Hopped Up 383: 1965 Dodge Polara

The listing reads, “1965 Dodge Polara 383 big cam 750 carb aluminum intake, aftermarket hei runs but need fuel tank.” I was thinking that it should also have a caveat such as “If you can find it under all of this detritus”. No worries, there are unencumbered images with the listing but this opener makes one think this Dodge could be quite the barn find. Located in Missouri Valley, Iowa and discovered by, appropriately, NW Iowa Kevin, this first of the recently upsized Dodges needs some restoration work, but still, it could be a worthwhile project.

We’ve covered the ’62-’64 full-size Plymouth and Dodge downsizing event before, so I won’t travel that ground again. Dodge’s full-size lineup was back up to snuff, size-wise, and pretty straightforward in ’65, with the two-door-only Monaco hardtop residing at the top of the heap, followed by the Custom 880, and then the Polara bringing up the markers. Body styles included two and four-door hardtops, four-door sedans and station wagons, and convertibles. The Polara put up decent numbers in ’65 with about 75K units of total production hitting the street.

Now this Polara is powered by a 383 CI V8 but then all of them were. Power levels were 270 for the two-barrel carburetor version and 315 for those with a four-holer Which one this car originally had is not said – nor is there a mention of its operating capability. Actually, there’s nothing said other than what I quoted above, and then, “Needs finished don’t have time have new lower quarters and floor pans.” is thrown in for good measure. There are no interior images so I’ll skip that component of the review entirely but without it, I can’t tell if this Dodge employs an automatic transmission (probably) or a manual.

So the exterior is a work in progress. What’s left of the paint, either Light Blue or Medium Blue has been largely removed, and some body work has been performed but there’s a lot that still needs attention. I guess by his latter comment, the lower quarters and floor pans will need to be replaced and he has them available but the laconic listing isn’t clear so interested parties, who really want to know, will need to inquire. Both the trunk lid and the front bumper will require straightening and I suppose the chrome bits could make with a redo. The high point of this Dodge’s exterior seems to be its American Racing wheels.

So, this is a ’60s Mopar, two-door hardtop that’s carrying a $5,000 price tag which seems reasonable considering what Dodges and Plymouths of this era often bring, though admittedly, a ’65 Polara isn’t one of the real hot ones. As far as what to do with it goes, it depends. The details, in my estimation, aren’t informative enough to make a decision on that front. The listing is here in Facebook Marketplace, please review it and let me know what you think – a good project, or a good pass?