Unrestored, incredible example in exquisite condition
THE APPEAL
The Polara was Dodge’s top-of-the-range model when it debuted in 1960, cheaper than an equivalent Chrysler or Plymouth but better equipped and with more performance than the budget Dodge models and – as a result – extremely popular with those who wanted to adorn their car with a bit of MOPAR muscle – MOPAR being Chrysler Group’s off-the-shelf aftermarket parts supply, with some fairly fruity performance buried therein.
By far the most distinctive of the Polaras was the 1963/4 model year, which embraced the space race with its rocket-era front-end styling, its headlights designed to look like afterburners and styling cues around the car that replicated flames.
And that’s what we have here – a 1964 Polara 440, with the 225ci (3.7-litre) slant six and a rare three-speed manual transmission. From private high-end muscle car private collection available up for auction now.
All Dodge cars sold in 1964 were marketed as Golden Anniversary models to mark the 50th birthday of the Dodge Brothers’ first car, in 1914. For those who like MOPAR, ’64 cars are sought-after as a result.
As far as we know of the early history of this vehicle in the US, it had a one family owner from Arizona that always kept the car stored in a temperature controlled garage and it when it came from factory with a special undercarriage treatment and when you look under it, you can see it's still spotless. It's also never been driven in the wet in its life.
It was imported to the UK by the current owner in 2017 and it's in pretty much the same condition, it’s clearly a car that has been loved and well cared-for over the years and it has never been restored.
Whilst going over the car on its arrival, he found the original factory build sheet under the rear seat documenting its specification and build dates – the imprint of the seat spring is even visible on the paper sheet. cm5.jpeg772.88 KB
THE INTERIOR
Six-seater with bench seats
Period radio-cassette with audio controls
Eaton air conditioning
Supplementary custom dials
One thing you won’t be short of in the Polara is space – there’s acres of it, across two bench seats, meaning there’s plenty of room for six.
Overall, it’s in unbelievable order. There are a couple of small nicks and pulls in the front seats and some minor wear to the carpets and mats, but it presents beautifully and has loads of character. There’s a 1970s radio-cassette player with huge period speakers installed, as well as an aftermarket Eaton air conditioning unit and a supplementary bank of performance dials. dorcq6U53CbzPY0eQFGr1ufG0Ui8oBvHh8EdxiCC.jpeg841.47 KB
THE EXTERIOR
Original colour scheme
Sports alloys wheels
Original details
Solid and beautifully-presented car
The Dodge looks great in its solid baby blue colour scheme while it also has smart period alloy sports wheels that set it off brilliantly.
The body is straight and solid with no notable marks or damage and the chrome and badges are all in fantastic order, while there are also some delightful details such as the concealed rear boot lock beneath the Polara logo, or the bumper stickers advertising State Farm Insurance, which have probably been on the car for most of its life.
Under the bonnet it has Dodge’s ‘baby’ 225 cubic inch slant six – a 3.7-litre unit with a surprising turn of pace. It’s connected to a three-speed “three-on-the-tree” column change manual gearbox which works perfectly.
We were able to conduct a short test drive in the car and we can confirm that it drives like new, with no play in the steering or untoward suspension noises. It steers and stops well for a car of its age and size and has recently been serviced by the vendor – a qualified mechanic – ready for sale. cm4.jpeg1.2 MB
SUMMARY
This is a very, very cool thing – a genuine Golden Anniversary Polara in amazing condition, and with some wonderful period artefacts such as those bumper stickers and the original build sheet. It’s a terrific, imposing and well-presented car that’s also a very rare sight in the UK.
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