For Chevrolet, the 1961 model year brought a fresh styling theme and a powerful new engine, the famed 409 V8. Here’s the pitch on the bow-tie brand’s flagship for ’61, the Impala.
Styling took a sharp turn at all five General Motors car divisions in 1961, away from tail fins, chrome, and general excess and into a more clean and understated look. The new themes developed by Bill Mitchell’s GM styling studios were especially evident at Chevrolet, GM’s price and volume leader. “Chevrolet for ’61… made the way you want a car made—with classic simplicity,” croons our favorite Chevrolet spokesman, Joel Aldred, in this distinctive television commercial for the top-of-the-line Impala models.
We especially enjoyed the closeup shots in this spot, including the colorfully enameled crossed-flag Impala badges and the radio speaker built in the center of the rear seat, two details that mesmerized us as car-crazy tykes. They also make a point of demonstrating that the knee-banger front door opening, a least-favorite feature of the ’59-’60 Chevy body style, was now eliminated. Introduced in 1958, the Impala blossomed into a complete model line by 1961 that included two and four-door hardtops and sedans, station wagons, and a convertible.
Two major stories for 1961 aren’t covered here: the debut of the Super Sport, which modestly began that year as an option package, and the mighty 409 CID V8, rolled out at mid-year. These two rare features are seldom encountered on ’61 models today. (Check out our complete feature on the 409 here.) The stars in this clip are the familiar Impala Convertible and the pillarless four-door Sport Sedan, and the word “sensible” can be heard several times. Video below.
Not bad looking, but I liked the Olds’ styling myself.
Used to deliver Sunday morning newspapers by spreading out a tarp across the very wide flat trunk of a 61 Bel Sedan that belonged to my buddy’s dad. That big old sedan had the inline 6 with Powerglide – it was silky smooth, very quiet. Easy to creep around in the early Sunday morning hours without disturbing anyone. A large stack of newspapers between us, we’d wrap rubber bands around the fat newspapers and fling them from the back of the car into people’s yards. One of my favorite early teen memories.
Pontiac styling was the hit for 61.
Pontiac and Oldsmobile were great, as was Cadillac for ’61. I didn’t care for the Buick.
Always thought much less of the 61 styling than just about any other year… but now, and in that green colour, that 4 door ht. looks very nice. I can now see where the stylists were going with it- Eureka! As they say…