1964 Dodge Polara

For 1964, the Dodge Polara was the company's top-of-the-line trim level. After a three-year period plagued with last-minute design changes and growing pains, the Polara emerged as a thoughtfully detailed vehicle that could fulfill customers' demands for a personal luxury car. Bodystyles including a sedan, hardtop sedan, hardtop coupe, and a convertible. Approximately 64,900 examples were built.

The Dodge Polara had custom interior and upholstery trim, special exterior moldings, and back-up lights.

The Polara was officially a 'full-size' resting on a 119-inch wheelbase while the Dart had a smaller 111-inch platform. The Polara was somewhat upstaged in 1962 by a Custom 880 model, based on the Chrysler Newport, resting on a 122-inch wheelbase, and serving as a surrogate for the discontinued DeSoto. Although the Polara was the top trim level, the 880 and Custom 880 was the luxury Dodge and the most expensive in the lineup.

History
Dodge introduced the Polara in 1960 and it would be the top trim level through 1964. For 1965, the Dodge line was restructured and the Polara took over the position previously held by the Dodge 880, with the Custom 880 being a higher trim level version. The Polara name was used by Dodge until 1973 when its position in Dodge's line-up was replaced by the Dodge Monaco.

Styling changes on the 1964 Polara included a revised front end and new tail lamps inspired by the Chevrolet Impala. The taillights had six small, square-shaped lights with three on each side surrounded by bright trim molding.

Engines
The standard engine was the 361 cubic-inch V8 with four-barrel carburetion and dual exhausts. Dodge's lineup of eight-cylinder engines included a 318, 361, 383, and the 426 CID. All of the eights had overhead valves, cast-iron blocks, and most had hydraulic valve lifters. The 426 had solid valve lifters. Dodge's top engine had hemispherical segment combustion chambers, two Carter four-barrel carburetors, and produced upwards of 425 horsepower.

by Daniel Vaughan | Jul 2015