The Polara nameplate appeared on Dodge cars beginning in 1960 and would stick around until 1973. At first a full-size car, the Polara became as intermediate about mid-way through its time in the Chrysler fold. This 9-passenger Polara station wagon from 1969 was once a workhorse for Servpro, a commercial and residential emergency services company. Located in Rockford, Illinois, it still wears that logo on the front doors and now sports a newer 5.2-liter Magnum engine under the hood. Complete with patina, this wagon is available here on craigslist for $9,500. Thanks, Pat L., for another interesting Mopar find!
Several of the car companies got in on the “Space Race” rage of the 1960s and gave their cars cool names, like Ford’s Galaxie 500. The Polara name refers to the Polaris star and adorned Dodge products for 14 years. The full-size cars were restyled in 1969 using a “fuselage” type of theme in the flow of sheet metal. Buyers had their choice of V8s, including the 318, 383, and 440 cubic inch engines, of which the 318 was originally in the seller’s car. Along with other Chrysler products, the Polara would be popular for a time with local law enforcement agencies and the state patrol.
The seller refers to this wagon as a “Servprolara” because of its time spent in service to that company. Servpro is in the business of cleaning up after a fire or water leak, like a broken pipe in your basement. At 150,000 miles, this wagon has been well used, yet has minimal rust. While there is patina present, the Servpro logos are also visible. Interestingly, a 9-passenger wagon would be used for this business as the carrying space would be a bit protracted unless the rear seat was removed, but even then it would be more difficult to load and unload than a truck or van.
There aren’t likely any mechanical issues to be dealt with as the original 318 has been replaced by a modern Magnum V8. It’s of a similar displacement that’s all shiny and disguised as a Chrysler LA motor. Extra parts are included, and we’re told the car is ready to be driven anywhere. We’re guessing the original TorqueFlite is still in play and the seller will send along the numbers matching 318 should the buyer want it.
The interior is where the most attention will be needed as the seats need to be reupholstered, and the carpeting and headliner replaced. The dash pad is all cracked, but the seller has a replacement to send along for good measure. This neat wagon has been part of a photoshoot in at least one publication, Mopar Connection Magazine, for which a link to it is provided. If you were to buy this wagon, what would you do with it? Restore it to its original condition or continue down the path of a restomod with the Servpro connection still in place?
I’m torn on this one. I’m a proponent of “patina” if something was a race car or a work vehicle, which this probably was. On the other hand, it would look really good refreshed into stock form.
I know that wagon! A really good friend of mine is selling it, and is worth every cent. He drove it to Carlisle in 2019 with the original 318 in it. He eats, sleeps, and breathes 69-71 Polaras and Monacos. Hi Wyatt!!!
I am all in on MOPAR. I would clean up the interior. This would be a head turner @ car shows.
This is a local car this guy knows his mopars.
My parents purchased one in Yellow with the wood trim package. It was used and the previous owner was the Captain Of the local Highway patrol station. I was decked out just like a standard Highway Patrol Car with brakes, transmission, and Engine.
We called it the KILLER BANANA and there was almost nothing that could touch it for speed. It had a 440 of some type and my father kept on having to get stronger and stronger carburetor springs to keep my mother from getting speeding tickets. LOL
I think we ended up putting 300,000+ miles on it before we traded in on a Dodge COLT ?? That was a hell of a switch. That wagon could sit eight and nine in a pinch. Was comfortable long haul cruiser. The air conditioning would freeze you out and the heater could melt your shoes. I did not get to drive it as 16, and 17 year old boy. When I was given the chance WOW. I miss that big yellow land yacht. Take care of the rust first thing the rest is almost bullet proof.
I’m sorry but why isn’t anyone talking about a 440 sleeper for this beautiful wagon? My brother is rolling over in his grave! Lol
This reminds me of the ’73 Dodge Polara squad car I drove when I was still on the job. It had 107,000 miles on it and the suspension was shot. I was working midnights and got a call of an armed robbery in progress, went over railroad tracks enroute, and took out the oil pan. I love station wagons and Mopars. I would return this to its original condition, including the 318.
No slight intended to this great Polara. And I say sorry for my ignorance. But is that black car in the picture a Dodge as well? That thing is nice looking as well!
The Police Dept I was on had the sedans a squad cars comfortable cars, fast
but after a high sped run forget the brakes, even W/metallics, they were gone
The black car in the picture is a Chrysler.
Actually it’s an Imperial, probably a ’69 or a ’70.
Drove the same station wagon home from college with 5 sleepy friends dozing away near midnight. Which is why when we crested a hill, I was the only one to see semis blocking both lanes and barrelling down on us. They all woke up when I swerved onto the shoulder to avoid getting pancaked. Who knew that roly poly old wagon could hug the road enough to stay planted? Never forget that trip or that wagon.
You all would not believe, how even in it’s unrestored state, this wagon turns heads. Everyone looks. Older people reminisce, mostly with absolutely huge grins on their faces. Teens and younger kids have zero prejudice and think it’s cool. This sleekly designed work of art draws a crowd absolutely everywhere, it’s definitely not for someone that doesn’t like to talk or meet new people at every stop.
And the author doesn’t understand that the middle and rear seats fold down to open up a lot of cargo space. Enough room to lay a sheet of plywood flat.
Honestly? I would definitely restore it and put the original engine back in it. That’s 1 option. The other option? Fix it up and do a complete restoration of the interior. As for the rims? Change them up and you will have a super cool family station wagon that will turn heads.
You all would not believe, how even in it’s unrestored state, this wagon turns heads. Everyone looks. Older people reminisce, mostly with absolutely huge grins on their faces. Teens and younger kids have zero prejudice and think it’s fun, especially if they are able to ride in the rear facing back seat. This sleekly designed work of art draws a crowd absolutely everywhere, it’s definitely not for someone that doesn’t like to talk or meet new people at every stop.
And the author doesn’t understand that the middle and rear seats fold down to open up a lot of cargo space. Enough room to lay a sheet of plywood flat.
might be wrong but car sits kinda high in front sure this wasnt big block before? also looks like very high end racing headers> aalso all s b Mopars i have ever owned had different valve covers stick small block covers wont fit Magmun valve train for Magnum motore to tall for standard 318 369 273 340 s thanks