1961 Chevy 409

[rich p]

I found a killer 61 with duel carbs, silver/red 4 speed with bullit proof paperwork but not the original motor and it wouldnt do.. I feel paperwork for one of 18 cars built should be better then original motor NO paperwork...
Wants ALL the bells and whistels.

[Verne_Frantz]

One of 18 cars????? Where did that number come from?

Verne

[rich p]

Im trying to find that out myself not a 61 type of guy..
Air Cleaner facing the fire wall LOL!!

[PeteLeathersac]

Verne,

Isn't the often quoted 409/360 production quantity of 142 units in SS cars incorrect and the 142 number really represents total production in all body styles regardless of trim series?.


~ Pete

[WILMASBOYL78]

I think somebody had a 61 car outside at the US 30 show in York...not sure if it was a 409..??? perhaps someone here saw the car..it was so hot outside I didn't take many walks

wilma

[Smokey]

I think someone could find Gold Chicken lips alot easier. I had 2 early 61 blocks and know of someone else who had 3 over the last 20 some years. So that takes 5 of the cars out of the search.

[Verne_Frantz]

Pete,
That's correct. '61 409 production began in Nov. ('60) and the first Super Sport was more than a few months later. Total Tonawanda engine production was a little over 300 (I have the actual number here somewhere). I'm purely guessing, but the "one of 18" number probably refers to a rumored number of 2x4 '61s produced. This is absolutely not a jab toward Richp, but that is nothing more than a rumor. There have been no confirmed accounts of Chevrolet ever producing such a car. Early 2x4 intakes and #690 heads were made available through dealers and fitted onto existing cars, such as Nicholson's and Strickler's.

Wilma,
I spent a LOT of time looking over that '61 Biscayne outside at York. It's an old drag racer and survivor that was originally a 3x2 348 car.

Verne

[rich p]

Just was told about 61's not having 2 carbs and with paperwork makes it ALL look

[Verne_Frantz]

[ QUOTE ]
Just was told about 61's not having 2 carbs and with paperwork makes it ALL look

[/ QUOTE ]

Rich,
Without getting myself in a sling (therefore, I'm not mentioning names)............if you were referring to a certain shadow gray '61 SS that was built in TX, has "paperwork", and was sold at auction for big $$ not long ago, all I can say is STAY AWAY. The car is a 100% fake.

Verne

[sixtiesmuscle]

I agree. Finding ANY documented '61 409 is an achievement.