1965 Dodge Polara

When the Polara was introduced to the Dodge lineup in 1960, it served as the top-of-the-line full-size car. It relinquished its position in 1962 when the Dodge Custom 880 became the new top-level full-size model, and the Polara was a step below. The entire Dodge lineup was redesigned in 1962, gaining lighter and smaller Chrysler B-Bodies resting on a 116-inch wheelbase. This was the last year for the compact Lancer which rested on a 106.5-inch wheelbase. Introduced on January 21st of 1962, the new luxury Custom 880 series combined the front end of a 1961 Dodge with the 1962 Chrysler body, resting on the 122-inch wheelbase of the previous year's Polara.

The Polara grew slightly in size for 1963, with its wheelbase increasing to 119-inches and new sheet metal applied to the exterior. With the absence of the Lancer, the Dart became the new compact car, and the plain 330 and 440 remained below the Polara, and the larger 880 and Custom 880 remained above.

In 1965, the Polara moved back to the full-sized Chrysler C platform that it shared with its Chrysler and Plymouth siblings and assumed the position previously held by the Dodge 880. Its 121-inch wheelbase was shared with the Custom 880 and Monaco models and was an inch shorter than the 1964 platform. Station wagons were added to the list of body styles, with seating for both 6- and 9-passengers, joining the sedan, hardtop sedan, hardtop coupe, and convertible. The six-cylinder engine options of 1964 were no longer available on the 1965 Polara, now exclusively powered by V8s. Despite the changes, prices remained nearly unchanged for similarly equipped eight-cylinder Polara with its 1965 counterpart.

The 1965 Polara had a chrome windshield and rear window moldings, and the Dodge name (in block letters) across the center of the hood. There was a bustle-shaped grille flanked by dual round headlights, a stand-up hood ornament, a wraparound chrome bumper, and body side chrome trim molding. Available engines included the 318 CID V8 with overhead valves, a cast-iron block, hydraulic valve lifters, five main bearings, a Carter two-barrel carburetor, and delivering 230 horsepower. The 383 CID V8 had a Carter four-barrel carburetor and delivered 330 horsepower. The 413 CID and 426 CID V8 were available only in 1965, with the 413 delivering 340 horsepower and the 426 with 365 horsepower. The 426 with hemispherical combustion chambers, a Carter four-barrel carburetor, 11.0:1 compression, and solid valve lifters, delivered 415 horsepower at 5,600 RPM. The 'Hemi Eight-Barrel' 426 used two Carter four-barrel carburetors, 12.0:1 compression, and produced 425 horsepower at 5,600 RPM. Most of the Hemi engines were produced for racing, with a few being built for street use and were sold 'as is,' meaning the Chrysler Corporation did not offer a warranty.

A three-speed manual transmission was standard on all Polaras, with a three-speed TorqueFlite automatic and four-speed manual transmission optional. Additional performance options included a Sure-Grip differential, power steering, Auto Pilot, and power brakes. The Polara 500 Sport Package was offered on two-door hardtops and convertibles, and added bucket seats, a console, deluxe spinner wheel covers, and identification badges.

A total of (approximately) 75,100 examples of the Polara passenger cars were built in 1965, plus an additional 22,800 station wagons built in the Polara and Custom 880 series combined.

by Dan Vaughan

The name Polara first appeared in 1960 on Dodge's full-size vehicle line, and the name would continue to adorned Dodge vehicles in various forms until 1973.

When introduced, the Dodge Polara's design was similar to vehicles of the prior years, continuing the 'Forward Look' design of Virgil Exner. In the front was a small grille accompanied by a large front bumper. In the rear were taillights termed 'jet pods'. The lights were larger than what they needed to be with part of their purpose to aid in the futuristic look of the vehicle. Tail fins were part of the ensemble. There were to tail lights with the lower light built into the rear bumper. Chrome and trim were used extensively on the vehicle's exterior. On the interior, the vehicle was adorned in plush fabrics, appropriate since this was Dodge's near top-of-the-line vehicle.

The jet influenced tail lights, futuristic-looking tail-fins, extensive use of chrome, and 'Forward Look' design of the Dodge Polara was not enough to stimulate sales in 1960. The Matador was partly responsible for the slow sales so, in the following year, the Matador was no longer offered for sale. The Polara was given styling updates and various changes but this did little to increase sales as many consumers were more interested in the conventional style, mid-sized Dodge Dart.

A few of the changes that occurred on the Dodge Polara in 1961 were enlarging the car's tail fins and reversing their direction, meaning they grew larger as they crept towards the rear window. In the front, the larger bumper treatments were replaced in favor of a more simple design. The concave grille from the Dodge Dart could now be found on the Dodge Polara. The result of the work of Exner's styling department was a unique design and something that was different from anything else on American roads at the time. Unfortunately, the American public did not favor the design and sales were dismal, with only 14,032 units produced. This was one of the lowest figures for the Dodge Marque since the early 1910's.

The change was obviously needed. For 1962 the Polara was moved to a smaller platform, now just 116 inches. The change had come as a last-minute decision in an effort to mirror the moves Chevrolet was making with their designs. Chevrolet was downsizing all of their products. Dodge designers were forced to revise their designs to more compact configurations. When Chevrolet rolled out their new products in 1962, the Chrysler Corporation was surprised to see that what was thought to be a down-size of all their products was merely the inclusion of smaller products to their mid and full-size line-up. Chevrolet had their full-size Biscayne, Bel Air, and Impala. The Chevy II was now their compact vehicle. As a result, Dodge and Chrysler offered smaller cars than their competitors in 1962. The public and press were not impressed with the new designs, finding them awkward. Sales remained low.

The Dodge Polara 500 was introduced in 1962 as a two-door hardtop coupe. A few months later a convertible and four-door hardtop version was added.

It took a few years to recover but by 1965 the Dodge Polara was again sitting atop of a full-size platform and offered in a variety of body styles including sedans, hardtops, station wagons, and more. From 1965 through 1968 the vehicle was given yearly updates to its square-edged styling design. The square design of the Polara was a major departure from the rounded design of just a few years prior. In the front were dual headlights on each side of the vehicle. The dual headlight design was integrated into the grill and positioned above the chrome bumper.

Revisions to the interior occurred in 1966 with the inclusion of a telescopic and tilt steering wheel and four-passenger seat belts. Front shoulder belts were offered as optional equipment. The automatic transmission was given a reverse lockout button. The door handles were moved to the front edge of the armrests in an effort to improve safety.

The top-of-the-line Polara was the Monaco two-door hardtop in 1965 and the following year it became its own model. When it became its own model it was offered in a variety of body styles. The Monaco of 1966 was very similar to the Polara. The rear tail-lights gave the greatest clue to the vehicle's differences. The Monaco had full-length tail lights that extended the entire length of the trunk area. The Polara's taillights were much smaller.

In 1966 both the Monaco and the Polar grew by six inches. Disc brakes were available on all full-size Dodge vehicles. Station wagons were given disc brakes as standard equipment.

In 1969 the Chrysler line-up received updating with the designs becoming more round. This was called the 'Fuselage Look.' There were few changes for the Polara from 1969 until its demise in 1973.

The name 'Polara' resurfaced in 1977 in Brazil where it was used on re-badged versions of Chrysler Avenger. Production continued in this region until 1981.

by Dan Vaughan