1961 Ford Facts, Figures, and Specifications
Five Fast Facts You May Not Know
1961 Ford Sunliner Convertible
1961 Starliner 2-door Hardtop
1961 Galaxie Club Victoria 2-door Hardtop
1. Big Block V-8 Engine Moves to 390 CID
2. Fins Return For This Year Only
3. 401 HP Package Released
4. No Bucket Seats for the Galaxie Yet
5. 4-Speed Transmission Released
Check out this companion article by Martyn Schorr: “1961 FORD SHOWROOM SUPERCAR – Car Guy Chronicles“
1961 – Slick Lines and More Performance
For 1961, the Ford’s bodywork was redone again, although the underpinnings were the same as for 1960. This time, the tailfins returned to their normal position with the small blade-like fins above versions of 1959 car’s round taillamps. After the success of the 352 Hi-Po FE V-8, performance was now allowed to be a selling point and two new 390 CID V-8s were released with 375 and 401 HP.
1961 Ford Resources
Equipment or products directly related to this car. Click to view:
1961 Ford Facts –
Full-Size Car Shop Manual
Ford Licensed Product!
Immediate PDF Download!
ONLY $16.95
Click Here to Buy
Need New Springs or Shocks?
Get the Exact Springs for your Ford
Click Here for
1961 Ford Facts – Body Paint Color Codes
Click on the Paint Code Name to See the Mix Codes for the appropriate color:
1961 Full Size
Collector Car Insurers
Click on the links below to find your car’s value or get a quote:
1961 Ford Facts and Specifications
General Year Information – 1961 Ford Full Size Car
For 1961, the Ford’s bodywork was redone again, although the underpinnings were the same as for 1960. This time, the tailfins returned to their normal position with the small blade-like fins above versions of 1959 car’s round taillamps. From the belt line down, the 1961 Fords were completely new. The upper body structure was retained from the 1960 lineup but that was the only visible remainder of the previous year’s styling. A full-width concave grille with a horizontal dividing bar highlighted front end.
The Ford name, In block letters, replaced the crest used In previous years on Fairlane models and the series designation (Fairlane or Galaxie) appeared on the front fenders just behind the headlights – with the exception of the Sunliner and Starliner whose name replaced the model designation. The horizontal, full-length fin used in 1960, was replaced with a smaller, canted fin, nearly identical in size and shape to the fin used on 1957-1958 Fords. A horizontal chrome strip, very similar to one used on 1960 models, was attached to the rear. This stamped aluminum escutcheon panel between the taillights duplicated the pattern of the grille on Galaxie models. Either “Galaxie”, “Starliner”, or “Sunliner”, in script, was placed on the trunk lid. On the Galaxie series, this strip was complemented by a ribbed, aluminum stone guard on the lower rear fenders.
After the success of the 352 Hi-Po FE V-8, performance was was allowed to be a selling point. The release of the new 390 CID version of Ford’s FE V-8, helped the “Spirited Performance” marketing program. The 390 was available with the a four-barrel carburetor and 300 HP – or the race versions were now either a 375 HP single 4-barrel solid lifer engine that emulated last year’s 352 CID 360 HP Hi-Po, or for drag racing, a 3 two-barrel carburetors version with 401 HP on the same block. The 352 was downgraded in favor of the 390 – it was equipped with a 2-barrel carburetor and single exhaust.
The Sunliner convertible and the Starliner hardtop were again offered this year, and Ford promoted these two models with luxury and power equipment with the Starliner only available loaded. At the same time, a square-roof hardtop coupe, the “Galaxie Club Victoria”, was released without many of the Starliner’s options, and due to a lesser list price, took a 2-to-1 sales lead. Mistakenly, Ford dropped the Starliner fastback. In 1962, this mistake caused Ford to suffer terribly at NASCAR’s high speed tracks.
1961 Ford Factoids
Click a Tab to See the Details
The FE V-8 had its displacement increased to 390 this year. Now the standard 4-barrel carbureted version made an important 427 ft. lbs. of torque, while the HP rating remained the same at 300.
For the first time since 1957, multiple carburetors was now an option on a Ford V-8. The triple carb 390 was rated at 401 HP and allowed Ford to be competitive in drag racing. While the 1961 factory info on the engine is not currently available, you can see all the specs in the 1962 Ford High Performance AMA Specifications Sheets HERE
For the first time a 4-speed transmission now an option on a Ford. The Borg-Warner developed unit was welcomed by Ford performance enthusiasts. Most significantly, the floor shifter was the first in full-sized cars as well (T-Bird had this option in 1955-57). While the 1961 factory info on the transmission is not currently available, you can see all the specs in the 1962 Ford High Performance AMA Specifications Sheets HERE.
1961 Ford Facts – Models Offered
Click a Tab to See the Details
The Fairlane series was the base trim level for 1961 and included chrome moldings around the windshield and rear window, two sun visors, a horn button instead of horn ring, arm rest on all doors and no extra side chrome.
Fairlane modes were: 4-door Town sedan and 2-door Club Sedan.
The Fairlane 500 was the intermediate trim level and included all the Fairlane trim plus a chrome horn ring and a single horizontal chrome strip running from the back of the front wheel well to the rear bumper.
The Fairlane 500 models were 4-door Town Sedan and 2-door Club Sedan.
The Galaxie series was the top trim level for 1961 and included chrome ‘A’ pillar moldings. chrome window moldings, horizontal chrome strip on the side of the body. ribbed aluminum stone shield behind the rear wheel opening: a stamped aluminum escutcheon panel between the taillights duplicating the pattern of the grille and either “Galaxie”, “Starliner”, or “Sunliner” in script on the trunk lid.
Galaxie models were quite extensive. They were the 4-door Town Sedan, 2-door Club Sedan, 4-door Town Victoria, 2-door Club Victoria hardtop, 2-door Starliner hardtop, and 2-door Sunliner convertible.
The Ranch Wagon was the base trim level station wagon. Country Sedan models were the intermediate level, and the Country Squire was the top level. The level of equipment and trim paralleled Fairlane, Fairlane 500 and Galaxie models of passenger cars, respectively.
Station wagon models were 2-door Ranch Wagon, 4-door Ranch Wagon, 4-door Country Sedan 6-passenger, 4-door Country Sedan 9-Passenger, 4-door Country Squire 6-passenger, and 4-door Country Squire 9-passenger.
1961 Ford Facts – Engines
Click a Tab to See the Details
- 138 HP 223 CID I-6
- 175 HP 292 CID V-8
- 220 HP 352 CID V-8
- 300 HP 390 CID V-8
- 330 HP 390 CID V-8 Police (Late Year)
- 375 HP 390 CID V8
- 401 HP 390 CID V8
223 CID I-6. Engine Code “V”. Overhead valves. Cast iron block. Four main bearings.
Displacement: 223 cubic inches.
Bore and stroke: 3.62 x 3.60 inches.
Compression ratio: 8.4:1.
Horsepower: 135 @ 4000 RPM.
Torque: 200 @ 22oo RPM.
Valve lifters: Mechanical.
Camshaft timing: (Intake) 250°, (Exhaust) 250°. Overlap: 26°. Lift: (Intake) 0.369″, (Exhaust) 0.369″.
Carburetor: Holley one-barrel model (manual transmission) C1AE-E, C1AE-G; (automatic transmission) C1AE-F, , or C1AH-9510; California (manual transmission) C1A-E, (automatic transmission) C1AE-Z.
292 CID V-8. Engine Code “W”. Overhead valves. Cast iron block. Five main bearings.
Displacement: 292 cubic inches.
Bore and stroke: 3.75 x 3.30 inches.
Compression ratio: 8.8:1.
Horsepower: 175 @ 4200 RPM.
Torque: 279 @ 2200 RPM.
Valve Lifters: Mechanical.
Camshaft timing: (Intake) 246°, (Exhaust) 246°. Overlap: 20°. Lift: (Intake) 0.358″, (Exhaust) 0.356″.
Carburetor: Holley two-barrel Model (manual transmission) C1AE-9510 AA; (automatic transmission) C1AE-9510 AB.
220 HP Optional V-8. Engine Code “X” Overhead valves. Cast iron block. Five main bearings.
Displacement: 352 cubic inches.
Bore and stroke: 4.00 x 3.50 inches.
Compression ratio: 8.9:1.
Horsepower: 220 @ 4400 RPM.
Torque: 336 @ 2400 RPM.
Valve lifters: Hydraulic.
Camshaft timing: Intake: 270 degrees, Exhaust: 270 degrees, Lift: 0.408″. Overlap 37 degrees.
Carburetor: Ford 2-barrel Model (manual transmission) C1AE-9510-AC or C1AE-9510-AE; (automatic transmission) C1AE-9150-A or C1AE-9150-AF.
300 HP Optional V-8. Engine Code “Z” Overhead valves. Cast iron block. Five main bearings.
Displacement: 390 cubic inches.
Bore and stroke: 4.05 x 3.78 inches.
Compression ratio: 9.6:1.
Horsepower: 300 @ 4600 RPM.
Torque: 427 @ 3400 RPM.
Valve lifters: Hydraulic.
Camshaft timing: Intake: 270°, Exhaust: 270°, Overlap 49°; Lift: 0.408″.
Carburetor: Ford 4-barrel Model (manual transmission) C21E-9510-AG; (automatic transmission) C1AE-9510-AH.
330 HP “Police” V-8. Engine Code “P” Overhead valves. Cast iron block. Five main bearings.
Displacement: 390 cubic inches.
Bore and stroke: 4.05 x 3.78 inches.
Compression ratio: (early) 9.6:1; (late) 10.5:1.
Horsepower: 330 @ 4600 RPM.
Torque: 427 @ 3200 RPM.
Valve lifters: Mechanical.
Camshaft timing: Intake: 286°, Exhaust: 286°, Overlap 58°. Lift: 0.446″.
Carburetor: Ford 4-barrel Model (manual transmission) C1AE-9510-AK; (automatic transmission) C1AE-9510-AL.
375 HP High Performance V-8. Engine Code “Q” Overhead valves. Cast iron block. Five main bearings.
Displacement: 390 cubic inches.
Bore and stroke: 4.05 x 3.78 inches.
Compression ratio: 11.0:1.
Horsepower: 375 @ 6000 RPM.
Torque: 427 @ 3400 RPM.
Valve lifters: Mechanical.
Camshaft timing: (early) Intake: 286°, Exhaust: 286°, Overlap 58°. Lift: 0.446″. (late) Intake 306°, Exhaust: 306°, Overlap 78°. Lift: 0.500″.
Carburetor: Ford-Holley 4-barrel Model Holley R-3228A C1AE-U.
401 HP V-8 High Performance. Engine Code “M” Overhead valves. Cast iron block. Five main bearings.
Displacement: 390 cubic inches.
Bore and stroke: 4.05 x 3.78 inches.
Compression ratio: 11.0:1.
Horsepower: 401 @ 6000 RPM.
Torque: 430 @ 3500 RPM.
Valve lifters: Mechanical.
Camshaft timing: (early) Intake: 286°, Exhaust: 286°, Overlap 58°. Lift: 0.446″. (late) Intake 306°, Exhaust: 306°, Overlap 78°. Lift: 0.500″.
Carburetors: Three Holley 2-barrel Model 1962 (center) C1AE-AV #2436 (front and rear) C1AE-AU #2437.
NOTE: Initially, the triple carburetor package was offered over-the-counter, then later made available as a special order to comply with NHRA requirements.
1961 Ford Facts – Chassis Features
-
- Wheelbase: 119 inches.
- Overall length: 209.9 inches.
- Overall width: 79.9 inches.
- Overall height: Station Wagons 56.6″, Convertible: 55.3″, Starliner: 55.5″, Others: 56.5″.
- Front tread: 61.00 inches.
- Rear tread: 60.0 inches.
- Tires: Station wagons & Convertible: 8.00 x 14 Tubeless BW; Police/Hi-Po: 6.70 x 15 Tubeless BW; Optional Police/Hi-Po: 7.10 x 15; Others: 7.50 x 14 Tubeless BW. White walls optional.
1961 Ford Facts – Powertrains
- Three Speed Manual Transmission Ratios
- I-6: 1st – 3.20:1, 2nd – 1.85:1, 3rd – 1:1, Reverse – 3.88:1.
- 292 CID V-8: 1st – 2.78:1, 2nd – 1.61:1, 3rd – 1:1, Reverse – 3.38:1.
- 352 and 390 CID V-8: 1st – 2.37:1, 2nd – 1.51:1, 3rd – 1:1, Reverse – 2.81:1.
- 390 CID High Performance V-8: 1st – 2.37:1, 2nd – 1.51:1, 3rd – 1:1, Reverse – 2.81:1.
- Three Speed Overdrive Manual Transmission Ratios
- I-6 and 292 CID V-8: 1st – 2.80:1, 2nd – 1.69:1, 3rd – 1:1, Overdrive – 0.70:1, Reverse – 3.80:1.
- 352 and 390 CID V-8: 1st – 2.49:1, 2nd – 1.59:1, 3rd – 1:1, Overdrive – 0.72:1, Reverse – 3.15:1.
- 390 CID High Performance V-8: 1st – 2.49:1, 2nd – 1.59:1, 3rd – 1:1, Overdrive – 0.72:1, Reverse – 3.15:1.
- Four Speed Manual Transmission Ratios
- 390 CID High Performance V-8: 1st – 2.36:1, 2nd – 1.78:1, 3rd – 1.41:1, 4th 1:1, Reverse – 2.42:1.
- Automatic Transmission Ratios
- Ford-O-Matic: 1st – 1.75:1, 3rd – 1.00:1, Reverse – 1.50:1; Stall (I-6 & 292 V-8) 2.6:1; (352 V-8) 2.5:1.
- Cruise-O-Matic: 1st – 2.40:1, 2nd – 1.47:1, 3rd – 1.00:1, Reverse – 2.00:1; Stall 2.1:1.
- Rear Gear Standard Ratios
- I-6: 3-Speed SMT – 3.56:1, Optional – 3.89:1, Overdrive SMT – 3.89:1, AMT – 3.56:1.
- 292 CID V-8: 3-Speed SMT – 3.56:1, Overdrive SMT – 3.56:1, Optional 3.89:1, AMT – 3.00:1.
- 352 CID V-8: 3-Speed SMT – 3.56:1, Overdrive SMT – 3.56:1, AMT – 3.00:1.
- 390 CID V-8: 3-Speed SMT – 3.56:1, Overdrive SMT – 3.56:1, AMT – 3.00:1.
- 390 CID V-8 Police: 3-Speed SMT and Overdrive – 3.56:1, Optional, 3.89:1, AMT – 3.00:1.
- 390 CID High Performance V-8: 3-Speed SMT – 3.56:1, 3-Speed SMT Overdrive – 4.11:1, 4-Speed SMT – 3.56:1 or 4.11:1.
- Equa-Lock optional.
NOTE: Optional – dealer installed gear ratios ranged from 3.00:1 to 5.83:1.
1961 Ford Facts – Powertrain Options
-
- 352 CID V-8 with two-barrel carburetor and single exhaust.
- 390 CID V-8 with four-barrel carburetor and dual exhausts.
- 390 CID 330 HP Police V-8 with four-barrel carburetor and dual exhausts (late intro).
- 390 CID 375 HP High Performance V-8 with four-barrel carburetor and dual exhausts.
- 390 CID 401 HP High Performance V-8 with three 2-bbl carburetors and dual exhausts. (This was initially a dealer-installed option later, special order).
NOTE: Base 292 CID V-8 included in base V-8 model pricing; 223 CID I-6 in I-6 pricing.
1961 Ford Facts – Significant Options
-
- Air-conditioning, Polar Aire with eight-cylinder ($271).
- Air-conditioning, Select Aire with eight-cylinder ($361).
- Backup lights, standard Galaxie 500 ($11).
- Battery, heavy-duty, 70-amp. ($8).
- Crankcase ventilation system ($6).
- Electric clock, standard Galaxie 500 ($15).
- Equa-Lock differential ($39).
- Heater and defroster ($28 deduct option).
- Luggage rack, chrome ($39).
- Manual seat, four-way ($17).
- Padded dash and visors ($24).
- Power brakes ($43).
- Power seat ($64).
- Power steering ($82).
- Power tailgate window ($32).
- Power windows, front and rear ($102).
- Radio, push button and antenna ($59).
- Rocker panel molding ($16).
- Seat belts, front ($21).
- Tinted glass ($40).
- Tinted windshield ($22).
- Transmission, Cruise-O-Matic ($212).
- Transmission, FordOmatic with six-cylinder ($180).
- Transmission, FordOmatic with V-8 ($190).
- Transmission, four-speed manual – required with 375 horsepower or 401 horsepower V-8 ($188).
- Transmission, three-speed manual with overdrive ($108).
- Tutone paint ($22).
- Vinyl trim, Galaxie 500 except convertible ($26).
- Wheel covers ($19).
- Wheel covers, deluxe ($26).
- Windshield washer and wipers, 2-speed ($20).
1961 Ford Downloads and Images
1961 Ford Facts – Related Document Downloads
Files directly related to the Ford Full-Size Line will appear below. Click to Download:
1961 Ford Full Size Car Deluxe Brochure
1961 Ford Full-Size Car Print Ads
SEEKING: 1961 Ford Full Size AMA Specifications Sheets. Got One? Click HERE
1961 Ford Full Size High Performance AMA Specifications Sheets
1961 Ford Service Specifications Booklet
1961 Ford 390 CID Road Test – Cars Magazine
1961 Ford 390 CID Road Test – Motor Life Magazine
1961 Ford 401 HP 390 CID Road Test – Hot Rod Magazine
1961 Ford Facts – Related Images
Related Images to the Ford Full Size Line will appear below
1961 Ford Galaxie Sunliner Convertible
The 1961 Ford Galaxie Sunliner Convertible was the only convertible in the 1961 Ford line. It was very popular with 44,614 sold.
1961 Ford Galaxie 2-door Starliner Hardtop
The 1961 Ford Galaxie 2-door Starliner Hardtop would be considered the “sport” 2-door this year, with the Victoria version aimed at the luxury buyer. Because of its sister 2-door only 29,669 were sold.
1961 Ford Galaxie 2-door Club Victoria Hardtop
The 1961 Ford Galaxie 2-door Club Victoria Hardtop was new to the line with a much more formal look. It was very popular and 75,437 were delivered.
1961 Ford Galaxie 4-door Town Victoria Hardtop
The 1961 Ford Galaxie 4-door Town Victoria Hardtop was the only 4-door hardtop in the line and quite formal, but only 30,342 were produced.
1961 Ford Galaxie 4-door Town Sedan
The 1961 Ford Galaxie 4-door Town Sedan was a very popular choice this year with 141,823 delivered.
1961 Ford Galaxie 2-door Club Sedan
The 1961 Ford Galaxie 2-door Club Sedan offered a formal roof line and an upscale interior in the 2-door sedan model. It was a slow seller with only 27,780 produced.
1961 Ford Country Squire Wagon
The 1961 Ford Country Squire Wagon was the top level wagon and was available in either 6- or 9-Passenger configurations. Sales were 16,961 and 14,657 respectively.
1961 Ford Fairlane 500 4-door Town Sedan
The 1961 Ford Fairlane 500 4-door Town Sedan was the only 4-door offered in the Fairlane 500 line. It was a popular full size Ford with 98,917 sold.
1961 Ford Fairlane 500 2-door Club Sedan
The 1961 Ford Fairlane 500 2-door Club Sedan was the mid-level 2-door sedan in this year with a reasonable 42.468 units produced.
1961 Ford Country Sedan Wagon
The 1961 Ford Country Sedan Wagon was the mid level wagon and was available in 6- and 9-Passenger versions. Production was 46,311 and 16,356 respectively.
1961 Ford Fairlane 4-door Town Sedan
The 1961 Ford Fairlane 4-door Town Sedan was the entry level 4-door for this year. A respectable 66.924 were delivered.
1961 Ford Fairlane 2-door Club Sedan
The 1961 Ford Fairlane 2-door Club Sedan was the entry level 2-door this year and the favorite of racers – though on high-speed tracks the Starliner was chosen. It was very popular with 97,208 finding buyers
1961 Ford 4-door Ranch Wagon
The 1961 Ford 4-door Ranch Wagon sold well with 30,292 delivered.
1961 Ford 2-door Ranch Wagon
The 1961 Ford 2-door Ranch Wagon was the least expensive full size Ford wagon, but only 12,042 buyers opted for it this year.