1961 marked the debut of a brand-new style for Dodge pickups.
The ’61 Dodge was a leap into the future because its new design had a contemporary style that separated the pickup from the 1950s in a big way.
Clarence and Dara Oosterlee are the owners of a 1961 Dodge D-100 pickup truck originally purchased in 2022 for Dara but mostly driven by Clarence because Dara has trouble using its three-on-the-tree manual transmission.
Jim Sutherland
The truck’s Slant Six engine has undergone a few changes to enhance its performance, including an aftermarket four-barrel on carburetor sitting on top of a larger manifold that can handle the extra barrels. It also has headers to help push out exhaust in a more efficient manner. Clarence told MyStarCollectorCar the engine improvements “make a big difference”, in his opinion.
The ’61 Dodge had very low gears (4:11) that made the Slant Six scream at highway speeds, so Clarence replaced the gears with 3:25 gears to drop the RPMs on faster roads. Mission accomplished because the 65-year-old pickup could now “run along at 80 mph” according to Clarence. He is very happy with the Slant Six’s ability to keep up with traffic flow on highways.
Clarence is also happy with the 1961 Dodge D-100’s ability to stop because it now has a dual master brake system with front disc brakes. The change is a major upgrade from the truck’s original single master cylinder with four drum brakes that provided less stopping power with a higher risk of total brake failure via a hydraulic leak.
Creature comforts were also addressed in the improvements because the factory bench seat was redone to provide plenty of cushion for passengers in the truck. Clarence also tinted the windows on the truck because “we just about baked in it on hot sunny days”, in his words.
Another change was a hidden sound system in the D-100’s cab so they could enjoy music on a road trip.
The striking paint job on the 1961 Dodge D-100 is a late model Chrysler color called Deep Water Blue and really pops on it. The truck now sports a bed cover to haul extra gear when it’s on a road trip, a solid improvement that gives it a cleaner look and plenty of secure storage.
The cleaner look includes steel wheels with beauty rings to add extra bling to its overall appearance. Clarence also added a passenger side mirror for extra rear vision and to give a balance to the truck.
As noted, the Dodge is a D-100 model with the 100 emblems moved to the front fenders on the truck and a cleaner grille on the front end.
Clarence described the 1961 Dodge D-100 pickup truck as “an unloved find” before he and Dara became its owners, but the truck is most assuredly loved by the Oosterlee clan, including a grandson who labeled it “Lil Blu” to honor its role in the family.
It’s clear “Lil Blue” will stay in the family for many years to come.
Jim Sutherland
BY: Jim Sutherland
Jim Sutherland is a veteran automotive writer whose work has been published by many major print and online publications. The list includes Calgary Herald, The Truth About Cars, Red Deer Advocate, RPM Magazine, Edmonton Journal, Montreal Gazette, Windsor Star, Vancouver Province, and Post Media Wheels Section.
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