Vehicle Description
1965 Dodge Polara 500
Fratzog (1962-1981): From 1962 to 1981, the Dodge emblem had a
colorful internal label: It was called a fratzog. If you're
wondering what that word means (it sounds German, doesn't it?),
it's totally meaningless. Three arrow shapes pointed inward to form
a three-sided star. Not knowing what else to call the imaginative
design, a Dodge designer made up the whimsical name.
Right out of the futuristic year of 1965 we have a Dodge Polara in
our midst. This survivor sports its original interior, an exterior
factory correct light blue respray, and plenty of chrome to go
around. Looking at the profile of this car the word spacious comes
to mind, as its long and lean lines, steel panels, and mini cat eye
styled taillights show the way to the future.
Exterior
A Light Blue respray covers long straight panels, and is
highlighted by a single trim spear, and some front and back
chroming, as well as window trim nice and shiny. A few mis-matched
areas in front do not line up exactly factory but it retains its
original charm. A "fratzog" hood ornament is just the beginning of
this ultra-long hood, and an equally as impressive trunk deck.
14-inch standard wheel covers spin their way down the highway while
wrapped in thin whites. Motoring was never so good as it was in
1965.
Interior
The future is definitely in hand when we swing the large doors
which show light blue vinyl coverings, more trim spears that are a
little de-laminated and some snappy graphics looking much like a
sound wave pattern in a dark blue patterning the center of the
door. Stepping into this jet age interior, the first thing I notice
is the center console, which has futuristic vent style chevron
graphics, and a centrally mounted shifter with metal ball on top.
As this console makes its way to the dash more embellishment in the
form of a quasar star circular "thingy" that does absolutely
nothing but offer up more jet age bling...only in the 60's could
you get away with this stuff! The console is flanked by 2 tone
buckets, also in dark blue tuck and roll inserts, and light blue
piped bolsters. These and the matching rear bench are all original
and look to be in excellent surviving condition. Looking forward
the dual cowled round instruments which are housed in a concentric
circle style, have me feeling like I'm readying myself to jump to
warp speed. The original AM radio is installed, and a Stereo-Magic
box moves the AM stereophonic? sound from front to rear. Above a
nice tight headliner is installed and below is clean blue carpeting
flooding the floors.
Drivetrain
A 383ci V8 rests comfortably under the large hood and spacious
engine bay which remains original. A single 2-barrel Bendix
Stromberg carburetor is on top, and an A727 Torqueflite 3-speed
automatic transmission is in back, pushing power rearward to an
8-3/4-inch 2.73 gear axle.
Undercarriage
Peppering the frame is surface rust, but it remains structurally
sound. Time has worn some of the undercoating completely off the
floorpans however they display no rusting. Torsion bar front
suspension, and leaf spring rear suspension as well as drum brakes
all around can be noted.
Drive-Ability
Entering this long futuristic designed interior, I donned my mid
century modern hat complete with a feather, and I felt like dad on
his way to the office while mom stayed home and kept the house in
order. Oh, and the car started right up, ran smoothly, and has good
acceleration and stopping. I lit my cigarette and carried on!
A survivor with its original special-order two-tone interior,
futuristic trimmings, and the suburbia grocery getter, commuter
that provides plenty of space in every aspect. This somewhat
pedestrian automobile provided the middle class with mobility, and
this car does not disappoint in its survivor condition.
VIN Decode
D156275618
D-Dodge Polara
1-Polara
5-1965
275618-Sequential Unit Number
Trim Tag (Important Codes)
AB60-383ci V8 2bbl
P8-Console
Z2-Front Buckets With Console
SO NUMBER 712 10195-July 12th 1965
TR L9B-Polara Buckets, Special Order, Blue
PNT CC1-Light Blue
Classic Auto Mall is a 336,000-square foot classic and special
interest automobile showroom, featuring over 500 vehicles for sale
with showroom space for up to 1,000 vehicles. Also, a 400 vehicle
barn find collection is on display.
This vehicle is located in our showroom in Morgantown,
Pennsylvania, conveniently located just 1-hour west of Philadelphia
on the I-76 Pennsylvania Turnpike. The website is
www.classicautomall.com and our phone number is (888) 227-0914.
Please contact us anytime for more information or to come see the
vehicle in person.