S; (automatic transmission) AFB-3106S.
383 CID D-500 Single 4-Barrel V-8 – Automatic Transmission Only. Overhead valves. Cast iron block. Five main bearings.
Displacement: 383 cubic inches.
Bore and stroke: 4.250 x 3.375 inches.
Compression ratio: 10.00:1.
Horsepower: 325 @ 4600 RPM. Torque: 425 @ 2800 RPM.
Valve lifters: Standard – Hydraulic.; Optional – Mechanical;
Camshaft timing: Standard Hydraulic Lifters. Intake 268°, Exhaust 268°, Overlap: 48°; Lift: 0.444″. Optional Mechanical Lifters: Intake 268°, Exhaust 268°, Overlap: 48°; Overlap: 48°; Lift: (intake) 0.446″; (exhaust) 0.458″.
Carburetor: D-500 Only. Standard AFB-3152S, High Performance – Carter Four-barrel Model AFB-2968S; Optional AFB-3113S.
Dual 4 Barrel In-line Carburetor 383 Performance V8. Overhead valves. Cast iron block. Five main bearings.
Displacement: 383 cubic inches.
Bore and stroke: 4.250 x 3.375 inches.
Compression ratio: 10.00:1.
Horsepower: 330 @ 5200 RPM.
Torque: 425 @ 3600 RPM.
Valve lifters: Standard – Hydraulic; Optional – Mechanical.
Camshaft timing: Standard Hydraulic Lifters. Intake 268°, Exhaust 268°, Overlap: 48°; Lift: 0.430″. Optional Mechanical Lifters: Intake 268°, Exhaust 268°, Overlap: 48°; Lift: (Intake) 0.446″, (Exhaust) 0.458″.
Intake manifold: inline dual 4-barrel.
Carburetors: Two Carter Four-barrel Model, Front AFB-2970S, Rear AFB-2971S.
Dual 4 Barrel Long Ram Intake 383 Performance V8. Overhead valves. Cast iron block. Five main bearings.
Displacement: 383 cubic inches.
Bore and stroke: 4.250 x 3.375 inches.
Compression ratio: 10.00:1.
Horsepower: 330 @ 4800 RPM.
Torque: 460 @ 2800 RPM.
Valve lifters: Standard – Hydraulic Only
Camshaft timing: Intake 268°, Exhaust 268°, Overlap: 48°; Lift: 0.430″.
Intake manifold: Long Rams with 30″ tubes.
Carburetors: Two Carter Four-barrel Model AFB-2903S.
Dual 4 Barrel Short Ram 383 Performance V8. Overhead valves. Cast iron block. Five main bearings.
Displacement: 383 cubic inches.
Bore and stroke: 4.250 x 3.375 inches.
Compression ratio: 10.00:1.
Horsepower: 340 @ 5000 RPM.
Torque: 440 @ 2800 RPM.
Valve lifters: Mechanical.
Camshaft timing: Intake 284°, Exhaust 284°, Overlap: 55°; Lift: (Intake) 0.448″, (Exhaust) 0.454″.
Intake manifold: Long Rams with 15″ short tubes.
Carburetor: Two Carter Four-barrel Model AFB-3084S.
“Police” 350 HP V-8 . Overhead valves. Cast iron block. Five main bearings.
Displacement: 413 cubic inches.
Bore and stroke: 4.1875 x 3.75 inches.
Compression ratio: 10.0:1.
Horsepower: 350 @ 4600 RPM.
Torque: 470 @ 2800 RPM.
Valve lifters: Mechanical.
Camshaft timing: Standard: Hydraulic Lifters. Camshaft Timing: Intake 268°, Exhaust 268°, Overlap: 48°; Lift: (intake) 0.430″, Lift: (exhaust) 0.430″; Optional: Mechanical Lifters. Camshaft Timing: Intake 268°, Exhaust 268°, Overlap: 48°; Lift: (intake) 0.446″; Lift: (exhaust 0.458″. Carburetor: One Carter Four-barrel Model AFB-3108S; Optional AFB-3113S.
375 HP “Police” V-8. Overhead valves. Cast iron block. Five main bearings.
Displacement: 413 cubic inches.
Bore and stroke: 4.1875 x 3.75 inches.
Compression ratio: 11.0:1.
Horsepower: 375 @ 5200 RPM.
Torque: 450 @ 2800 RPM.
Valve lifters: Hydraulic; Optional Mechanical.
Camshaft timing: Standard: Hydraulic Lifters. Camshaft Timing: Intake 268°, Exhaust 268°, Overlap: 48°; Lift: (intake) 0.430″, Lift: (exhaust) 0.430″; Optional: Mechanical Lifters. Camshaft Timing: Intake 268°, Exhaust 268°, Overlap: 48°; Lift: (intake) 0.446″; Lift: (exhaust 0.458″. Intake manifold: inline dual 4-barrel.
Carburetors: Two Carter Four-barrel Model Front AFB-2970S, Rear AFB-2971S.
375 HP Police V-8 Short Ram. Overhead valves. Cast iron block. Five main bearings.
Displacement: 413 cubic inches.
Bore and stroke: 4.1875 x 3.75 inches.
Compression ratio: 10.0:1.
Horsepower: 375 @ 5000 RPM.
Torque: 465 @ 2800 RPM.
Valve lifters: Mechanical.
Camshaft timing: Standard: Mechanical Lifters. Camshaft Timing: Intake 284°, Exhaust 284°, Overlap: 55°; Lift: (intake) 0.448″; Lift: (exhaust) 0.454″.
Intake manifold: Long Rams with 15″ short tubes.
Carburetors: Two Carter Four-barrel Model AFB-3084S.
1961 Dodge Facts – Chassis Features
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- Wheelbase: Dart – 118 inches; Polara & Wagons – 122 inches.
- Overall length: Dart – 209.4 inches; Wagons: 214.8 inches, Polara – 212.5 inches; Wagons: 214.8 inches.
- Overall width: All – 78.7 inches.
- Overall height: Dart: All except Convertible – 54.8 inches; Convertible – 54.9 inches; Wagons: – 55.6 inches; Polara: All except Convertible – 54.9 inches; Convertible – 55.1. inches; Wagons – 55.6 inches.
- Front tread: All – 61.5 inches.
- Rear tread: Dart I-6 – 60.1 Inches; V-8 – 60.2 inches; Polara – 60.2 inches.
- Tires: Dart I-6 – 7.00 x 14; Dart V-8- 8.00 x 14; Polara All – 8.00 x 14. Police Optional – 7.10 x 15 tires with 15 X 5.5 K rims.
1961 Dodge Facts – Powertrains
- Two Speed Automatic Transmission Ratios
- V-8 Dart: 1st – 1.72:1, 3rd – 1:1, Reverse – 2.39:1.
- Three Speed Automatic Transmission Ratios
- All: 1st – 2.45:1, 2nd – 1.45:1, 3rd – 1:1, Reverse – 2.20:1.
- Three Speed Manual Transmission Ratios
- I-6: 1st – 2.71:1, 2nd – 1.83:1, 3rd – 1:1, Reverse – 3.49:1.
- V-8 Dart: 1st – 2.12:1, 2nd – 1.43:1, 3rd – 1:1, Reverse – 2.73:1.
- V-8 Polara: 1st – 2.55:1, 2nd – 1.49:1, 3rd – 1:1, Reverse – 3.34:1.
- V-8 Optional Heavy Duty: 1st – 2.10:1, 2nd – 1.45:1, 3rd – 1:1, Reverse – 2.65:1.
- Rear Gear Standard Ratios
- I-6: 3-Speed SMT – 3.54:1.
- I-6 Wagons 3-Speed AMT – 3.31:1, Optional 3.58:1.
- V-8 Std 318 CID 3-Speed SMT – 3.58:1.
- V-8 Std 318 CID 2-Speed AMT – 3.31:1.
- V-8 Std 318 CID 3-Speed AMT – 2.93:1 Optional 3.31:1.
- V-8 318 CID Hi-Po AMT – 2.93:1, Optional 3.31:1 and 3.58 (Sure Grip Available).
- V-8 361 CID 2 bbl. 3-Speed SMT – 3.58:1.
- V-8 361 CID 4 bbl. 305 HP: 3-Speed AMT- 3.31:1 Optional 2.93:1.
- V-8 383 CID D-500 4 bbl. 3-Speed SMT – 3.58:1.
- V-8 383 CID D-500 4 bbl. 3-Speed AMT – 3.23:1.
- V-8 383 CID D-500 2-4 bbl. 330 HP Long Ram & Short Ram: 3-Speed AMT – 3.23:1 Optional 2.93:1.
- V-8 383 CID 4-bbl Police: 3-Speed SMT & 3-Speed AMT 3.23:1.
- V-8 383 CID Dual 4-bbl In-Line Police: 3-Speed SMT & 3-Speed AMT 3.23:1.
- 413 all V-8: 3-Speed Speed SMT & 3-Speed AMT 3.23:1 – SEE NOTE Below.
NOTE 1: Optional on Hi-Po and D-500 Vehicles – special order or dealer installed gear ratios ranged from 2.93:1 to 4.89:1. Sure Grip available in most ratios. See 1961 Dodge High Performance Options AMA Specifications Sheets for all actual ratios HERE.
NOTE 2: Police Packages Only Available on Polara Series Cars.
1961 Dodge Facts – Powertrain Options
- Transmissions
- Three-speed manual transmission was standard on all I-6 and 318 and 361 CID V-8s.
- Two-speed Powerflite automatic transmission was optional on 318 CID V-8s.
- Three-speed Torqueflite automatic transmission was optional with I-6 ($192).
- Three-speed Torqueflite automatic transmission was optional with V-8 ($211).
- Three-speed Torqueflite automatic transmission on 383 CID Ram Manifold D-500 was standard.
- All Other HI-Po 383 and 413 CID V-8s had choice of 3-Speed AMT or 3-Speed SMT.
- Engines
- “Power Pack” 318 CID 260 horsepower V-8 ($40).
- 361 CID 305 horsepower V-8 ($100) on Polara only.
- D-500 Ram Charge CID 330 HP V-8 ($313).
- All Other H-Po and Police Packages – price dependent on model. Police Packages only available on Polara models.
- Crankcase ventilation system for California vehicles ($5).
- Sure-Grip positive traction rear axle ($50).
NOTE: 230 HP 318 CID Base V-8 included in base Dart V-8 model pricing.
1961 Dodge Facts – Significant Options
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- Air-temp air conditioning ($446); dual unit in station wagons ($640).
- Anti-freeze ($5).
- Backup lights ($11).
- DeLuxe steering wheel ($11).
- Electric clock ($16).
- Heater and defroster, standard with air-conditioning ($75).
- Padded dashboard ($14).
- Power brakes ($43).
- Power seats ($96).
- Power steering ($77).
- Power windows ($102).
- Radio, Music Master ($59).
- Rear view mirror, left-hand outside ($6).
- Remote-control outside mirror ($18).
- Roof luggage rack, wagons ($48).
- Seat belts ($19).
- Tinted glass, all windows ($43); windshield only ($22).
- Two-tone paint ($17).
- Wheel covers, except Polara ($19).
- White sidewall tires on Darts ($33), on Polara models ($64).
- Windshield washer ($12).
- Windshield wipers, variable speed ($6).
1961 Dodge Downloads and Images
1961 Dodge Facts – Related Document Downloads
Click to Download:
1961 Dodge Dart and Polara Deluxe Brochure
1961 Dodge Dart and Polara Regular Brochure
1961 Dodge Dart & Polara Print Ads
1961 Dodge Dart AMA Specifications Sheets
1961 Dodge Polara AMA Specifications Sheets
1961 Dodge High Performance V-8s AMA Specifications Sheets
1961 Dodge Police Package AMA Specifications Sheets
1961 Dodge Police Package – California Highway Patrol Only – AMA Specifications Sheets
1961 Dodge Dart Introduction – Motor Life Magazine
1961 Dodge Polara Introduction – Motor Life Magazine
1961 Dodge Long Ram 383 V-8 Road Test – Hot Rod Magazine
1961 Dodge Dart D-500 Road Test – Motor Life Magazine
1961 Dodge Facts – Related Images
Images related to the Dodge line will be found here. Click to download.
1961 Dodge Polara Convertible
The 1961 Dodge Polara Convertible was the top line convertible this year and rode on the 122 inch wheelbase with V-8 power only. It was the most expensive model this year (except for the Polara wagons) at $3,252.
1961 Dodge Polara 4-door Hardtop
The 1961 Dodge Polara 4-door Hardtop was the high-end 4-door in the Dodge line. It was the most expensive 4-door at $3,110.
1961 Dodge Polara 2-door Hardtop
The 1961 Dodge Polara 2-door Hardtop was the 122 inch wheelbase offering of this body sty;e. Polara models only came V-8 equipped and this moved the price up to $3,032 base.
1961 Dodge Polara 4-door Sedan
The 1961 Dodge Polara 4-door Sedan was considered by many to be the best value in the Dodge line this year, as it sat on the longer wheelbase and was reasonably priced.
1961 Dodge Polara 4-door Wagon
The 1961 Dodge Polara 4-door Wagon was available in 6- or 9-passenger configurations and was only V-8 powered. Its base price was $3,294 and $3,409 respectively.
1961 Dodge Dart Phoenix Convertible
The 1961 Dodge Dart Phoenix Convertible was the only Convertible offered on the 118 inch wheelbase. It was only available with V-8 power, and other than wagons, was the highest priced car in the Dart line at $2,988 base price.
1961 Dodge Dart Phoenix 4-door Hardtop
The 1961 Dodge Dart Phoenix 4-door Hardtop was the only 4-door hardtop in the Dart line. It was available with six or V-8 power and the V-8 version came in at $2,796 base price.
1961 Dodge Dart Phoenix 2-door Hardtop
The 1961 Dodge Dart Phoenix 2-door Hardtop was the top line 2-door in the dart line. Many were sold with V-8 power, and in that configuration it was a good value – with a base price of $2,737.
1961 Dodge Dart Phoenix 4-door Sedan
The 1961 Dodge Dart Phoenix 4-door Sedan was the top level 118 inch wheelbase 4-sedan this year. When equipped with the I-6 powerplant, it could be had for only $2,595.
1961 Dodge Dart Pioneer 2-door Hardtop
The 1961 Dodge Dart Pioneer 2-door Hardtop was the entry level 2-door hardtop. It was reasonably priced at $2,400 for the I-6 and $2,607 for the base V-8.
1961 Dodge Dart Pioneer 4-door Sedan
The 1961 Dodge Dart Pioneer 4-door Sedan was the mid-level 4-door. With V-8 power, it could be had for $2,478 before options.
1961 Dodge Dart Pioneer 2-door Sedan
The 1961 Dodge Dart Pioneer 2-door Sedan was the mid-level 2-door. Its base price was $2,410 or $2,530 in six or 318 CID V-8 configuration.
1961 Dodge Dart Pioneer 4-door Wagon
The 1961 Dodge Dart Pioneer 4-door Wagon was the top-level wagon in the mid-size line. The high end 9-passenger version was priced at $3,011.
1961 Dodge Dart Seneca 4-door Sedan
The 1961 Dodge Dart Seneca 4-door Sedan was the entry level 4-door sedan. It was a reasonable choice with, costing either $2,330 or $2,449 as a six or V-8.
1961 Dodge Dart Seneca 2-door Sedan
The 1961 Dodge Dart Seneca 2-door Sedan was the entry-level full size Dodge this year. It’s base price was $2,278 in six cylinder form, or $2,397 when equipped with the base 318 CID V-8.
1961 Dodge Dart Seneca 4-door Wagon
The 1961 Dodge Dart Seneca 4-door Wagon was the entry wagon this year, It was only available in 6-passenger format, but sat on the Polara’s 122 inch wheelbase.