1966 Dodge Polara 500
2dr Convertible
8-cyl. 383cid/270hp 2bbl
$16,400*
Past sales
Protect your 1966 Dodge Polara from the unexpected.
Model overview
Model description
The Polara had been Dodge's highest trim level up to 1964, but for 1965 the Polara became the base trim full-size car. In keeping with the styles of the year, the Polara was a no-nonsense design – an unadorned car with a cut-line in the bottom third of the bodywork.
The Polara was available as a four-door sedan or hardtop, a two-door hardtop or convertible, and a four-door station wagon with either two or three rows of seating for up to nine passengers. Engine power for the 1965 Polara was provided by a 383-cid V-8 engine with 270 hp and 390 lb-ft of torque. A 3-speed manual transmission was standard, with a 3-speed automatic or a 4-speed manual being optional.
In 1966, the Polara received a minor restyling to the front end, but the big change was the delta-shaped taillights that marked an otherwise Spartan body design. Body styles remained the same, but the convertible version now used a power convertible top. Sport-minded buyers could opt for a Polara 500 as either a two-door hardtop or a convertible, which included bucket seats and a 4-speed manual transmission with floor shift.
The successful Polara line was completely restyled for 1967, gaining some body sculpture, and the two-door coupes received a semi-fastback greenhouse with a reverse-slant rear quarter window typical of later 1960s Chrysler products. Technically the car remained largely unchanged, with a more economical 318-cid V-8 at 230 hp being the biggest change. Transmission options remained the same, with a 3-speed manual stock, and 4-speed manual or 3-speed automatic optional.
For the final year of this era, the 1968 Dodge Polara received only minor changes, but the 318 V-8 engine at 230 hp became the standard engine. The 383 was still available as an option, with horsepower raised to 290 when ordered with a two-barrel carburetor, and 300 when ordered with a 4-barrel carburetor. The Polara 500 trim level was available on the 2-door hardtop or coupe. In the 1968 model year, 2,206 Polara 318 vehicles were built for police and taxi use.
Collectors will want to look for two-door coupes and convertibles with the Polara 500 option. The Polara is not really known for muscle car status, but with the 4-speed floor shift option, this car is no slouch and should have decent upside potential.