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?

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 !

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.

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.

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.

Re: 1961 Fords - Where have they all gone?
 

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.

Re: 1961 Fords - Where have they all gone?
 

What are your strip times, if I may ask?

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.

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.

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.

Re: 1961 Fords - Where have they all gone?
 

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

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

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.

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.

Re: 1961 Fords - Where have they all gone?
 

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

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.

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.

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.

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.

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)