Vehicle Description
This 1963 Dodge Polara 500 features its original sheet metal,
engine, interior and factory Max Wedge exhaust. When priced new in
1963, the retail on this Dodge was likely close to $4,000. Only
five low-compression Polara 500s are presently recorded in the Max
Wedge registry. The Max Wedge originally displaced 413ci, but new
ACCUS/FIA rules for 1963 created the 7.0-liter or 427ci limit for
racing. Chrysler responded with its first 426ci versions for the
new model year, the engine in this car being one of them. Topped
with a Cross-Ram intake and dual Carter carburetors, the 426 was
available in an ultra-high compression 13.5:1 format and this
milder 11.5:1 design. It was renewed with rings and gaskets some
years ago but is otherwise unmodified. This Dodge, which shows
36,416 original miles, was built on the Hamtramck line as a
customer order, not a dealer or sales-bank model and sold new in
southern California. Like most Max Wedge cars built prior to
Chrysler's 4-speed arrival, it was equipped with a
push-button-operated TorqueFlite automatic transmission as well as
3.23:1 rear gear ratio. Featured in Mopar Collectors Guide magazine
in 1999, this vehicle was never converted to race trim and has been
well preserved. Inside the Ivory-painted body, which was refreshed
by the original owner in the 1990s before its first resale, are the
actual factory-installed two-tone white-and-tan upholstered seats,
classic tan metallic dash layout, a Music Master radio and the
original carpet. Another unique part of this car is its whitewall
tires, a crowning touch to the extra trim on the 500 models, which
in this case includes a contrasting tan side trim panel and
driver's-side mirror.
