1961 Chevrolet Parkwood
1961 Chevrolet Parkwood Station Wagon

1961 Chevrolet Parkwood

Chevrolet's most popular models-Again, for 1961, the Impala, Bel Air and Biscayne have what it takes to make it America's most popular model! Chevy's new slim finless design made it easier than before to drive, park and garage. With clean lines promising lasting beauty and value. Such comforts included a glove box light, automatic dome light, foam cushioned seats front and rear, color-matched carpet and rubber floor mats, deluxe door handles and window cranks, twin rear ashtrays and de luxe steering wheel with a thumb button horn. The Parkwood Station wagon had the same trim as the Bel Air, but displayed a "Parkwood" script on the rear fender.

 

1961 Chevrolet Parkwood Specifications

Model Number Body/Style Number Body Type & Seating Factory Price Shipping Weight Total Production
Parkwood Station Wagon Series 1500 - Six-Cyl
15 45 4 dr Station Wagon - 9P $2,850 3,910 lbs Note 1
15 35 4 dr Station Wagon - 6P $2,747 3,865 lbs
Parkwood Station Wagon Series 1600 - V-8
16 45 4 dr Station Wagon - 9P $2,957 3,910 lbs Note 1
16 35 4 dr Station Wagon - 6P $2,854 3,860 lbs
Notes: 1. Production was recorded by body style only: 4dr Sedan = 452,251, Sport Coupe = 177,969, Sport Sedan = 174,141, 4dr Station Wagon = 168,935, 2dr Sedan = 153,988, Convertible = 64,624. There were 142 Super Sport models. Roughly 330,000 were produced in 1961.

Chassis Data

Model Wheelbase Overall Length Width Height Front Tread Rear Tread Tires
Chevrolet 119 in 209.3 in 78.4 in 55.5 in 60.3 in 59.3 in 7.50 x 14
Chevrolet Station Wagon 119 in 209.3 in 78.4 in 55.5 in 60.3 in 59.3 in 8.00 x 14

1961 Chevrolet Bel Air Engines

In 1961 Chevrolet introduced the famous 409 V8 engine that launched the Big Three auto manufacturers into the horsepower race that lasted well into the 1970s.  A WIDE RANGE OF V8's-ECONOMY TURBO-FIRE V8 makes gas-saving a V8 virtue! This standard V8 engine features an economy-contoured camshaft that gives more torque, more efficient operation, in the low and middle speed ranges you use most. A finely calibrated 2-barrel carburetor also helps mete out the fuel miserly fashion. Still another money-saving feature: this husky engine delivers its V8 "go" on regular gas! Full-flow oil filter is standard. 283-cu.-in. displacement, 8.5 to 1 compression ratio, 170 h.p. Four-barrel carburetion gives Chevy's 283-cu.-in. SUPER TURBO-FIRE V8 an extra measure of get-up-and-go whenever the occasion calls for it. At normal driving speeds you operate economically on just 2 barrels. Cylinder head design helps boost oil economy. 9.5 to 1 compression ratio, 230 horsepower. Chevy's 348-cu.-in. TURBO-THRUST V8 is sized and equipped for performance! Its wedge-shaped  combustion chambers are precision machined to deliver smooth, quiet power ... efficient fuel burning. Four-barrel carburetor, high-efficiency air cleaner, full-flow oil filter and dual exhaust system are standard equipment. Compression ratio, 9.5 to 1; 250 h.p. Triple two-barrel carburetion puts extra muscle in the 348-cu.-in. SUPER TURBO-THRUST V8*. At normal cruising speeds you run on just two barrels, but when you need peak performance just step - on the accelerator and all six barrels go into action. Dual exhaust system, high-efficiency air cleaner and full-flow oil filter are standard. Compression ratio, 9.5 to 1; 280 h.p. CHOICE OF 5 FINE TRANSMISSIONS Standard equipment on every Chevrolet is 3-SPEED SYNCHRO-MESH ... as smoothly coordinated and dependable a manual shift as any ever made. Chevrolet OVERDRIVE* will give you top economy over the long haul. It cuts the number of engine revolutions for each turn of the wheels ... reduces engine wear, saves on gas. You can select 4-SPEED SYNCHRO·MESH* as a performance partner for anyone of Chevy's spirited 348-cu.-in. V8's. It has a floor-mounted shift lever, and is fully synchronized in all forward speeds for smooth up- and down-shifting. For the most popular automatic transmission in the low-price field, look no farther than Chevrolet's POWERGLI DE*! Its low initial cost, dependability and liquid-smooth shifting have made it the biggest selling automatic in its class. For the ultimate, try TURBOGLlDE*. With its triple-turbine action, you never feel a shift in "Drive" -the only sensation is a whisper-smooth flow of power. Chevy's built-in grade retarder provides an exclusive assist in downhill braking.
   
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