Nice semi project car, I think the guy is trying to say it's an original 409 409 hp 1961
http://inlandempire.craigslist.org/cto/4571085366.html
http://inlandempire.craigslist.org/cto/4571085366.html
You are correct on all accounts although the big port heads and the 2x4 set up was available in June of 61 but I don't think there has ever been any proof that any left the factory in cars. Cecil might have something on this.Am I correct in thinking 61 409's never had dual carbs and I don't think the add ever said it was the original motor and if it was it would be more than 35k
Tommy,Cecil,
You are correct about the dual carb motors. The early 61 409's had front inlet carbs and they were small throat carbs, at some point they switched to the large throat, rear inlet carb.
Tommy,
The only evidence of the small throat carb, probably a 3012, on the early 409 is the article in one of the magazines of the day and it's not clear that it was ever used in production. It could have been just placed on the test car to ensure a tamer running engine for the reporters test drive as suggested by the author. All documentation I've seen indicates that the big 3270 was the intended carb for the engine from day one, but it's always possible that the carb wasn't in supply yet at the beginning of production so the 3012 could have been used until the 3270 was available.
Maybe Verne has more on this.