1961 Ford Monarch Richelieu Sedan (LHD)
Result: PASSED IN
Specifications
| Engine | 352cu V-8 |
|---|---|
| Gearbox | Automatic |
| Body Work | Sedan |
| Colour | Blue Metallic |
| Interior | Blue |
| Trim | Cloth / Vinyl |
| Wheels | Steel Disc |
| Brakes | Drums |
Description
A curious machine, the Canadian-market only Ford Monarch was introduced in 1946 and continued production for 15 years. Slated between Mercury and Lincoln in the Ford Canada lineup, the Monarch range was quickly dubbed 'The King of the Road' in Canada, and around 95,000 were produced throughout the brand's production cycle. For the last model year (1961) there were three Monarch flavours; a four-door sedan which proved the most successful with 2476 sold, followed by the sleeker two-door hardtop with 750 units and only 497 examples of the up-scale four-door hardtop. The range could be ordered with either a 352ci two-barrel or 390ci four-barrel producing 200bhp and 300bhp respectively. One sales point focused on the 'Comfort-Zone' ride, which housed 'cushion' suspension links that allowed each wheel to give slightly over bumps to iron out their effect in the cabin. Options were plentiful with power brakes, steering, windows and seat, while thick rayon carpeting and 'glove-soft' metallic vinyl and nylon-faced fabric were the standard seat trims. As well as being the most popular, the Richelieu four-door sedan was also the most affordable of the Monarch range, sitting behind the four and two-door hardtops respectively.
