1963 Dodge 330 Series

The Dodge 330 was in production from 1962 to 1964. The base engine was the 225 Slant-Six with several eight-cylinder options available. It was an intermediate trim level located just above the Dart. Standard equipment included a cigarette lighter, rear armrests, and front foam cushions.

The Dart models rested on a 111-inch wheelbase (station wagons had a 106-inch platform), the Dodge full-size cars (including the 330) on a 119-inch wheelbase (station wagons at 116 inches), and the 880 and Custom on a 122-inch wheelbase. The wheelbase of the full-size Dodges had grown by three inches for 1963 and its styling was completely new, with a full-width grille that included convex styling and a vertical theme and housing the inboard headlights. Along the body side was a nearly horizontal feature line that angled back from the front fenders and lowered to just in front of the taillights. A three-pointed stylized star containing the trunk lock was located on the trunk lid. The taillights were large and rectangular, and the license plate was recessed in the escutcheon panel.

For 1963, 330 Series body styles included a 2- and 4-door sedan, along with a six- or nine-passenger station wagon.

The 1963 330 Series was the base trim level for the 119-inch wheelbase Dodges. The Dodge 440 was the intermediate and the Polara was the top trim level. The 880 and Custom 880 Series rested on the 122-inch wheelbase and wore Chrysler bodies from the windshield back.

Prices on the Dodge 330 ranged from $2,300 to $2,750. The Dodge 440 ranged from $2,440 to $2,960, and the Polara listed for $2,600 to $3,200.

The big news for the 1963 model year was the 426/415 horsepower Max Wedge Super Stock. These cars were factory-built race cars that were sold to compete in factory Super Stock drag racing competition. The cars were sold to the public but were not covered under a factory warranty. These cars were used to compete in A and B stock and A and B superstock and were very competitive. The Max-Wedge provided plenty of competition to Ford, Chevrolet, Pontiac, Mercury, Buick, and Oldsmobile. With over 400 horsepower, it was way ahead of its time.

In 1963 Chrysler Corporation ran an advertisement that stated the only way to beat a 1963 Dodge Max-Wedge is with another 1963 Dodge Max-Wedge.

by Dan Vaughan

2-Door Sedan

When it comes to 'Maximum Muscle' this car may represent the pinnacle. Starting with a bare bones rubber mat post body car that could easily be mistaken for Grandma's car, the Dodge Boys then stuffed a 13.5 compression ratio dual carb 426 cubic-inch wedge engine under the hood.

Clearly purpose built to dominate the quarter mile drag strip, this prime example of American Muscle Car overindulgence has all the right stuff, right from the factory. Among the long list of race inspired equipment: lightweight aluminum fenders, hood and scoop, an 8.75-inch rear end packing a 3.91 sure-grip differential, Super Stock rear springs, the bulletproof Torqueflite pushbutton automatic transmission and the outrageous 426 Max performance Wedge engine topped with a Cross-Ram manifold and the aforementioned dual quad Carter AFB carbs.

This prime example of a factory built Super Stocker from the Chrysler Maximum Performance era is the one and only documented BB1 Black, Stage 1 factory lightweight built. It is believed that a mere 50 lightweights were produced in 1963 with most going to recognized racers.

This car was sold new by North Cicero Dodge in Chicago and was campaigned unsponsored throughout the 1960s and 1970s. It was discovered in 1989 in a southwest Chicago area barn. After extensive research, it was restored to as-built specifications in 2011. This car has received numerous national awards and has been documented by noted Max Wedge authority Darrel Davis.