Vehicle Description
To be OFFERED AT AUCTION at Auctions America's Auburn Spring event,
May 11-13, 2017.
Chassis No.
6332133686
Estimate:
$ 45,000 - $ 55,000 US
Chrysler Corporation's Max Wedge engines had their roots in the
big-block cross-ram powerplants first introduced in 1963. A version
of the 383 cubic inch raised block (or RB) "Wedge" engine became
available with dual four-barrel carburetors, feeding the engine
through tuned manifolds that were so long that they actually
crossed to opposite sides of the engine bay. A cross-ram 413,
making 375 horsepower, was also available, as was a 361 for the
Dodge Dart Phoenix. A short ram setup was also developed, and it
was sold through the Mopar parts network for local
installation.
These, however, were all street engines. Behind the scenes,
engineers were already working on all-out racing versions of the
"Wedge" V-8 for drag and oval track racing. This effort resulted in
the 1962 introduction of the Max Wedge 413, featuring short-ram
induction and leggy upswept exhaust manifolds. New heads were
designed, with larger valves, and mechanical lifters were employed.
Max Wedges did very well in NHRA competition, especially in 1963,
when the so-called Stage II version, bored out to 426 cubic inches,
was debuted. These cars cleaned up in the Super Stock classes, as
well as in NASCAR. Many were installed in cars fitted with the
lightweight front end sheetmetal of the "Aluminum Package," but it
was possible to order a Max Wedge in more upscale street
models.
The 1963 Dodge Polara two-door hardtop offered here is a fine
example of the latter and was formerly part of the well-known Bill
Jacobsen and Jack Brundage collections. Authenticated by Mopar
historian and registrar Galen Govier as an authentic Max Wedge
Stage II car, it is still powered by that vaunted engine, with a
TorqueFlite automatic transmission and minimal other options,
including a vinyl bench seat, power windows and a single-speaker AM
radio - but no heater. It was scheduled for production at
Hamtramck, Michigan, the "home" of all Max Wedge cars, on 29
November 1962.
Restored by Muscle Car Restorations of Wisconsin, in the early
months of 2006, the car was correctly finished in the original
color, Polar White, and the interior is the correct blue, as the
car was ordered. Throughout, the workmanship is exceptional, with
the only flaws appearing in some dashboard zinc castings for which
replacement parts are not available. The engine compartment is
correctly detailed, without being overdone for a car that was built
for performance and not beauty. Panel fit is excellent, and the
paint is of highest quality. The odometer reads barely 4,000 miles,
believed original, though the title states exempt. Goodyear
blackwall tires are mounted on steel rims that bear "poverty"
hubcaps. The engine has been given a preservation treatment after
being rebuilt during restoration, so a new owner will be able to
make a clean start with a virtually new engine, if desired. A
dossier of documentation is included with the car.
The sum total comes up as a very unusual, mid-range performance
car, restored to a very high standard - a unique addition to any
fleet of growling, high-powered Mopar muscle.
