1962 Dodge Polara 500 Hardtop

Price: Upon Request

Overview:
For consignment, we present a 1962 Dodge Polara 500 Hardtop, one of the rarest Mopar vehicles of its time. This example is 1 of only 12 Polaras to receive the 413ci Max Wedge engine and 1 of only 5 equipped with the 3-speed manual transmission that pushes out 410 horsepower. With a verified 10,110 actual miles, this car has been lovingly restored in the late 80s and early 90s, and remains a true gem for collectors.

Exterior:
Designed by the legendary Virgil Exner, the 1962 Dodge Polara boasts unique and stunning styling that remains iconic to this day. The car features:

High beam headlights tucked into bright recesses in the upper corners of the vertical grille.
Low beam headlights housed in circular chrome bezels below the fender blades.
At the rear, the staggered lamp arrangement adds a distinctive touch, with four small circular lamps, with the inboard lamps mounted higher than the outboard ones.
A sculpted blade in the body sheet metal curves over the rear wheel, continuing with a blue jet-inspired trim that rises toward the afterburner-style tail light.
Polar White paint enhances the car’s overall look, with additional blue accents on the shoulder line spear and hood, bordered by polished trim.
The belt line is notched to reduce the height and cost of the rear side glass, creating a streamlined profile.
The windshield base is pulled forward, meeting the speedboat-inspired cowl at the centerline.
Overall, the car has a complex exterior design that’s in very good condition. However, there are some imperfections: filler work on the lower portions, paint cracks, scratches, chips, and bubbling in a few areas.

Interior:
Stepping inside, you’re greeted with a quintessential early ’60s interior that exudes mid-century style:

The door panels are two-tone light blue and white vinyl, with a rising stitched pattern insert.
Front bucket seats continue the blue and white theme, with blue inserts surrounded by white vinyl.
The back seat is equally coordinated in blue and white, offering an airy, clean, and stylish vibe.
The white steering wheel with a chrome horn ring leads to a symmetrical instrument cluster featuring two circle gauges on each side of a Dodge emblem, beneath a horizontal speedometer and accented by ribbed metal trim.
Push-button vent controls are situated beneath the gauges, adding a functional vintage touch.
An original AM radio sits in the center of the dash, completing the vintage interior aesthetic.
The Hurst shifter rises from the floor, topped with a white knob for a classic look.
Blue low-pile carpet covers the floor, with a built-in heel pad for the driver and circular features on the pedals.
The white perforated headliner is in great condition, while the trunk is showroom fresh with a plaid pad and space-saver spare tire.
Drivetrain:
Under the hood sits the legendary 413ci Max Wedge engine, capable of producing 410 horsepower. It’s fed by dual 4-barrel carburetors, adding up to eight barrels of Mopar power. The drivetrain consists of:

A Borg-Warner 3-speed manual transmission.
Power is sent to the 8 ¾-inch rear axle with SureGrip.
Drum brakes on both the front and rear ensure reliable stopping power.
The engine bay is clean and well-maintained, showcasing a rare and show-stopping layout with the famous orange Max Wedge engine.
Undercarriage:
While not concours-level, the undercarriage of this car is in good condition, with the following details:

Mostly free of surface rust, with minor occurrences on hardware like clamps.
A light film of oil on the transmission pan is the only visible fluid on this dry underside.
The dual exhaust system includes capped short outlets that head toward the sides, continuing with standard pipes running down the car to stock-style mufflers just before the gas tank.
An H-pipe (shaped more like a U) joins the two exhaust sides before the tailpipes.
The car uses torsion bar suspension up front, with leaf springs in the rear for a smooth ride.
Drive-Ability:
This 1962 Dodge Polara 500 is a beast in disguise, with a 410-horsepower Max Wedge engine that offers substantial acceleration and a smooth ride. Here’s what we found during our test drive:

The car powers up with enthusiastic acceleration and delivers a soft ride for a car of its era.
Handling and braking are pedestrian compared to modern cars but were typical for the time period.
All operational functions are in working order, making this restored car a reliable ride for anyone wanting to enjoy a rare Mopar experience.