1961 Dodge Dart

In its second year, Dart continued with the success of the 3 economy friendly series line-up  – the Phoenix, Pioneer and Seneca. The Seneca was the base level available for the 1961 Dart, the Pioneer was the intermediate and the Phoenix was the top trim level. Each offered Torsion-Aire Ride and Total Contact Brakes and unitized body and chassis construction. Offering solid chrome-steel torsion bars in front and unsymmetrical leaf springs in the rear to absorb shock. In 1961, Dodge offers 3 different automatic transmissions, each specifically designed for a particular engine.  For instance, the D-500 Ram-Induction V8 came with a TorqueFlite Automatic as standard.  Also available were the 2-speed PowerFlite automatic and 3-speed TorqueFlite with torque converter; all operated by instrument panel push buttons.   The standard engine was the all new Economy Slant 6 engine and came with a standard 3-speed manual.  1961 Dodge Dart Factory Specifications & Production

Model Number	Body/Style Number	Body Type & Seating	Factory Price	Shipping Weight	Total Production
Seneca Series
413/513	L41	4 dr Sedan - 6P	$2,330/$2,449	3,335/3,515 lbs	Note 1
411/511	L21	2 dr Sedan - 6P	$2,278/$2,397	3,290/3,470 lbs	Note 1
456/556	L45	4 dr Station Wagon - 6P	$2,695/$2,815	3,740/3,920 lbs	Note 1
Pioneer Series
423/523	M41	4 dr Sedan - 6P	$2,459/$2,478	3,335/3,510 lbs	Note 2
421/521	M21	2 dr Sedan - 6P	$2,410/$2,530	3,290/3,460 lbs	Note 2
422/522	M23	2 dr Hardtop Coupe - 6P	$2,488/$2,607	3,335/3,500 lbs	Note 2
466/566	M45A	4 dr Station Wagon - 6P	$2,787/$2,906	3,740/3,940 lbs	Note 2
467/567	M45B	4 dr Station Wagon - 9P	$2,892/$3,011	3,825/4,005 lbs	Note 2
Phoenix Series
433/533	H41	4 dr Sedan - 6P	$2,595/$2,715	3,350/3,535 lbs	Note 3
434/534	H43	4 dr Hardtop Sedan - 6P	$2,677/$2,796	3,385/3,555 lbs	Note 3
432/532	H23	2 dr Hardtop Coupe - 6P	$2,618/$2,737	3,325/3,520 lbs	Note 3
435/535	H27	2 dr Convertible - 6P	$2,988	3,580 lbs	Note 3

Note: 1. A total of 66,100 were Senecas. Individaul breakdowns are not available. 2. A total of 38,600 were Pioneers. Individaul breakdowns are not available. 3. A total of 37,300 were Phoenixs. Individaul breakdowns are not available. Side Note: In 1961, Dodge built 20,625 two-door sedans; 97,201 four-door sedans; 22,156 two-door hardtops; 9,665 four-door hardtops; 4,361 convertibles; 20,697 six-passenger station wagons; 7,005 nine-passenger station wagons. No individual breakdowns are available for body styles. Chassis Specifications

Model	Wheelbase	Overall Length	Width	Front Track	Rear Track	Tires
Dart	118 in	209.4 in	78.7 in	-	-	7.00 x 14
Dart Station Wagon	122 in	214.8 in	78.7 in	-	-	8.00 x 14

 

1961 Dodge VIN Decoding

Serial Numbers were stamped on a metal plate on the left front door body hinge post.

First Symbol - Model/Engine 4 = Dart - six cylinder 7 = Lancer - six cylinder 5 = Dodge - V8   Second Symbol - Series 1 = Seneca/Lancer 170 6 = Pioneer station wagon 2 = Pioneer 7 = Polara station wagon 3 = Phoenix/Lancer 770 8 = Taxicab 4 = Polara 9 = Police Special 5 = Seneca/ Lancer 170 Station Wagon 0 = Fleet car Third Symbol - Year 1 = 1961 Fourth Symbol - Assembly Plant 2 = Dodge Main 6 = Newark, DE 3 = Detroit (Jefferson) 7 = St. Louis, MO 5 = Los Angeles, CA   Last Six Symbols - Production Sequence Started at 100001