Dodge Polara 500 Max Wedge, 1962
Dodge Polara
Dodge Polara•
•37 views
Chassis No.: 5422164599
Auction: Kissimmee 2024
Auction date: January 14, 2024
Lot No.: K180.1
$65,000 | High bid
- Odometer: 10,107 miles
- Engine: V-8
- Exterior: White
- Interior: White/Blue
- 1 of 5 Polara 500s equipped with the Max Wedge engine and a manual transmission per Max Wedge expert Darrell Davis and this is the only example that has been documented so far
- 1 of only 12 Max Wedge Polara 500s made in 1962 per Max Wedge expert Darrell Davis
- 413/410 HP Max Wedge V-8 engine
- 3-speed transmission
- Featured in multiple magazines
- Multiple award winner
- Assorted documentation from previous owners
The launch of Chrysler’s Maximum Performance marketing program began with these 1962 models. The 413 “Max Wedge” engine was developed primarily with acceleration in mind, and the Polara 500 was the premium platform for the Dodge brand that year. According to expert Darrell Davis, just 12 of these deluxe-trim Dodges were built new with this engine, and only 5 of them came with a manual transmission. This one is the only example of those five to be documented thus far. The Max Wedge’s telltale trademark was its new short-design Cross Ram intake.
Initially discovered while dyno-testing a racing engine with fuel injection, Chrysler first released a longer ram-style design for lower-RPM passenger car use, and this version, rated at 410 HP here, for higher RPM ranges. There are dual 4-barrel carburetors, 413 Ramcharger valve cover decals, high-flow exhaust manifolds and twin offset black air cleaners. This motor is backed by a 3-speed manual transmission. The shape was transitional, as new lead stylist Elwood Engel was redoing the entire Chrysler product line in 1962. This hardtop is painted white with the 500-level chrome trim and vehicle identification, while inside is a two-tone white and blue bucket seat interior.
There is a floor shifter with a white ball knob, Dodge AM pushbutton radio, two-spoke white rim steering wheel, blue carpet and functional gauges. The body shows off touches of the previous Chrysler models penned by the legendary Virgil Exner and retains a unique sense of near-whimsical cues compared to what arrived as muscle later in the decade. The crowning touch on this 500 would be its full-size spinner wheel covers and then-contemporary white stripe tires. Featured in multiple magazines and a multiple award winner, beyond Davis’ research is assorted documentation from previous owners to be included in this sale.
For many “opponents” who did not know back in the day, this Dodge would have been a big surprise when it came to stoplight bravado, roaring away with that Mopar sound that would help define the 1960s. A beauty of a beast!
https://www.mecum.com/lots/1101036/1962-dodge-polara-500-max-wedge/
Cost
238,713 AED
