Vehicle Description
Dodge had gotten serious about racing, releasing the first Max
Wedge engines in 1962, and followed that up with a good deal more
variety in 1963. Now at 426ci, two compression ratios could be had:
the tight 13.5:1 or the low-compression 11.0:1. The latest body
redesigns had taken the Dart nameplate from the B-series line; the
rework for '63 was noted by three numeric codes based on trim: 330,
440 and the top-of-the-line being the Polara 500. This Polara 500
is powered by a 426ci RB-class V8 engine with dual 4-barrel
carburetors mounted on a Cross-Ram intake with big head ports and
lumpy cam timing, backed by a 3-speed automatic transmission
operated by push-button selectors on the dash panel. The Polara
500-series code added minor exterior trim upgrades, as well as this
car's two-tone red and white bucket-seat interior. Its all-steel
body, finished in red, retains the appearance of a vintage racer.
Upgrades include brushed-aluminum solid-face wheels, deep-sump pan,
competition headers, engine-monitoring gauges including tachometer,
unique Plexiglas air-cleaner tops and Firestone Drag 500 racing
wide slick rear tires.
