Chrysler updated the Newport nameplate as a separate model for 1961, and starting with 1960, all Chrysler models adopted the grille appearance from the Chrysler 300F. At a base price of $2,964 ($25,929 in 2020 dollars), the Newport was the least expensive Chrysler model, intended to appeal to owners of the discontinued DeSoto brand. While the Newport was successful and comprised the bulk of Chrysler production, the base Newport sedans were modest trim package versions of Chrysler's traditional upscale models, featuring smaller hubcaps instead of full-wheel covers, plain interiors and a minimal amount of exterior trim. By contrast, the next model up, the New Yorker, retailed for $4,870 (equal to $42,603 today) Advertising took pains to emphasize the Newport was not a compact car, describing it as "a full-size Chrysler in a new lower price range" and using "no jr. editions" as a tagline. In 1961, the Newport was available as a two-door convertible, two-door hardtop, four-door sedan, four-door hardtop and four-door station wagon. The base engine for the Newport was the 361 cu in (5.9 L) V8 engine rated at 265 hp (198 kW; 269 PS). Optional was the 413 cu in (6.8 L) and the 383 cu in (6.3 L) that was mostly used in the Town and Country station wagons. All Newports could have been ordered with the 413 either single or dual four-bbl carbs and most of the 300 letter car options, except the four bucket seats, center console, and tachometer. A three-speed manual transmission was standard, but seldom ordered. The dash had been designed with Chrysler's push-button controls for the TorqueFlite automatic in mind, with the gauge cluster covering the part of the steering column a column shifter would come out from under then-standard practice, so manual cars used a floor shifter.

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