Having just retired, Stanley and Nancy Karasinski of Battle Ground, Washington, wanted to celebrate and started looking for a project to absorb some of their new-found time. The result was the purchase of this '61 Ford Starliner in April of 1999.
When they first saw this car, they were struck by how much it resembled a Starliner they had during their honeymoon back in 1965, a car that later helped them move to Washington State. Some forty years later, Stanley and Nancy had found a vintage Raven Black Starliner that elicited some of their fondest memories. The car was for sale and they were definitely interested.
A car this nice doesn't come cheap, and the two debated for some time about whether to buy it. Nancy feared if they didn't buy the car, she would have to listen to years of lamentations and moaning from her husband, so Stanley finally made the purchase. Ever since, he has said that he's glad he faithfully listens to his wife.
The high-performance car is equipped with a '65 FE 427 side-oiler engine, but the rebuilt, original 390 6V mill and three-speed with overdrive transmission were included in the deal, so the car can be returned to original condition.
No matter the pros and cons, we know the Karasinski's are glad they bought this Starliner. They now have a rare and powerful car, a joy to drive and marvelous to behold.
The Details
1961 Galaxie Starliner two-door hardtop
Owner: Stanley and Nancy Karasinski, Battle
Ground, WA
Engine
'65 427 Ford side oiler
Bore and stroke 4.23 X 3.78
Forged-steel crankshaft
Le Mans connecting rods
Ford forged-aluminum pistons 11:1
Medium-riser cast-iron cylinder heads
Dual-quad intake with twin Holley 600-cfm carbs
Mooneyes aluminum rocker covers
Transmission
Top Loader four-speed
Rearend
9-inch
Limited slip
3.89 gears
Exhaust
Stock cast-iron manifolds
211/42-inch pipes
MagnaFlow mufflers
Suspension
Front: Stock with heavy-duty coil springs,
oversized front antisway bar, KYB Gas-a-Just
shocksRear: Five-leaf heavy-duty springs, KYB Gas-a-
Just shocks
Brakes
Front: Drum, 11x3-inchesRear: Drum, 11x3-inches
Wheels
Front: Speedline, 16x8
Rear: Speedline, 16x8
Tires
Front: Goodyear Eagle, P215/60R16
Rear: Goodyear Eagle, P255/60R16
Interior
Original red and white upholstery
Ford three-way power bench seat
Auto Meter tachometer
Auto Meter gauges for oil pressure, water
temperature, and amps
LeCarra Banjo steering wheel
AM/FM stereo with 12-CD changer
Exterior
Original Raven Black paint
Custom louvered hood