Calling all 61 Owners, Vin # & production date question

[linc64]

I've added your info. Thanks very much. If I read it correctly the vin is 418813
It should be a honey beige sedan with light honey beige leather interior built on May 3rd 1961.

Correct. And just a side note, it has interior door handles held on by a screw, not a clip.

[wasagachris]

Interesting. I have several door handles that came with my car. Some are the screw type and some are the clip type. Do you know when the changeover occured and are the handles interchangeable with the door latches? The reason I ask as I don't know what type I should have on my car. I remember removing the clips from some and think some had the screws.

[Ken Stevens]

1Y86H414121 body 74A: Convertible
color H: Empress Blue
trim 82: Medium Blue Metallic leather (now all white)
date 08C: March 8, 1961
trans 4
axle 6: limited slip

Door handles are clip style, steering column is raised with front-mount horn ring. Has Speed-O-Stat, no air, walnut trim.

[Ken Stevens]

Are there any other date-specific options I should look for?

[wasagachris]

Thanks for the info Ken. I'm new to this stuff so I have no idea about date specific options. Linc64 may know more.

[linc64]

I'm new to this stuff so I have no idea about date specific options. Linc64 may know more.

There were a lot of mid-year changes, but I have no idea of exactly when the changes were made. The more data that we receive, the more we'll know.

[wasagachris]

I called another six cars listed for sale on Craigslist today and am awaiting responses from the sellers.
Hopefully another six cars will end up on the database.

[wasagachris]

One more on the list. A black sedan that is being parted out.
Nice guy in California. I made a deal for some trim parts with him. Great price. If anybody is looking for parts give him a call.
http://modesto.en.craigslist.org/cto/3735217820.html

[Bill Prince]

My 1961 convertible:

Body: 74A
Color: M
Trim: 82
Date: 17A
Trans: 4
Axle: 7

My convertible (early model - Jan. 17, 1961 - 3 days before JFK took the oath of office) has:
Lower steering wheel location
Horn ring Under the steering wheel spokes & spokes all chromes steel
None screw door handles
No hood latch "Guide" on the latch receiver on fire wall
Hood safety catch doubler plate on hood
No vibration damper weights
No door threshold rubber carpet protector door jams

My sedan (later model - Jun. 8, 1961) has:
Higher steering wheel location
Horn ring above the steering wheel spokes & spokes plastic with chrome steel on top
screw on door handles
Hood latch "Guide" on the latch receiver on fire wall


No safety catch doubler plate on hood
No door threshold rubber carpet protector door jams

[wixom61]

I have two '61 Convertibles. I've stored them for what seems like forever.

VIN 414510
Body 74A
Color M
Trim 85
Date 14C
Trans 4
Axle 7

This one is your typical Shriners' Special. Built on March 14, 1961. Sultana White w/ Red Leather, white top, wood trim, A/C. It has the weird 1" wide long strips of steel welded to the bottom of the rocker panels. I've seen these on other '61's.
A basketcase, but basically all there.

VIN 423347
Body 74A
Color V
Trim 96
Date 19G
Trans 4
Axle 7

This one is probably a pretty rare example. Built on July 19, 1961. I can't imagine too many were ever made in this color combination, the colors being more in vogue in the late '50's.
Summer Rose w/ Black and White Leather and a white top, wood trim and A/C. It has the rectangular manual outside rearview mirror. All other typical mid to late build changes such as vinyl on the top and sides of the seats instead of leather. It does not have the rubber threshold sill plates.
It's also pretty much a basketcase, but it is not rusty, wrecked or incomplete, so I will definitely restore it to it's former glory...probably with a black top instead of white, and stainless instead of wood.

David

[mikey4243]

One more - this 61 sedan recently bought ... VIN: 1Y82H417837, Model 53A, Paint T, Trim 14, Type Order 1, Sched Date 27D , Region 43. Photo attached.

[wasagachris]

I've added the three newest cars to the list bringing the total up tp 27 cars so far. Thanks guys.

[wixom61]

One more - this 61 sedan recently bought ... VIN: 1Y82H417837, Model 53A, Paint T, Trim 14, Type Order 1, Sched Date 27D , Region 43. Photo attached.

Honey Beige (T) with Medium Blue Metallic Leather (14), that color combination sounds beautiful!

David

[Barry Norman]

My 61...

[Barry Norman]

I have a terrible time with posting pics,, Used Photobucket and the photo posted is so blurred I can't even read it..though it's razor sharp in the original. I give up....

Dte----07C

Body---74A

Color A

Trim 84

CIY86H414083