Vehicle Description
1964 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.
For consignment, a shining example of 1964 design from the white
hat boys. This one looks very racy and all very nice, and the
consignor states this may have been a 426 street wedge car when
new. Some research backs that claim up based on comparing fender
tags to other known 426 cars and many matching option codes. A
fresh paint job circa 2017 in the factory color, restoration
receipts and photos, a new interior and copious amounts of new
undercarriage parts make for one serious street bruiser and
cruiser.
Exterior
In true Dodge form an electric shaver style grille runs
horizontally through the center and culminates at each corner with
a round integrated into the trim headlight configuration. Next to
the large round headlights resides a smaller circular running
light. A nicely curved bumper below is another shining spotlight
that hugs the chin of this car. Straight steel panels all minding
their gaps are bathed in a Monarch Blue paint respray. We can see
some slight inclusions and imperfections in the paint but nothing
remarkable. On the sides a racy looking thin trim spear begins at
the wheel well races forward, and makes an upward u turn and races
backward to the rear of the car, within this is a full body length
spear giving the impression of motion while standing still. I'll
call this 60's snappy! Beautiful stainless trimmings for all the
glass, and a note to the B pillar which has a Jetson line to end in
a thin V shape as the roof melts onto the trunk deck of the car. A
beautifully curved rear glass wraps around the back and a long
trunk lid rolls downward to 4 square bezel taillights within an
aluminum panel. A shiny bumper, below bedecked with speed decals of
the period, provides just the right look for the twin turn down
exhaust tips. The advent of the "fratzog" badge is seen in the
center of the trunk. Lovely and shiny 15-inch Cragar wheels are on
all 4 corners and wear almost new blackwall rubber.
Interior
Inside under all that glass is a fully restored brand new interior
featuring blue vinyl with a medium blue vertical stitching
surrounding a light blue insert with a polished fratzog perforated
panel along with shiny knobs and handles to create the door panels.
Inside are near perfect front buckets with chrome trimmings and
wrapped in blue tuck and roll vinyl with a light blue insert racing
around the bottom cushion. The back bench is the same and appears
totally unused. Up front, a rectangular vertical ribbed dash front
houses the gauges which are a nice mix of horizontal rectangles and
round flanking gauges. In the center is a mid century modern
inspired push button climate control center complete with a knob
slider and a radio delete panel located to the right. A metal band
in blue goes across the bottom, and above blue tops the dash. Down
low has a trio aftermarket gauges mounted so the driver can monitor
engine vitals. An aftermarket tachometer and oil pressure gauge
adorn the steering column and mesh nicely with the original chrome
horn ringed wheel. All this menagerie of mid century modern floats
above like new blue carpeting. Up top is a blue headliner with
minor sagging, and this accentuates that wonderfully 60s inspired B
pillar line from the inside.
Drivetrain
The bling continues under the hood with a now 440ci V8 from 1972
residing between the fenders. The block has been painted turquoise
and is peppered with plenty of shiny chrome accents. Within is a
.519 lift camshaft and on top is an Edelbrock 4-barrel carburetor
and intake manifold. Bolted to the back of this big mill is an A833
4-speed manual transmission with a new clutch that is shifted on
the hump inside by a chrome handle shifter. On the back is an 8.75"
rear pumpkin with 3.55 gears.
Undercarriage
Under here definitely some restoration action as now it's all
coated with a thick coat of black and no rust is seen. Independent
torsion bar front suspension, and leaf springs are on back. New
drum brakes are on all 4's as well as new lines, and we note a new
fuel tank and lines. Headers help the mighty mill breathe and
Spintech mufflers give the mill a unique note.
Drive-Ability
A high performing machine with great styling and nice driver to
boot. All was in working order and I felt like I was lining up
against Butch Leal in his Mickey Thompson's Thunderbolt at every
stop sign. A great ride and a thrill to boot with all functions
operational.
An awesome restoration job with a few faults in the paint and
interior, but not to detract from all the excellence this car oozes
from its styling. A crowning achievement from the folks at Dodge
and with a purported potential history of being a 426 street wedge
car makes it even better. Well done by our consignor and waiting
for you in our South mallway. Now where is that pesky Arnie Beswick
and his 64 GTO....
VIN DECODE
6442109398
6-Dodge V8
4-Polara
4-1962
2-Detroit, MI Assy Plant
109398-Sequential Unit Number
FENDER TAG
A3-4 Speed
H5-Unknown
M3-Unknown
N8-Rear Defroster
Q1-Am Radio
R4-Unknown
SO NUMBER 0917-September 17th Build
BDY 642-Polara V8
TRM P4B-Blue Vinyl
PNT EE-Monarch Blue
Classic Auto Mall is a 336,000-square foot classic and special
interest automobile showroom, featuring over 650 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.