Vehicle Description
1966 Dodge Polara Convertible
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 1966 we have a Dodge Polara in
our midst. This example is sporting a beautiful red respray, a
snappy white interior with red piping, original dash, and it's a
convertible! Looking at the profile of this car the word spacious
comes to mind, as its long and lean lines, steel panels, and
midcentury modern triangular style tail lights, it can show the way
to the future.
Exterior
A very bright red 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. Also utilizing a
crease just below midway and a somewhat squared off design long
front and back, this car oozes cool, particularly with the top
down. A "fratzog" hood ornament is just the beginning of this
ultra-long hood, and an equally as impressive trunk deck. On top is
a white canvas convertible top which is in very good condition.
15-inch Cragar 5 spokes are wrapped in blackball rubber. Motoring
was never so good as it was in 1966. Overall, the paint has a few
inclusions and slight scratches throughout.
Interior
A bright future is definitely in hand when we swing the large doors
which show white vinyl coverings mixing with some black plastic
trim strips, stitched white squares, a red armrest and red carpeted
lowers. Also, a small bit of brushed aluminum is noted along with
shiny handles and actuator. Slipping into this jet age interior,
the first thing I notice is those beautifully curved medium high
white vinyl buckets trimmed all over with red piping. They sit in
chromed metal tubs and when you lean them forward to climb in back
there is a panel of red carpeting. The rear bench goes along for
this ride too and has red seat belts just for extra visual oomph.
The center console, which has futuristic ribbed aluminum for the
top and a centrally mounted shifter looking much like the styling
of the Seattle space needle. All this styling does nothing but
offer up more jet age bling...only in the 60's could you get away
with this stuff! Looking forward to the dual deep cowled dash top
painted red, and in front of the wheel, round instruments which are
housed in a concentric circle style with white plastic bezels, have
me feeling like I'm readying myself to jump to warp speed. The
original AM radio is installed and yes, it's a Dodge Music Master.
This and more knobs and pulls are inserted into a horizontal
brushed curved aluminum panel that breaks up the red dash front.
Dual aftermarket gauges float above the red sea of carpeting. A
white tonneau covering hides the top when it's down and now I can
put my wife with her bandana and me in my brim dress hat with a
feather accented band, wayfarers and we are cruising.
Drivetrain
A 440ci V8 rests comfortably under the large hood and spacious
engine bay which shows beautifully. A single 4-barrel 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.
All looking spiffy under this hood!
Undercarriage
Underneath some slight surface rust but it remains structurally
sound. Red paint is on the floor pans and they display no rusting.
Torsion bar front suspension, and leaf spring rear suspension as
well as power drum brakes all around can be noted. Also, a throaty
Flowmaster exhaust lets the 440 exhale with ease.
Drive-Ability
Entering this long futuristic design interior, I donned my
midcentury 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 beauty with its special-order interior, futuristic trimmings, and
the suburban 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
powerful current resprayed condition.
VIN DECODE
DL27G64157801
D-Dodge Polara
L-Low Price Class
27-2 Door Convertible
G-383ci V8 2bbl
6-1966
4-Belvedere, Ill Assy Plant
157801-Sequential Unit Number
Classic Auto Mall is a 336,000-square foot classic and special
interest automobile showroom, featuring over 600 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.
