1962 Dodge Polara 500

Dodge introduced the Polara model in 1960, the same year it introduced unitized construction for all its models, and the lower-priced and smaller Dart Series as the Chrysler Corporation prepared to fill the void for the soon-to-be-obsolete DeSoto brand. While the Dart occupied the smaller car segment, the Matador and Polara were the full-size Dodge models for 1960. The Matador did not survive past 1960, leaving the Polara as the only full-size Dodge in 1961. A new compact series called the Lancer was introduced in 1961, resting on a 106.5-inch wheelbase platform and measuring 188.8 inches in length. It was powered by a 170 CID Slant Six engine while the Dart came standard with a slightly larger version of the Slant Six, measuring 225 cubic-inches.

The Dart received a complete restyling in 1962 and its wheelbase shrunk by two-inches, to 116-inches, and its 202-inch overall length was 10 inches shorter than in 1961. 1962 would be the final year for the Lancer and styling was nearly unchanged.

The Polara 500 was the top trim level for 1962, however, its previous 122-inch wheelbase platform was now used on a new luxury model called the Custom 880. The 1962 Polara 500 shared its chassis and body with the Dart series and was similarly appointed and trimmed as the Dart 440 Series, plus carpeting, dual exhaust, padded instrument panel, Deluxe steering wheel, wheel covers, and bucket seats. Power was from a 361 cubic-inch V8 engine offering just over 300 horsepower. Body styles included a 2-door coupe, 4-door hardtop sedan, and a convertible.

Approximately 12,500 examples of the Polara 500 were produced during the 1962 year. The basic body designs of the 1962 models would continue until 1964 when they were lengthened and revised by the new Chrysler Vice President of styling Eldwood Engel.

By Daniel Vaughan | Jul 2015