1963 Dodge Polara

The 1963 Dodge lineup included three compact models, three full-size models, and the luxurious 880 and Custom 880 Series. The compact line was comprised of the Dart 170, Dart 270, and top-of-the-range Dart GT. They rested on a 111-inch wheelbase and came equipped with six-cylinder engines. The full-size line was comprised of the entry-level 330 Series, the intermediate 440 Series, and the range-topping Polara. The wheelbase measured 119-inches (slightly shorter for the station wagons at 116-inches) and came with either six- or eight-cylinder power. The 880 and Custom 880 Series had a unique design and identity, with Chrysler body designs from the windshield back. They rested on a 122-inch wheelbase and were solely powered by eight-cylinder power.

The Dodge 330 Series was offered as a two- and four-door sedan, and a 6- and 9-passenger station wagon. The base engine was the overhead valve 225 Slant Six with a 225 cubic-inch displacement, solid valve lifters, a Holley one-barrel carburetor, and delivered 145 horsepower at 4,000 RPM. A three-speed manual transmission was standard on all full-size Dodges, with the three-speed TorqueFlite automatic transmission optional. Other optional equipment included an electric clock, power seats, power windows, power steering, power brakes, a four-speed manual transmission, windshield washer, and Music Master radio. Standard equipment included turn signals, sun visors, electric windshield wipers, a PCV system, and a power tailgate window on the nine-passenger station wagon.

The Dodge 330 was first introduced in 1962 and produced through1964, although the name lived on another year in Canada. The B-body styling continued into 1963 with minor updates, perhaps the biggest being a three-inch longer wheelbase. In the front was a full-width grille with a vertical theme and convex styling incorporating inboard headlights. Along the body side was a nearly horizontal feature line that angled back from the front fenders, to the rear of the car. In the back were rectangular taillights and recessed license plate in the escutcheon panel. Chrome trim was used around the windshield and rear window moldings.

Along with the body styles offered on the 330, the 440 Series included a hardtop coupe. Standard equipment included front foam cushions and carpeting.

The Polara was the top trim level Dodge, available as a sedan, hardtop coupe, hardtop sedan, and convertible. The sedan was approximately $300 more than the 330 Series and approximately $150 more than the 440 Series. It added back-up lights, additional exterior moldings, a power top on the convertible, and custom interior and upholstery trim.

Following lagging sales of the shorter wheelbase 1961 and 1962 models, the Polara was redesigned for 1963 on a longer wheelbase for a more full-size look.

Above the Polara was a high-performance version called the Polara 500, equipped with a 383 cubic-inch V8 with 265 horsepower. Along with the engine upgrade, the list of standard equipment included bucket seats, rear foam cushions, a deluxe steering wheel, special wheel covers, and a padded instrument panel. Body styles included a hardtop coupe priced at $2,965 and a convertible at $3,200.

The majority of the 39,800 Polara models built-in 1963 were equipped with eight-cylinder engines, with approximately 2,200 fitted with sixes. Around 7,300 were Polara 500s and all came with eight-cylinder power.

The V-8 engine lineup ranged from the polyspherical-head 318 V-8 up to the engine which Dodge was using with great success out on the race track, the 400-plus-horsepower 426-cubic-inch Max Wedge. The 318 CID V8 produced 230 horsepower, the 361 CID V8 delivered 265 hp and the 383 CID with 330 horsepower at 4,500 RPM. The overhead valve 413 CID V8 had a cast-iron block, hydraulic valve lifters, five main bearings, and delivered between 340 and 390 horsepower depending on the configuration.

The 'Max Wedge' 426 cubic-inch V-8 was the top performance option (the official name was Maximum Performance Package) intended for all-out racing, delivering 415 horsepower at 5,800 RPM. It had two Carter four-barrel carburetors, solid valve lifters, five main bearings, and 11.0:1 compression. With 13.5:1 compression, horsepower rose to 425 horsepower. Selecting this engine included a pair of Carter 3447S AFB 4-barrel carburetors on an aluminum cross-ram intake manifold and a pair of full-flowing 3-inch exhaust manifolds. Max Wedges did very well in NHRA competition, especially in 1963, when the so-called Stage II version, bored out to 426 cubic inches, was debuted. They did well in the Super Stock classes, as well as in NASCAR. Many were installed in cars fitted with the lightweight front end sheet metal of the Aluminum Package, but it was possible to order a Max Wedge in more upscale street models, including the two-door hardtop Polara.

by Daniel Vaughan | Dec 2020