1960–1973Collector's Guide

Dodge Polara

Full-size Dodge with race-car roots — the Max Wedge cars were the terror of the drag strip.

The Polara was Dodge's full-size performance flagship and the vehicle that carried the Max Wedge 426 engine in 1962–64 — the factory drag racing engine that preceded the street HEMI. The Max Wedge Polaras were purpose-built weapons; street versions with the 440 and HEMI in the late 1960s continued the performance tradition in a more civilized package.

History

The 1962–64 Polara 500 with the Stage I, Stage II, and Stage III 426 Max Wedge was Dodge's NHRA factory experimental entry. These engines made 415–425 hp on 11:1 compression, or 420–425 hp on the factory-optional 13.5:1 race compression. The Max Wedge was designed exclusively for drag racing — its exhaust ports exited upward for short header runs. These cars dominated A/FX and B/FX classes.

After the 426 HEMI street engine arrived in 1966, the Polara received a 440 Magnum and HEMI option in the full-size body. The 1969–70 Polara 500 convertible with HEMI is exceptionally rare — HEMI power in a full-size open car. Later Polaras (1971–73) grew softer as the performance era ended.