1966 Dodge Polara Convertible

1966 Dodge Polara Convertible

Fratzog (19621981): 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.

ExteriorA 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.

InteriorA 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.

DrivetrainA 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!

UndercarriageUnderneath 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-AbilityEntering 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 DECODEDL27G64157801D-Dodge PolaraL-Low Price Class27-2 Door ConvertibleG-383ci V8 2bbl6-19664-Belvedere, Ill Assy Plant157801-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.