1963 Dodge Polara 500 Convertible 

Well into the 1970s, when you referred to a postwar American car as simply a "1971 Chevy" or "1953 Mercury," everyone knew you meant the full-sized car made by the specified company, and model names for most of these cars simply designated the trim level.  Eventually, some model names shoved all their siblings aside, as with the Impala or 300, but the system of numerous model names for the same car was in full swing in 1963 Detroit.  In that year, your basic Dodge came in flavors ranging from the no-frills 330 all the way up to the loaded Polara 500. 

For today's consignment we travel to the north hallway where this gem “Polara”, sporting a droptop, 500 cubic inches of "wedge" power, and wearing a 2003 restoration that brought it back to near perfect factory condition.  A multiple top 3 show winner at Chrylsers at Carlisle with the full gamut of build paperwork available.  A fully loaded, ready to kick some ass bruiser and cruiser right of '63, buckle up and read on...it's going to be a wild ride!

Exterior
Not unlike the “fratzog” adorning the front of this car right in the middle, the naming “Polara” avoids a real “definition” as well.  Possibly from Polaris, or “pole star” or just a made-up name.  We will take every inch of this car because it's a Dodge namesake classic, meaning when we refer to it, we can just say 63 Dodge and everyone will know what you are talking about.  This example presents with all straight rust-free steel and bathed in deep clean red with only a few faults at the base of the doors.  An electric shaver styled front inverted V grille which is flanked by a small high beam running light, and a round headlight which is molded into the front quarter, and a shiny bumper below looks the part.  In full 500 trim, this Polara has a nice shiny trim spear that runs from stem to stern and on the back dives downward to touch the rear bumper all just above the new for 1963 slight cove at the belt line.  Nice polished window trimmings are seen throughout, and another stainless steel polished rocker trimming is also on and highlighting the pristine red paint.  Streaking forward from the rear bumper is a wide stainless panel on either rear fender which accentuates the highly polished chrome Cragar wheels and staggered width BF Goodrich raised white letters perfectly.  Not to be outdone by the body, a clean white canvas convertible top covers the passenger compartment and shows with a crystal clear plastic rear window.  

Interior
Like new interior door panels are covered in red and white vinyl with a centrally located textured vertical and horizontal thin ribbed panel in the center, along with shiny door actuators and window cranks.  Moving inside, a pair of smooth white bolstered buckets with flaming red tuck and roll inserts flank a short console.  These seats have white piping in the red inserts and are equipped with clean red lap belts.  In back, a full bench is also in very good condition and matches the front seat pattern.  The console is topped with a pair of ashtrays in chrome and a brushed aluminum lid for the storage compartment…”smoke 'em if ya got em!   An original dash is fronting these chairs, which also have some nice chrome accenting on their edges and red inserts on the backs.  As for the dash, it makes full use of beautifully curved and sculpted lines, some chromed plated areas, some ribbed aluminum panels and a red padded dash top in excellent condition.  This dash has a push button transmission, and push button temp controls.  An original radio is in and we note a 4-some of AutoMeter gauges along with a dash top mounted MoonEyes tachometer.  We see a small red box under the dash that houses an AM/FM/CD stereo.  This is all fronted by the original plastic steering wheel in two tone red and white and a fratzog in the center of the horn ring.  Nice red carpeting floods the floors and is all clean and …well, red!  

Drivetrain
Under the hood, in a fully restored painted red engine bay sits an orange clad 500ci wedge based big block V8.  This mighty mill has been fitted with Wiseco pistons, Eagle rods and a Comp Cams roller cam with .550" lift and 243 degrees of duration.  Topping this thirsty V8 off are a pair of 4bbl Edelbrock carbs perched on a Mancini Racing cross ram intake manifold which helps make the dyno proven 482.3 horsepower.  There is a 3-speed A727 Torqueflite transmission on the back with a manual valve body and an 8-3/4 inch rear axle to spin the hides.  Beautifully restored and looking like it just drove off the lot under this hood.

Undercarriage
A near perfect presentation with the only rust noted is of the surface variety where the black textured undercoating has chipped off.  Otherwise it's solid straight steel from front to back.   Independent torsion bars for the front suspension, and leaf springs and air shocks for the back along with 4 wheel drum brakes are seen when up on the lift.  We note the addition of TTI stainless steel headers to aid in spent fossil removal and a pair of stainless steel mufflers to keep the roar from awakening the neighbors...in the next county over.

Drive-Ability
My crack decoder was off for the day tending to his non vehicular duties so I got the opportunity to drive without his constant backseat input.  Upon turning the key she fired right up and thanks to that humongous 500ci V8, ran like a champ and forced me to make a trip to the local Walmart for a new pair of tighty whiteys.  Smooth and endless acceleration, bias free braking and nice handling for this powerful drop top.  I noted the factory gauges are disconnected and non functional as is the factory AM radio, but the AutoMeter supplied supplements work swimmingly as does the aftermarket head unit.  Even the power top actuated smooth and flawlessly.

With original versions of this car like hens teeth and way out of range of the average muscle car aficionado, this car presents nicely, as a wonderful tribute version, and is priced within range of the average potential buyer.  Own a piece of early muscle car only available from the dealer options, and only if you knew someone at the dealership that it was even available.
6432193670

6-Dodge V8
4-Polara 500
3-1963
2-Dodge Main, Detroit, MI Assy Plant
193670-Sequential Unit Number

Classic Auto Mall is a 336,000-square foot classic and special interest automobile showroom, featuring over 650 vehicles for sale with showroom space for up to 1,000 vehicles. Also, a 400 vehicle barn find collection is on display.
This vehicle is located in our showroom in Morgantown, Pennsylvania, conveniently located just 1-hour west of Philadelphia on the I-76 Pennsylvania Turnpike. The website is www.classicautomall.com and our phone number is (888) 227-0914. Please contact us anytime for more information or to come see the vehicle in person.