1972 Dodge Polara

When the Polara joined the Dodge lineup for the 1960 model year, it served as the top-of-the-line model, moving to mid-size status following the introduction of the Custom 880 in 1962. Its existence continuing through 1973 when it was replaced by the Monaco.

The 1969 model year brought about 'Fuselage' styling that would continue for the remainder of its existence, gaining safety equipment along the way, and mild styling updates that kept it fresh and modern. The Polara 500 was re-introduced for 1969 as a mid-level series positioned between the top-of-the-line Monaco and the standard Polara. Body styles included a hardtop coupe or convertible and engine options included the 318, 383, and 440 cubic-inch V8, along with the standard 225 cubic-inch slant-6 engine.

The Polara Special was discontinued following 1970 and a new sub-series called the Polara Brougham was positioned below the Monaco and above the Polara Custom, but did not return for 1972.

Styling updates included a full-width bumper incorporating the dual round headlights and grille and the two and four-door hardtops wore a new roofline. The 'Dodge' name was placed across the front of the hood and across the center of the rear bumper. The rear fenders carried the 'Polara' model designation in script writing.

The Polara Custom was the intermediate trim level, priced slightly higher than the base level Polara, and outfitted with a greater level of amenities and exterior trim. It wore Custom model designation on the rear fenders, bodyside moldings with a vinyl insert, and wheel opening moldings. The seats were given luxurious foam rubber cushions.

Within the Polara Custom trim level, the sedan was priced at $3,520, the two-door hardtop at $3,540, the four-door hardtop at $3900, and the six-passenger wagon at $4,260. The nine-passenger wagon added approximately $100 to the base price of the six-passenger wagon.

The combined production of the base level Polara was just over 35,000 units that included 16,766 of the sedan, 8,212 of the four-door hardtop, 7,022 of the two-door hardtop, and 3,013 of the wagon. The combined Custom level production was nearly double that of the 'base,' at 68,440 units, with the most popular being the 22,505 of the four-door hardtop, followed by 19,739 of the sedan, and 15,039 of the two-door hardtop. The combined station wagon production totaled 11,157 units with 7,660 of those being the 9-passenger wagon.

Dodge's eight-cylinder lineup included a 318 CID producing 150 horsepower, a 340 CID with 240 hp, a 360 CID with 175 hp, a 400 CID with either 190 or 255 hp depending on setup, and a 440 CID V8 with 280 horsepower with the four-barrel setup and 330 hp with the three Holley two-barrel carburetors. Transmission options included a three-speed manual or a three-speed torqueFlite automatic.

Production of the Polara ceased following the 1973 model year, as sales had been eclipsed by the Monaco, and the overall decline of full-size American automobiles due to the energy crisis in the fall of 1973.

By Daniel Vaughan | Feb 2021