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-   -   1961 Fords - Where have they all gone? (https://www.fordbarn.com/forum/showthread.php?t=220384)

mercman from oz 05-07-2017 05:31 PM

1961 Fords - Where have they all gone?
 

https://www.fordbarn.com/forum/attac...p;d=1494193768https://www.fordbarn.com/forum/attac...p;d=1494193768https://www.fordbarn.com/forum/attac...p;d=1494193768https://www.fordbarn.com/forum/attac...p;d=1494193768
Where have all the 1961 Fords disappeared to? While you see plenty of 61 Chevs, you hardly see any 61 Fords. In my view, they are great looking cars. The top three photos were taken in the USA, while the bottom photo was taken in Australia. This year Ford was never sold in Australia, as Ford Australia was still selling the 59 Fords with updated 59 Meteor Grilles and Trim as 61 models. Then, for 1962, Ford Australia only offered the "intermediate" 1962 Ford Fairlane 500, but no full sized Fords.
Where have all the 61 Fords disappeared to?

Ford Freak 05-07-2017 06:52 PM

Re: 1961 Fords - Where have they all gone?
 

Good question ! I hardly see any around my area , and when I do they are beaters .
I think they are a good looking car , and I like '62s also . Don't see many of them , either .
I sure would love me a '60 or '61 Starliner !

Daves55Sedan 05-07-2017 11:34 PM

Re: 1961 Fords - Where have they all gone?
 

It would be legitimate to ask that same question about many of the '50's & '60's Fords. They are gone. Last time I saw a '60 or 61 full size Ford around here was in the early 1970's.
There was one old man around here who bought a 1957 Ford Fairlane 4-dr hardtop brand new and was still driving it until he died in the early 1980's, but by then the car was half rusted away to nothing. Folks around here don't keep a car if it comes to needing major service work. They junk it and go out and buy a ten year old used car to replace it.

LOWRIDER 05-08-2017 06:19 AM

Re: 1961 Fords - Where have they all gone?
 

I've had a 61 Starliner for about a year now. Made a deal over on the HAMB for my 38 Ford deluxe and some $$ for it. It has some problems but it's not rusted. I can deal with any mechanical issues but I know enough about body work to be dangerous. Great running and driving car. 406, 3x2's & 4sp. Gets plenty of looks and there's only one other Starliner in town.

SuperDave 05-08-2017 06:49 AM

Re: 1961 Fords - Where have they all gone?
 

There are two 61's here in Melbourne Fl. Both black. One Starliner (has three deuces) and one Sunliner. Very nice restored drivers. Both belong to a friend and Ford/Merc. collector. Both have been in my shop lately. Maybe the owner would part with one? I would be happy to pass your contact info to him.

Troublemaker427 05-08-2017 07:47 AM

Re: 1961 Fords - Where have they all gone?
 

3 Attachment(s)
Here is a few photos of my father and my '61 Fords. My fathers is the red Starliner. He has owned this car since 1986 and bought an identical one to it new in 1961 when he was 19.

The mint green Fairlane is mine. We just finished a body off complete restoration of this car. It is built as if it was a NHRA legal Optional Super Stock car from 1961. It took "Best of Show" honors two weeks ago at the 2017 FE Race & Reunion.

Both cars are 390-401 "Hipo" cars.

I'm now on the hunt for a 1961 station wagon. I'd like to find one in "driver" condition.

40 Deluxe 05-08-2017 09:27 AM

Re: 1961 Fords - Where have they all gone?
 

Quote:

Originally Posted by Troublemaker427 (Post 1469560)
Here is a few photos of my father and my '61 Fords. My fathers is the red Starliner. He has owned this car since 1986 and bought an identical one to it new in 1961 when he was 19.

The mint green Fairlane is mine. We just finished a body off complete restoration of this car. It is built as if it was a NHRA legal Optional Super Stock car from 1961. It took "Best of Show" honors two weeks ago at the 2017 FE Race & Reunion.

Both cars are 390-401 "Hipo" cars.

I'm now on the hunt for a 1961 station wagon. I'd like to find one in "driver" condition.

What are your strip times, if I may ask?

Milt/Las Vegas 05-08-2017 10:41 AM

Re: 1961 Fords - Where have they all gone?
 

I have a 63 500 XL convertible 427 and there aren't any others in Las Vegas that I know of.A 63 1/2 427 SOHC showed up at our sunday morning get togethers.

Troublemaker427 05-08-2017 11:02 AM

Re: 1961 Fords - Where have they all gone?
 

We didn't race, yet.... The photo of us on the starting line was just a photo op. The one of the rear of the car was me driving down the track on a "parade" lap when the awards were given out. Dad has gone 13.30s with his Starliner with the stock 390-401 several years ago. He put a stout 428 in it a few years ago and went a 12.02. He now has the 390-401 back in the car.

mercman from oz 05-08-2017 04:25 PM

Re: 1961 Fords - Where have they all gone?
 

https://www.fordbarn.com/forum/attac...p;d=1494247266
What a great photo of two 1961 Fords racing each other. Thanks for sharing.

40 Deluxe 05-08-2017 05:44 PM

Re: 1961 Fords - Where have they all gone?
 

Quote:

Originally Posted by Troublemaker427 (Post 1469639)
We didn't race, yet.... The photo of us on the starting line was just a photo op. The one of the rear of the car was me driving down the track on a "parade" lap when the awards were given out. Dad has gone 13.30s with his Starliner with the stock 390-401 several years ago. He put a stout 428 in it a few years ago and went a 12.02. He now has the 390-401 back in the car.

I should have looked closer and noticed the windows are down. Evidence that it is a staged photo. Thanks for sharing!

1931flathead 05-08-2017 08:11 PM

Re: 1961 Fords - Where have they all gone?
 

there is 4 1960 ford Strarliner on Craiglist IN MINN you have to buy all 4 not in the best of shape

willowbilly3 05-09-2017 07:35 AM

Re: 1961 Fords - Where have they all gone?
 

I'd trade anything out of my fleet for a Starliner. Haven't owned a 61 or a 63 big Ford yet.

mercman from oz 05-09-2017 06:10 PM

Re: 1961 Fords - Where have they all gone?
 

https://www.fordbarn.com/forum/attac...p;d=1494370957
A mate of mine bought this 1961 Ford Starliner which had been imported into Australia. He made arrangements to have the car road transported north to his home. Enroute, someone decided to take a look at the engine, but didn't close the hood properly. As a consequence, it flew open completely ruining it and smashing the windshield. He had a spare hood from a 62 Ford which he fitted, as can be seen in this picture. The windshield is a different proposition altogether, as it is unique to just the 1960 and 1961 Ford Starliner, and the 1960 Edsel 2 door hardtop. They are extremely rare and hard to find.

5851a 05-09-2017 06:27 PM

Re: 1961 Fords - Where have they all gone?
 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DbrszQhjN8U Dear Santa,

Six volt 05-09-2017 07:38 PM

Re: 1961 Fords - Where have they all gone?
 

There is a really nice blue 61 Ford Tudor, 292 and fordamatic today on the Hemmings site.
Worth taking a look at.

mercman from oz 05-09-2017 08:12 PM

Re: 1961 Fords - Where have they all gone?
 

https://www.fordbarn.com/forum/attac...p;d=1494370957https://www.fordbarn.com/forum/attac...p;d=1494370957
Here are some more pictures of my mates 61 Starliner. Just waiting patiently to be restored.

mercman from oz 05-09-2017 08:22 PM

Re: 1961 Fords - Where have they all gone?
 

https://www.fordbarn.com/forum/attac...p;d=1494379136

https://www.fordbarn.com/forum/attac...p;d=1494379136
That is a very nice 1961 Ford Fairlane 500 2 door sedan that Six Volt mentioned in his Post that is advertised in Hemmings.

flyboy89 05-11-2017 12:44 AM

Re: 1961 Fords - Where have they all gone?
 

Back in the early '70s my neighbor had a '61 two door but not a Starliner. He had raced it in New York. He moved to Calif. and got married. Took the 406 out of it and replaced it with a 352 but kept the 4 speed . His wife would drive it everywhere, her DD. In the late '80s he offered it to me along with the 406 and some other parts for $1500.00. Being a Chevy guy at the time, I didn't want it. I could kick myself in the rear a hundred times for not buying that car.

40 Deluxe 05-11-2017 10:12 AM

Re: 1961 Fords - Where have they all gone?
 

What a difference a year makes! '60 Fords were ugly, ugly, ugly, in direct contrast to the '61's! Even the Starliner roof couldn't help the looks of a '60 model. (JJust my opinion)

parklane 05-11-2017 07:24 PM

Re: 1961 Fords - Where have they all gone?
 

Purchased my 61 hardtop about 5 years ago from a fellow that was being put in old age home. 352, auto trans, P/S, P/B. White with red interior. Has only 68,000 original miles.

mercman from oz 05-11-2017 09:42 PM

Re: 1961 Fords - Where have they all gone?
 

Parklane, How about a pictures of your 61 Ford?

raceron1120 05-11-2017 09:57 PM

Re: 1961 Fords - Where have they all gone?
 

Quote:

Originally Posted by 40 Deluxe (Post 1470947)
What a difference a year makes! '60 Fords were ugly, ugly, ugly, in direct contrast to the '61's! Even the Starliner roof couldn't help the looks of a '60 model. (JJust my opinion)

I wouldn't trade an ugly Ford for any C**vy. My first car was an ugly '60 Ford (sarcasm intended). :D :D Yup, my opinion as well.

Milt/Las Vegas 05-12-2017 09:16 AM

Re: 1961 Fords - Where have they all gone?
 

Quote:

Originally Posted by 40 Deluxe (Post 1470947)
What a difference a year makes! '60 Fords were ugly, ugly, ugly, in direct contrast to the '61's! Even the Starliner roof couldn't help the looks of a '60 model. (JJust my opinion)

Well I thought the 60 starliners and sunliners were beautiful.I love the profile,if you'll will notice the side mldg.is a few inches below the belt line making the car seem lower.

willowbilly3 05-12-2017 03:10 PM

Re: 1961 Fords - Where have they all gone?
 

I was never a big fan of 59,60 or 61 styling. Gotta love any starliner. It seemed like for several years Ford was kinda confused on whether a 2 door should be a hardtop or a post. No guessing when it's a starliner. 59 is still probably my least favorite big Ford in the 55-67 years.

wbedwards 05-12-2017 07:18 PM

Re: 1961 Fords - Where have they all gone?
 

My first car at 16 was a '62 Galaxie 500. I like the '59 '60 '61 but there aren't very many surviving it seems. So..... I ended up with a '59 Edsel =]

parklane 05-13-2017 09:34 PM

Re: 1961 Fords - Where have they all gone?
 

For some reason I can't get the pic to upload. Will try again tomorrow.

mercman from oz 05-14-2017 04:15 AM

Re: 1961 Fords - Where have they all gone?
 

https://www.fordbarn.com/forum/attac...p;d=1494753042

https://www.fordbarn.com/forum/attac...p;d=1494753042
I spotted this imported 1961 Ford Galaxie Sunliner at a local Swap Meet - Car Show over 10 years ago, and have never seen it since. I only ever saw it once and then it disappeared.

mercman from oz 05-15-2017 10:04 PM

Re: 1961 Fords - Where have they all gone?
 

https://www.fordbarn.com/forum/attac...p;d=1494374483

https://www.fordbarn.com/forum/attac...p;d=1494374483

https://www.fordbarn.com/forum/attac...p;d=1494374483
Another neat 1961 Ford Starliner.

Motorhead6 05-16-2017 06:23 PM

Re: 1961 Fords - Where have they all gone?
 

Have a friend that is doing a total restoration on a '61 convertible. Beautiful yellow. It's for sale. No idea what he will be asking for it, but I can tell you that he has done several '60 and '61 Starliners and Sunliners; all beautiful cars. He really knows how to do them. If interested, I can get you in touch with him.

aussiesteve 05-20-2017 08:28 AM

Re: 1961 Fords - Where have they all gone?
 

4 Attachment(s)
I rebuilt a 61 starliner in Australia in 1990/91.I bought the car in New mexico.
I sold it to move to the US.
Since then I,ve had 4 more 61 Starliners and a 61 wagon.i currently own a 62 wagon but would have another 61 starliner in a heartbeat

willowbilly3 05-20-2017 06:58 PM

Re: 1961 Fords - Where have they all gone?
 

Had a 62 Sunliner, kind of a running basket case when I got it but nice paint and interior. I was up under the dash and there was a rust hole on each side in the air vent plenum about the size of a bowling ball. Also rusted down where the top anchors under the rear window. Major surgery. Sold it. Got a nice low miles 64 Custom 300 and checked it right away. The rubber drain flappers were plugged and about a bushel of acorns in there but I caught it before it rusted out.
Moral of story, If you have or are buying one of these years of car, check that, it's a crappy design.

mercman from oz 05-20-2017 10:32 PM

Re: 1961 Fords - Where have they all gone?
 

https://www.fordbarn.com/forum/attac...p;d=1495286893
Steve, Your 1961 Ford Starliner was a nice looking car. I can understand why you miss owning it now.

Daves55Sedan 05-20-2017 10:45 PM

Re: 1961 Fords - Where have they all gone?
 

Quote:

Originally Posted by 40 Deluxe (Post 1470947)
What a difference a year makes! '60 Fords were ugly, ugly, ugly, in direct contrast to the '61's!

I always thought the same thing and what's funny is looking at only the side of the '60 is pretty much like looking at a '61, but ughhh that front and back end of the '60 turns me off. They really improved it greatly in '61.

mercman from oz 05-24-2017 05:06 PM

Re: 1961 Fords - Where have they all gone?
 

https://www.fordbarn.com/forum/attac...p;d=1494374525

https://www.fordbarn.com/forum/attac...p;d=1494374525

https://www.fordbarn.com/forum/attac...p;d=1494374525
Here are some pictures of another 1961 Ford Starliner I saw in Michigan. I would not like to take this one on in a race, as it looks mighty tough. It would appear that out of all the body styles Ford offered in 1961, the Starliner is the most sort after, making it even more popular than the Sunliner convertible. Am I correct in my assumption?

bobss396 05-25-2017 10:48 AM

Re: 1961 Fords - Where have they all gone?
 

My '59 came up and I had to have it since the body was clean as a whistle. I like the '57 and '61 better and did have a '64 or 3. It was missing a lot of parts which opened the door for me to do what I wanted with it. I still have my eyes open for a '61 locally.

mercman from oz 05-30-2017 01:19 AM

Re: 1961 Fords - Where have they all gone?
 

https://www.fordbarn.com/forum/attac...p;d=1496124876
Here is yet another 1961 Ford Starliner that has found its way to Australia. This photo was sent to me by my friend in Sydney. It is similar in colour to the one that Steve Posted, but the interior is a different colour. These Starliners sure seem to be very desirable cars, and by looking at them, you can see why they are popular.

aussiesteve 05-30-2017 09:58 AM

Re: 1961 Fords - Where have they all gone?
 

That is my old car.
The idiot I sold it to tore out all the tuck and roll and put a stock interior in it.
I hate selling stuff and seeing what people do to the cars to make it their own

mercman from oz 05-30-2017 05:11 PM

Re: 1961 Fords - Where have they all gone?
 

Steve, After I Posted the picture, I got to thinking that it could be the same car, as they are both Right Hand Drive and the same colour. Thanks for the confirmation.

paul2748 06-03-2017 10:06 PM

Re: 1961 Fords - Where have they all gone?
 

Like the thread on 60 Fords, there were a number of 61's at Carlisle, including a few Starliners, two of which were really done up nice


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