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1961 Chevrolet Biscayne 4-Dr. Sta. Wagon

The Biscayne served as Chevrolet's entry-level full-size model in 1961, offering basic transportation with minimal chrome trim and simple interiors. In station wagon form it added V8 performance to the line.
Confidence 95%
112151031000
8 Cyl
Engine
4-Dr. Sta. Wagon
Body
Muscle Car Era
Era
No factory image on file
1961 Chevrolet Biscayne

VIN Breakdown

PositionValueDecoded
Year Code 1 1961
Model Code 1215 Biscayne
Plant Code 1 Unknown Plant
Serial Number 031000 Unit #031000

Basic Information

MakeChevrolet
ModelBiscayne
Year1961
Body Style4-Dr. Sta. Wagon
ManufacturerGeneral Motors Corporation
EraMuscle Car Era

Available Engine Options

Engine options inferred from model and year. Specific engine not encoded in VIN.

Engine 235 cu.in. I6
Horsepower135 HP @ 4000 RPM HP
Displacement235 cu.in. CID
Carburetor1-barrel
Compression8.25:1
Engine 283 cu.in. V8
Horsepower170 HP @ 4200 RPM HP
Displacement283 cu.in. CID
Carburetor2-barrel
Compression8.5:1
Engine 283 cu.in. V8
Horsepower195 HP @ 4800 RPM HP
Displacement283 cu.in. CID
Carburetor2-barrel
Compression9.25:1
Engine 327 cu.in. V8
Horsepower250 HP @ 4400 RPM HP
Displacement327 cu.in. CID
Carburetor4-barrel
Compression10.0:1
Engine 409 cu.in. V8
Horsepower340 HP @ 4400 RPM HP
Displacement409 cu.in. CID
Carburetor4-barrel
Compression10.0:1
Engine 409 cu.in. V8
Horsepower400 HP @ 5000 RPM HP
Displacement409 cu.in. CID
Carburetor2x4-barrel
Compression11.0:1

About This Decode

This VIN does not encode the engine, so the engine details shown are representative of the model as built and not VIN-confirmed. (Most pre-1972 GM VINs do not carry an engine code.)

Specifications

Engine

CarburetorRochester
Bore & Stroke10 inches
Main Bearings5
Rated HP48.05
Cylinders8
Compression8.5
Horsepower170@4200
Torque275@2200
Valve LiftersHydraulic
Displacement283.04

Dimensions

Length209.3
Wheelbase119
Width76
Front Tread60.3
Height56
Rear Tread59.3

Drivetrain

AxleSemifloating
Transmission2
Rear Axle Ratio4
Clutch TypeSingle plate dry disc
Differential Ratio3.36
DifferentialHypoid
Steering GearSemi-reversible recirculating ball
DriveRear wheel drive
2nd Gear Ratio1.68
Gears3
1st Gear Ratio2.94
Reverse Ratio3.33
3rd Gear Ratio1

Suspension

Rear SuspensionCoil springs
Front SuspensionIndependent ball joint with coil springs
Tire Size8 x 14

Brakes

Parking BrakeRear service brakes
Brake Drum Size11
Service Brakes4 wheel hydraulic drum

Fuel & Electrical

Fuel Capacity20
Oil Capacity4
LubricationPressure to all bearings excluding wrist pin
ExhaustSingle with crossover
IgnitionDistributor and coil
Fuel TypeRegular
CoolingCentrifugal pump with thermostat, 16 Quarts
Battery12
RadiatorTube and center

Equipment

EquipmentTurboglide automatic transmission, Power steering, Air conditioning, Powerglide automatic transmission, Heater and Defroster, Radio, Power windows

Colors

Exterior ColorsAlmond Beige, Arbor Green Metallic, Coronna Cream, Ermine White, Fawn Beige Metallic, Honduras Maroon Metallic, Jewel Blue Metallic, Lacquer, Midnight Blue Metallic, Roman Red, Sateen Silver Metallic, Seafoam Green, Seamist Turquoise, Shadow Gray Metallic, Twilight Turquoise Metallic

Other

B&s 3 7/8 & 3

Body

Seating6
Doors2

Specifications are for this model from period Chevrolet data. Chevrolet VINs do not encode the engine, so figures are representative of the model as built; see the separate engine-options panel for all available engines.