'61 Plymouth breaks down like this;

FIRST DIGIT: Identifies the car line

2 = Plymouth 6 Cyl.
3 = Plymouth 8 Cyl.

SECOND DIGIT: Identifies the series

1 = Savoy (no hardtop Savoys)
2 = Belvedere
3 = Fury
8 = Taxi
9 = Special/Police
0 = Fleet
There are others, but they are for wagons



THIRD DIGIT: Identifies the model year

1 = 1961

FOURTH DIGIT: Identifies the assembly plant

1 = Detroit, MI
2 = Detroit, MI
5 = Los Angeles, CA
6 = Newark, DE
7 = St. Louis, MO

LAST SIX DIGITS: Represents the basic production numbers.

Starting number 100001/up

If this is a former police car, the serial number should start;

'391'

Of course, there is nothing stopping a police agency from buying a car off the lot.

A Belvedere serial number would start;

'321'

The 'BDY' number on the data plate should be 322 for a Belvedere V-8 hardtop

The 'TRM' codes for a Belvedere;

Maize = 514
Black = 511
Blue = 511
Green = 512
Turquoise = 514
Silver = 511
Red = 514
Lavender = 514
White = 511
Beige = 513

Unsure why codes duplicate each other, but this does so on other lines as well. Trim on a Savoy starts '50X'. Belvederes are the only line to start '51X'

Paint Codes for all Plymouth models;

A = Maize
B = Jet Black
C = Robins Egg Blue
D = Air Force Blue Metallic
F = Mint Green
G = Emerald Green Metallic
K = Twilight Turquoise
L = Silver Gray Metallic
P = Cardinal Red Metallic
R = Coral
S = Lavender Metallic
W = Alpine White
Y = Fawn Beige
Z = Bronze Metallic


ENGINE NUMBERS: Engine numbers are stamped on the boss on the top right side of the cylinder block just behind the water pump. Engine numbers for 1961 cars start with R. Other years use different letters (example, 1962 start with 'S').

+ = Short Ram
* = Runner (?)
** = Long Ram

R-36 = 361 (305 HP)
R-38 = 383 (325 HP)
R-38* = 383 (330 HP 2-4BBL)
R-38** = 383 (330 HP 2-4BBL)
R-38+ = 383 (340 HP 2-4BBL)
R-41 = 413 (350 HP)
R-41+ = 413 (375 HP 2-4BBL)
R-41* = 413 (375 HP 2-4BBL)

These might also have 'SP' for Special Police or 'HP' for High Performance

I didn't bother with 318's or slant six as these engines are rather obvious.

My past experience has shown the serial number to also be stamped on the data plate, but my oldest car was a 1962 (Dodge Lancer). I would expect all V-8 cars with automatics to have cast iron 727 Torqueflites (with push buttons). Sixes would have a 904 Torqueflite.

I hope this helps. I would think if this is an ordered police car that it would be visible on the serial number and engine number. Police car or not, nothing wrong with a 413 powered Belvedere.

So when do I get my check???