When discussions come up among Mopar-minded people about cars they’d like to take on as projects, I’m guessing the Dodge Polara doesn’t make quite as many top-ten lists as some of Chrysler’s other offerings, and it’s certainly not because it wasn’t a decent vehicle. Dodge introduced the Polara in 1960 and it had a good 13-year run, which ended in 1973 when the Dodge Monaco replaced it the following year. When a police-package-equipped final year model comes around that served the Nevada Highway Patrol for its first four years, it sounds like an example worthy of consideration to preserve. If this all sounds good to you and you’ve been looking for a sedan to take on as a project that checks the right boxes, this 1973 Dodge Polara may be worth a look. Located in Elko, Nevada, it can be found here on eBay with a current bid of $3,600.
The history behind this Polara is that it was ordered new through Reno Dodge in 1973 by the State Of Nevada Purchasing Department, then turned over to the Nevada Highway Patrol, where it served its duty until late 1977 when it was retired at the 80,000-mile mark. The current owner has had the car since 2014 and had intentions of restoring it, but now realizes he’s not going to get around to it, so the wise decision was made to get it into the hands of someone who has the time and skills to bring this Dodge back to life.
The 440 cubic inch 4-Barrel is still under the hood, though the owner says that the car has not run or been driven since 1978. He does state he was told that the Polara ran fine when it was parked, but 1978 was a long time ago and it’s probably safe to say that the big block is going to need a thorough going through before it’s ready to tear up the streets again. The seller also mentions that the crank moved freely when he put a breaker bar and socket wrench on it a few years ago.
To his credit, the seller is aware that the car is in need of a complete restoration and is very upfront about its condition. Cosmetically, it needs attention inside and out, but it’s mostly complete and has not been modified. While there is plenty of surface rust, the seller cannot find one spot on the body that has rusted through, although there is one area of Bondo in the right rear quarter panel and door that is cracking. The rest of the body panels are said to be structurally in good shape.
Things are said to be solid underneath, with no rust holes in either the frame or floorboards, plus the car also still has both fender tags in place, which can be seen here and here. Although this one needs a lot of TLC, the initial investment is probably not going to deplete your bank account, and a decent driver may not be all that far out of reach. What are your thoughts on this Police Package equipped 1973 Dodge Polara?
Sure dates me when a car like this is featured and not a word on what made this car the most popular cop car ever, “The Blues Brothers”. I can’t blame the author, who may have been in diapers in 1980, but for the record it’s got, “Cop motor, cop tires, cop shocks, and before catalytic converters, so runs on regular gas”,,
First thing I thought of.
Me too!
Full tank of gas, half a pack of cigarettes. It’s dark, we have sunglasses on.
The second I saw the picture “She Caught the Katy” started playing in my head
🎶 🎹
🎤🗣 Coming to you on a dusty road
Good loving, I got a truck load
And when you get it, you got something
Don’t worry, ’cause I’m coming
I’m a soul man
I’m a soul man
I’m a soul man (come on!)
I’m a soul man
And that ain’t all
Got what I got the hard way
And I make it better, each and every day
So honey, said don’t you fret
‘Cause you ain’t seen nothing yet..
🎶 🎵
Does the cigarette lighter work?
The Blues Brothers car was a ’74 Monaco.
Picky, picky, picky.
Looks like a very honest listing and great detailed photos. Nice to see that for once. Other than restoring it back as a Highway Patrol (Replica?) what else would you really want to/should you do with it?
Drive the living daylights out of it!
Go hunting for BMWs and Mercedes
Jake: What the hell is this?
– Elwood: This was a bargain. I picked it up at the Mount Prospect city police auction last spring. It’s an old Mount Prospect police car. They were practically giving ’em away.
-Jake: Well thank you, pal. The day I get outta prison, my own brother picks me up in a police car!”
Ran when parked…..in 1978. This has to be a record.
Well, it does have an arresting stance.
🎶 🎹
🎤🗣 Coming to you on a dusty road
Good loving, I got a truck load
And when you get it, you got something
Don’t worry, ’cause I’m coming
I’m a soul man
I’m a soul man
I’m a soul man (come on!)
I’m a soul man
And that ain’t all
Got what I got the hard way
And I make it better, each and every day
So honey, said don’t you fret
‘Cause you ain’t seen nothing yet..
🎶 🎵
“What’s my top end on this thang?!”
Mechanic slams the hood down, grins, and replys,
“Unlimited”
Spots the yellow Charger suspect vehicle,
BUH WAHHHH…tires screeching,
” I’m gonna drive you right up a wall,, you long haired_____t!”
Of the three hot machines in Dirty Mary-Crazy Larry that darn hopped up police car is a secret favorite of mine,, pure all business Mopar. Ha!
My top end is unlimited!!!!
Or Beauford T. Pusser!
Too bad it’s not a ‘72. ‘73 Fuselages are a hard sell with their comparatively conservative updates. Still cool though c
Be cool to see it fully outfitted.light bar dog dish caps,radio set ect..I have a 12gage short barrell shot gun that is said to be a cop-car gun mounted on the dash neat car!!!!!!!!!
had a 68 Police Fury with 440…ex Wisconsin Highway Patrol
loved it
What a great car, and very complete. Hoping the buyer will restore it to it’s original Nevada Highway Patrol roots. I know the seller, and can assure everyone he is a great guy and is absolutely 100% honest.
These police cruisers made great demolition derby cars. Full box frames didn’t give an inch.
It surely was a battle between the Dodge Polara and the Ford Galaxie/LTD for champion of cop car movie and TV shows shows. But I believe Ford won that battle, does anyone remember the original “Walking Tall” movie in 1974? That movie was flooded with Polara’s Lol Great movie!
I still have my Dad’s old 1973 Dodge Polara police Pursuit California Highway Patrol Car 440 magnum 100% numbers matching.
This car screams “OLD COP CAR”