In the 1960s, the Dodge Polara was the equivalent of Chevrolet’s Impala. You could buy one in just about any body style, like this convertible, which saw just 838 copies made in 1967. The seller’s edition is a one-owner car with just 37,000 miles, yet the 383 powerplant has recently been rebuilt, balanced, and blueprinted. Due to moving and losing garage space, the seller reluctantly has put the car up for sale. Located in Potrero Hill, California, the drop-top is available here on craigslist for $16,750 FIRM. Thanks to our pal, MattR, for bringing this tip our way!
Dodge’s big cars, including the Polara, got a complete restyle for 1967 after being all-new in 1965. The most noticeable changes were the addition of body sculpture on the sides and the big, slanted taillights. The 318 small-block V8 continued to be standard equipment in the Polara, but the 383 big-block was the next step up and is what resides in the seller’s car.
This motor was recently given a significant refresh with some of the components upgraded to 1970 specifications, as we’re told. It has a Plymouth Road Runner camshaft, electronic ignition, and some tweaks to the original TorqgueFlite automatic. All of this may have just 2,000 miles on it and the car also wears new tires and brakes. We do wonder why a car with so few miles would have had all this work done. Perhaps the original owner just wanted to add some pep to the old girl. While the drivetrain was out of the car, it looks as though the engine compartment was detailed and/or repainted.
The body and blue paint look good, but shadows are present in some of the photos and close inspection is hard to do. The seller tells us the car is in great shape with no problems or surprises that would prevent you from getting in and taking a cross-country trip. We’re also told the car was professionally appraised at $19,800 and that was before the above-mentioned mechanical work was taken care of.
Here is a perfect example of why I wouldn’t buy that 1972 Duster for $13500.00. For $3250.00, you get a fresh car, a new high performance V8, nice paint, great interior, and a convertible to boot.This is a very desirable vehicle that’s priced appropriately. You can have that desert baked, plain Jane Duster. I lived in Arizona for 25 years as a service writer and car salesman, I have firsthand knowledge about what the sun’s impact can have on a car. This is beautiful, I have always liked the aggressive looks these have.
I am questioning why, with such low miles, it needed an engine rebuild.
Given this is a one-owner car, that owner is likely in their mid-80s at least. It’s possible their memory is failing. Some years ago I agreed to help an elderly friend-of-a-friend sell his 80s Ford pickup, which he swore up and down only had 70K miles on it. A Carfax clearly showed it was 170K. He wasn’t lying, he just had mid-stage dementia and really didn’t remember.
I’d assess the car on its merits and ignore the odometer, assuming it’s likely wrong or rolled over. Even in that case, the price seems quite fair for a really nice old car.
She’s over 50 years old.
Surprised to see manual brakes on this. New owner will need to source an OE gas pedal!!!
Did the owner lose the trunk key? No lock in trunk!
Balanced & Blueprinted ? Hmmmmmmm
Nice car, the guy reminds me of myself, here it is,here’s the price, no bullcrap, take it or leave it!
That passenger side armrest and the area above it did not get worn and stained like they are in 37,000 miles. Add to that that the seats don’t match the door panels and it’s pretty obvious to me the seats have been recovered, and this car has way more than the claimed mileage.
What’s sad is it may be a nice car for the money anyway, but if a seller can’t be honest…
I agree with Mike Adams. I don’t believe the miles. A 37,000 383 doesn’t normally need a rebuild. And “mid stage dementia” is not an excuse to mis-quote mileage by 100k. Sorry. “That Guy”s suggestion to “ignore the miles” is just wrong…IMO. If I were interested in this car, $10k would be my “firm price”.