1961 Chrysler Newport

With the discontinuation of the DeSoto brand, Chrysler re-shuffled its models for 1961 to help absorb the void, with the entry-level 1961 Chrysler priced approximately seven percent lower than the previous year's entry-level model. 1961 was the last year for the Virgil Exner-designed 'Big Fin' cars that had defined the late-1950s, and the start of the canted headlights (used on 1961 and 1962 Chryslers). Chrysler re-introduced the Newport name in 1961, formerly applied to a hardtop body style, and served as the entry-level model. It rested on a 122-inch wheelbase which it shared with the Windsor. The Saratoga nameplate was dropped for 1961 and the Windsor assumed its position in the lineup, below the well-equipped New Yorker and the sporty 300G Series.

The entry-level 1960 Windsor had accounted for approximately fifty-three percent of Chrysler's total production, and the low-priced 1961 Newport was also very popular, with its 57,102 units accounting for nearly sixty percent of production. Newport styling was similar to the other 1961 Chryslers, with less trim, small hubcaps instead of full-wheel covers, and plain interiors. Chrysler advertising described it as 'a full-size Chrysler in a new lower price range.' The front grille had fine horizontal bars flanked by slanted headlamps and resting above the straight, wraparound grille. The taillamps were positioned in the deck lid latch panel, and the tailfins were similar to the 1960 style and ended in chromed inserts with small backup lamps.

The Newport was powered by the smallest engine in the lineup with a 361 cubic-inch displacement 'Golden Lion', hydraulic valve lifters, a Stromberg two-barrel carburetor, overhead valves, a cast-iron block, and delivering 265 horsepower at 4,400 RPM. The Windsor used a 383 CID V8 with 305 hp, the New Yorker a 413 CID V8 with 350 hp, and the two Carter four-barrel carbureted 413 CID V8 powering the 300G delivered 375 hp. With solid valve lifters, horsepower peaked at 400 bhp.

Although the smallest engine in the lineup, it earned the Newport the Mobil Gas Economy Run for 1961 with an average fuel economy rating of 19.99 mpg. The engine was backed by a standard three-speed manual transmission or optional push-button TorqueFlite automatic. Additional optional equipment included power brakes, power windows, power seat, rear window defogger, Flitesweep deck lid, Auto-Pilot, Golden Tone radio, Golden Touch Tuner radio, power antenna, and air conditioning. The interior had all-chromed window garnish moldings, polished stainless-steel bows trimmed headliner and a dash with chromed appointments. There were raised door and rear quarter panels with chrome trim on each panel, and the unique Chrysler swing-out seats were optional. The Newport was the only Chrysler model with polished stainless-steel trim on top of the entire length of the fins.

The sedan was priced at $2,960, the hardtop coupe at $3,025, the hardtop sedan at $3,100, and the convertible at $3,440. The six-passenger station wagon had a factory base price of $3,540 and the nine-passenger version was $80 higher. The bulk of the production was the 34,370 examples of the sedan, followed by 9,405 of the hardtop coupe and 7,789 of the hardtop sedan. The convertible had 2,135 and the combined station wagon total was 3,403 units, including 1,832 with six-passenger seating.

The 1961 Chryslers featured the futuristic Astrodome steering column and Electroluminescent instrument panel lighting (offered from 1961 to 1962 in the Chrysler line).

The styling introduced for 1961 would continue through 1964 with updates made along the way, including a restyling for 1963 alongside the New Yorker and 300. The Newport name would continue to be used by Chrysler through 1981.

by Daniel Vaughan | Apr 2021