1961 Plymouth Facts, Figures, and Specifications
Five Fast Facts You May Not Know
1961 Plymouth Fury Convertible
1961 Plymouth Fury Hardtop
1. "Police Packages" Allow the 413 CID V-8
2. Styling Redone
3. No Bucket Seats for Plymouth
4. Aluminum Slant Six Fitted in Some Cars
5. All Full Size Wagons on Dodge 122 Inch Wheelbase
1961 – A Disastrous Styling Move
Plymouth’s sheet metal was drastically and uniquely altered by Virgil Exner’s design team. The styling was based on straight lines, supplemented by sculptured curves. This sounds like a contradiction, and it was. The result was that Plymouth full size car sales dropped down to seventh rank in the industry, from 242,725 to 206,907.
1961 Plymouth Resources
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1961 Plymouth Facts – Body Paint Color Codes
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1961 Plymouth
| A Maize | |
| B Jet Black | |
| C Robin Egg Blue | |
| D Air Force Blue | |
| F Mint Green | |
| G Emerald Green | |
| K Twilight Turquoise | |
| L Silver Gray | |
| P Carnival Red | |
| R Coral | |
| S Lavender | |
| Y Fawn Beige | |
| Z Bronze |
Collector Car Insurers
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1961 Plymouth Facts and Specifications
General Year Information – 1961 Plymouth Full Size Car
NOTE: The Compact Line was called “Valiant” and sat on a 106.5 inch wheelbase versus the full size Plymouth wheelbase of 118.0 inches. – Valiant vehicles are NOT covered in this Fact Sheet.
In response to Chevrolet and Ford cars 1960 breakthrough styling, Virgil Exner’s styling team was encouraged to go “over the top” with distinctive styling, leading the 1960 models to be popularly dubbed the “jukebox on wheels” and the 1961 models were not well-received and maligned just for being too, too different. And although the cleaner, non-finned look was certainly on the way in, the Belvedere looked “distinctive” politely saying. Despite being good cars in performance, handling, with modest weight, and appealing interiors, sales suffered. Plymouth yielded third place in U.S. sales to the AMC’s Rambler.
The Savoy line included “fleet Specials” with certain standard features deleted to bring the base price down to $2,192 for a 2-door sedan. On the Belvedere line a square steering wheel, with good instrument field of view, was an option. The Fury was know as an outstanding performer. The cars were extremely stable at all speeds and known for their excellent maneuverability. They could really go, too. Plymouth, like Dodge, stressed performance in 1961 – with a host of available engines from 330 to 375 HP, including ram induction, dual inline carburetors and even listing the 413 CID V-8 from the Chrysler 300 letter series line as available!
Historical Information
The Chrysler-Plymouth Division was formed this year, joining together the marketing of the related nameplates. Model year production peaked at 206,907 units for full size Plymouths, compared to 242,725 in 1960 – not a good sign. Plymouth sales dropped way down to seventh rank in the American industry. The radical new styling was a major factor in this decline.
1961 Plymouth Factoids
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The 413 CID V-8, previously relegated to the Chrysler 300 lines 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 “Maximum Special Police Package” 1, 2, or 3. Hot Rod Magazine explored these options as they appeared in Doge cars (and applicable to Plymouth) HERE. You can also see the AMA Specifications Sheets for these engines HERE.
Want to learn about all the B and RB wedge V-8s? See all the specs through 1965 HERE.
In an inexplicable move, Plymouth went to a very radical styling theme. Most thought the car ungainly and filled with different styling cues, none of which worked together. 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 Plymouth Facts – Models Offered
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Savoy – Standard equipment on base models included oil filter, turn signals, sun visors, electric wipers, front foam cushions, front arm rests, glove box lock, and five tubeless black wall tires. Savoy models and DeLuxe Suburbans had no trim to speak of. The “Fleet Specials” had a few standard features deleted.
Savoy models were: 4-door Sedan, 2-door Sedan, and Deluxe Suburban 2- and 4-door Station Wagons, both 6-Pasenger.
Belvedere – For this year, the Belvedere automatic transmission push buttons were larger and rectangular for easier operation. A new, magnetic drive “thermometer” style speedometer now operated with less noise, as the previous system of gears was replaced with a cable driven 12-pole annular ceramic magnet with temperature compensator also adding to its accuracy. Body insulation was also improved. Square steering wheels, with good instrument field of view, were a Belvedere option as well. Belvedere models and Custom Suburbans had all Savoy/DeLuxe Suburban equipment, plus rear arm rests, cigar lighter and – on nine-passenger wagons – power tailgate window and oversized tires.
Belvedere 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 9-assenger wagon was V-8 powered only.
Fury – The Fury was the top trim level 1961 and included all Belvedere features, plus upscale exterior moldings, custom interior upholstery and trim;, and backup lights.
Fury models were: 4-door Sedan, 4-door Hardtop Sedan, 2-door hardtop Coupe, and Convertible. Two 4-door station wagons were offered, 6- and 9-paggenger. Both were v-8 powered only.
1961 Plymouth Facts – Engines
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- 145 HP 225 CID I-6
- 230 HP 318 CID V-8
- 260 HP 318 CID V-8 AMT
- 305 HP 361 CID V-8
- 325 HP 383 CID V-8
- 330 HP 383 CID V-8- In-Line Carbs
- 330 HP 383 CID V-8 Long Ram
- 340 HP 383 CID V-8 Short Ram
- 350 HP 413 CID V-8
- 375 HP 413 CID V-8 In-line Carbs
- 375 HP 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.
318 CID 2-Barrel 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 244°, Overlap: 26°. 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 WW15-44-380989.
318 CID 4-Barrel 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: 260 @ 4400 RPM.
Torque: 345 @ 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.
361 CID 4-Barrel 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 4-Barrel V-8 – Police Package #2. 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°; Lift: (intake) 0.446″; (exhaust) 0.458″.
Carburetor: Standard AFB-3152S, High Performance – Carter Four-barrel Model AFB-2968S; Optional AFB-3113S.
383 CID Dual 4 Barrel In-line Carburetor V-8 – Police Package #3. 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 @ 2800 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″.
Carburetor: Two Carter Four-barrel Model, Front AFB-2970S, Rear AFB-2971S.
383 CID Sonoramic Commando Dual 4 Barrel Long Ram Intake V-8. 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: (intake) 0.430″, (exhaust) 0.430″.
Carburetor: Two Carter Four-barrel Model AFB-2903S.
383 CID Dual 4 Barrel Short Ram V-8 – Police Package #1. 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″.
Carburetor: Two Carter Four-barrel Model AFB-3084S.
413 CID 4-Barrel V-8 – 413 Police Package #2 . 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.
413 CID Dual 4-Barrel V-8 – 413 Police Package #3. 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.
413 CID Short Dual 4-barrel Ram V-8 – 413 Police Package #1 . 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: Hydraulic, Optional Mechanical.
Camshaft timing: Standard Hydraulic Lifters. Intake 268°, Exhaust 268°, Overlap: 48°; Lift: 0.430″. Optional 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 Plymouth Facts – Chassis Features
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- Wheelbase: 118.0 inches; Wagons: 122.0 inches.
- Overall length: 209.5 inches; Wagons: 217.7 inches.
- Overall width: 80.0 inches.
- Overall height: I-6 – 54.4 inches, except 2-dr hardtop – 54.3 inches, wagon – 55.4 inches; V-8 – 54.6 inches, except 2-dr hardtop – 54.5 inches, Convertible – 54.9 inches.
- Front tread: 60.9 inches.
- Rear tread: I-6 – 59.1 inches, V-8 5- 9.7 inches, 6- passenger wagons – 55.4 inches, 9-passenge wagons – 55.6 inches.
- Tires: I-6 passenger car – 7.00 x 14, wagons & V-8 – 7.50 x 14, 9-passenger wagons – 8.00 x 14. Police & Optional – 6.70 x 15 tires with 15 X 5.5 K rims.
1961 Plymouth Facts – Powertrains
- Two Speed Automatic Transmission Ratios
- Fury V-800 V-8 : 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: 1st – 2.12:1, 2nd – 1.43:1, 3rd – 1:1, Reverse – 2.73:1.
- V-8 Optional Heavy Duty: 1st – 2.55:1, 2nd – 1.49:1, 3rd – 1:1, Reverse – 3.34:1.
- Rear Gear Standard Ratios
- I-6: 3-Speed SMT – 3.54:1,, Optional 3.90:1.
- I-6: 3-Speed AMT – 3.31:1, Optional 3.54:1.
- V-8 Std 318 CID 3-Speed SMT – 3.58:1, Optional 3.90:1.
- V-8 Std 318 CID 2-Speed AMT – 3.31:1, Optional 3.58:1.
- V-8 Std 318 CID 3-Speed AMT – 2.93:1 Optional 3.31:1, 3.58:1.
- V-8 361 CID 4 bbl 305 HP: 3-Speed AMT- 3.31:1, Optional – See Note Below.
- V-8 383 & 413 CID Police and High Performance: 3.23:1, Optional – See Note Below.
NOTE: Optional on Hi-Po and Police 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 Plymouth High Performance Options AMA Specifications Sheets for all actual ratios HERE.
1961 Plymouth 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 Fury 318 CID V-8s.
- Three-speed Torqueflite automatic transmission was optional with I-6.
- Three-speed Torqueflite automatic transmission was optional with V-8.
- Three-speed Torqueflite automatic transmission on 383 CID with Ram Manifold was standard.
- All Other HI-Po 383 and 413 CID V-8s had choice of 3-Speed AMT or 3-Speed SMT.
- Engines
- Fury “Power Pack” 318 CID 260 horsepower V-8 ($158).
- 361 CID 305 horsepower V-8 ($206).
- Sonoramic 383 CID 330 HP V-8 ($405).
- All Other H-Po and Police Packages – price dependent on model.
- Dual Exhaust where optional ($27).
- 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 V-8 model pricing.
1961 Plymouth Facts – Significant Options
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- Air conditioning including heater ($446)
- Air conditioning, dual with heater ($640).
- Appearance group ($47).
- Basic group ($92).
- Basic radio accessory group ($150).
- Cigar lighter ($4).
- Custom/Sport Wagon, tailgate assist handle ($16).
- Easy driving group ($98).
- Front bumper grille bar ($14).
- Headlight trim plate ($18).
- Heater and defroster ($74).
- Hi-Fi radio ($84).
- Locking spare tire compartment, six-passenger wagons ($4).
- OSRV mirror, left ($5); with remote control ($14).
- OSRV mirror, right manual ($5).
- Power brakes ($43).
- Power door locks, two-door ($23); four-door ($30).
- Power seat, six-way ($96).
- Power steering ($77).
- Power tailgate window, six-passenger wagon ($33).
- Prismatic inside mirror ($4).
- Push button radio ($59).
- RCA automatic record player, radio required ($52).
- Safety pad instrument panel ($14).
- Savoy/DeLuxe, Belvedere/Custom backup lights ($11).
- Savoy/DeLuxe clock ($16).
- Solex glass ($43).
- DeLuxe steering wheel, square-shaped ($11).
- Two-tone paint, except convertible ($17).
- Undercoating with under hood pad ($14).
- Wheel covers ($19).
- Windshield washers ($12); with variable wipers ($17).
- Windshield wipers, variable ($6).
1961 Plymouth Downloads and Images
1961 Plymouth Facts – Related Document Downloads
Files directly related to the Plymouth Line will appear below. Click to Download:
1961 Plymouth AMA Specifications Sheets
1961 Plymouth High Performance & Police V-8s AMA Specifications Sheets
1961 Plymouth Savoy I-6 Road Test – Car Life Magazine
1961 Plymouth Introduction – Motor Life Magazine
1961 Plymouth Fury Road Test – Motor Life Magazine
1961 Plymouth 361 & 383 Ram V-8 Road Test – Motor Trend Magazine
1961 Dodge Optional Engine Packages – Hot Rod Magazine (offered for part numbers)
1961 Plymouth Facts – Related Images
Related Images to the Plymouth Line will appear below – click to view
1961 Plymouth Fury Convertible
The 1961 Plymouth Fury Convertible was the only convertible in the line. It was only available as a V-8. 6,948 found buyers.
1961 Plymouth Fury 2-door Hardtop
The 1961 Plymouth Fury 2-door Hardtop was the highest tier hardtop in this year. 16,141 were sold.
1961 Plymouth Fury 4-door Hardtop
The 1961 Plymouth Fury 4-door Hardtop was the only 4-door hardtop available in this year. Only 8,507 were built.
1961 Plymouth Fury 4-door Sedan
The 1961 Plymouth Fury 4-door Sedan was the top line 4-door sedan it higher trim and price resulted in only 22,319 being sold.
1961 Plymouth Sport Suburban 4-door Wagon
The 1961 Plymouth Sport Suburban 4-door Wagon was the top tier station wagon this year. It was available in 6- and 9-passenger configurations. 2,844 and 3,088 were produced respectively
1961 Plymouth Belvedere 2-door Sedan
The 1961 Plymouth Belvedere 2-door Sedan was the mid-level 2-door. 4,740 found buyers.
1961 Plymouth Belvedere 4-door Sedan
The 1961 Plymouth Belvedere 4-door Sedan was the mid-price 4-doo and was the 2nd best seller in the line this year with 40,090 built.
1961 Plymouth Custom Suburban 4-door Wagon
The 1961 Plymouth Custom Suburban 4-door Wagon was the mid-level wagon for this year and 13,553 were sold.
1961 Plymouth Savoy 4-door Sedan
The 1961 Plymouth Savoy 4-door Sedan was the entry level 4-door. 44,913 were produced.
1961 Plymouth Savoy 2-door Sedan
The 1961 Plymouth Savoy 2-door Sedan was the low price 2-door. 18,729 were delivered.
1961 Plymouth Deluxe Suburban 4-door Wagon
The 1961 Plymouth Deluxe Suburban 4-door Wagon was the entry level 4-door wagon this year and 12,980 were built.
1961 Plymouth Deluxe Suburban 2-door Wagon
The 1961 Plymouth Deluxe Suburban 2-door Wagon was the only 2-door wagon available this year. Only 2,464 were produced.
