Don’t let the layer of dust fool you because under it hides a relatively rare Dodge classic. It is the 1962 Custom 880 Convertible, and its condition is above average. It appears that it has been sitting for a while, but since this photo was taken, it has received some TLC. It is now ready to head to a new home, so the owner has listed it for sale here on Classic Cars. It is located in Cadillac, Michigan, and the owner has set the price at $23,495. I have to say a big thank you to Barn Finder Larry D for spotting the Dodge for us.
The backstory behind this Custom 880 isn’t clear, but the supplied photos and layer of dust suggest that it has been parked for an extended period. Now that it has been treated to a wash and polish, it is a handsome-looking car. It is finished in Vermillion with a White soft-top. The paint holds an impressive shine, with no evidence of significant flaws or defects. The white convertible top is in excellent order, while the rear window is free from any clouding. The panels are laser straight with gaps that are tight and consistent. The owner makes no mention of any rust issues, and there are none evident in the supplied photos. One area that is always worth checking is the inside of the trunk pan. Early examples of the 880 had some issues with the trunk seal, which was symptomatic of a rushed development schedule. Water could find its way into some of those cars, and the pan would rust from the inside. If this pan is solid, that is good news. The trim is in excellent order, while the bumpers shine beautifully after a recent trip to the platers. The owner says that the Convertible isn’t perfect, but its condition is excellent for a driver-quality classic. The photos would seem to support this claim, and there’s no doubt that it would grab its share of attention if it were to lob at a Cars & Coffee.
The Custom 880 was developed with a short lead time, and it owes its life to a rumor that proved to be wrong. Chrysler executives had heard stories that Chevrolet was about to downsize its model offerings for the 1962 model year, so they decided to follow suit. Unfortunately, this proved to be bad information, and Chrysler found itself with a range of vehicles that were physically smaller than its opposition. Their solution was to develop the Custom 880 as an amalgam of panels and pieces, with a Dodge Polara front grafted onto a Chrysler Newport rear. The result was a distinctive vehicle, but it didn’t appear on the market until January of 1962, months after the opposition had unveiled their new models. With many potential buyers already locked into buying those cars, the Custom 880 struggled to attract sales volumes. During the 1962 model year, the company managed to sell 17,505 vehicles across the entire Custom 880 range. The owner supplies no engine photos, but we know that this Custom 880 features a 361ci V8, a 3-speed TorqueFlite transmission, power steering, and power brakes. With 265hp on tap, this is a Convertible that should be capable of whipping through the ¼ mile in 16.6 seconds. That’s pretty respectable, but it will run out of breath at 114mph. This one has been returned to the road, and it appears to be in sound mechanical health. It is said to run exceptionally well, can be driven anywhere, and I’d be willing to bet that the V8 sounds pretty sweet breathing through its shiny new dual exhaust.
The Custom 880’s exterior looks great, but if anything, its interior looks even better. It is upholstered in red vinyl, and there isn’t much of which to be critical. One jarring note is the aftermarket radio/cassette player that has been slotted in where the original radio should be. It looks out of character with the rest of the interior, and I would be replacing it sooner rather than later. I did a bit of scouting around, and I had no problem locating a couple of refurbished original radios. These were being offered at about $220 each, which seems cheap enough. The alternative would be to fit a RetroSound unit. That would provide the correct appearance with modern conveniences like Bluetooth and USB connectivity. It’s easy to find one of these units for around $450. Beyond that, the interior needs nothing. The upholstery shows no wear, the carpet looks extremely nice, and there are no issues with the dash. It isn’t loaded with optional extras, but the remote trunk release is a nice touch.
With such a short lead time and a late introduction, it was inevitable that the first year of Custom 880 production would not produce high sales volumes. Therefore, it is hardly surprising that a mere 684 examples of the Convertible rolled off the production line in 1962. As was the case with many cars from this era, rust has managed to claim its share of scalps. These don’t come onto the market that often, but prices of around $25,000 seem the norm for tidy examples. A pristine car can top $35,000, and when you look at those figures, the price on this one seems pretty competitive. But is it competitive enough to entice one of our readers?
I believe that this was the cop car that D-Day stole after the parade fiasco in “Animal House”. I always liked the lines of the car even though it wasn’t popular. Now I know why. Whereabouts “unknown”.
You’re right , a 62 sedan
I’ve seen this 880 cvt. for sale for quite some time now. Surprised it never sold; I seriously doubt you’ll find another in ANY shape let alone this nice. Personally I liked the `63 model’s styling a bit better. It kept the `62 rear quarters, but the tail lamps were a one-year item only. In `64 the 880 got wide lamps that blended into the rear panel horizontally. Snap this up and join the WPC club; pretty much guaranteed you’ll probably have the only one at any show. PS: Lose the wide whites. This car is one year too new for those.
You’re right on the WWW tires. I wanted to change them but it was easier just to leave them on when I sold it a short while ago. I own a 1961 Corvette, 1957 Nomad, 1960 El Camino, & a 1953 Corvette. They all have the WWW tires because 1961 was the last year for the WWW tires. Good catch on the tires being one year out of date. Still, this was and is a fantastic car. You would be really hard pressed to find one as nice. As a matter of fact, It would be challenging to find any brand of car from 1961 in this condition for this price. She’s a beauty. Wayne in NH.
Uninspiring front end.
The front-end, at first glance, looks a lot like the 1962 + Ford Falcon. We had one.
I’m in love! Straight tail pipes out the back make me wonder how many other corners were cut. As mentioned in the article, I would install a refurbished original AM radio and single rear speaker w/fader. Hiway HiFi record player would be a candidate too. I still miss the ’61 Dart Pioneer Sedan that I ruined through my youthful indiscretions but easily found a willing and capable buyer for.
No corners were cut on this car. I owned it for several years and sold it awhile back. It is 100% original in exceptional condition. The dual exhaust is new and sounds unbelievable. It is a extremely nice car. I know, I owned it.
I don’t think you could get a rear speaker on a Mopar convert.
I have a black 1964 880 custom 4 door all original with 18,000 miles yes original miles
That’s what happens when you eavesdrop
The downsized car the G M executive was talking about was the Chevy 2 nova
Did you get a look at the car?
If so; your thoughts??
JIm 605 949 2499
This car has been for sale in NH for quite a while. I didn’t sense it was a barn find per se. Was tempted to go look at it. Always thought it was a bargain. Just wanted bigger fins.
LOL You should have come to look at it. I owned it here in NH for several years and only moved it on to make room for my restored 1953 Corvette. I had on average at least 3 or 4 calls on her per week. She was sold at least three times but ech buyer did not come up with the money. I held off on selling it to another buyer once each of the three bought it and attempted to get the money. When I sold it not too long ago the buyer had cash and was as happy as a pig in ***** when he took it home. He’s called me since and says he just loves it and has invited me to his home to visit it when I am in his area. This listing for sale may be out of date but then again maybe the gentleman that purchased from me knows a value and is not making a profit. Good for him . I’m not a MOPAR guy but this car was a car anyone could love. It was in at least the condition described or better. It is in fantastic shape and everything works. She sounded awesome with the dual exhaust from the standard 361 V8. I miss this beautiful car.
I owned a 62 Custom 880 2 door hardtop (one of 1761). Spent a boatload of time and money restoring that car. Lost my butt after trying to sell it for 2 years. Sold it to a guy in Belgium, the only other person I found who liked it. Won’t ever do another Mopar again.
The “Chevy II” myth was pretty much debunked years ago – it was almost certainly a face-saving excuse for coming up with an engineering-led project that missed the market (and to stab Bill Newberg in the back on the way out the door).
Looks like the kind of car Ward Cleaver would drive.
“Car 54 (Where Are You?)” drove a police car sedan version.
Most car 54 where are you cars are 1961 Plymouth Fury 1 cars, Officer TOODY
My Father was a Mopar man. We lived in NE Ohio, but he drove convertibles. He would buy a new one every two years and keep it for four. In 1962 he ordered a Dodge 880 convertible in triple blue from his long time Dodge dealer.
The car came in with a blue paint, black interior and black top. He refused it. The salesman said all blue convertibles get black interiors and tops even though the sales literature showed blue as available.
The dealership owner, who looked like a shorter Ed Sullivan with a double breasted suit, said he would call his man a Chrysler and get a Newport for the same price. One problem, all blue Newport convertibles came with black interiors and tops.
My Father was in shock and used language I did not know he knew. I steered him down the street to the Pontiac dealer. Catalina convertibles had 5 or 7 top colors. He choose bamboo cream, 2 tone brown and tan interior and tan top. It came in 4 or 5 weeks later exactly as ordered.
My Father continued to buy a new car every two years, but never had another Dodge.
LOVE the Polara front end! These early 60’s Mopars are quite rare. This appears to be the real thing…
Beautiful car and the rarity makes it more appealing to me. With summer not far away and I am only 30 minutes away!
If you can go look at this car, GOOOO!! I owned it until just recently here in NH and it may or may not be for sale. The ad may be and older one that was never taken down. I only had it for sale locally and some national Classic Car sales picked it up. I did not initiate them. So, I would call to see if it is available. If the gentleman who purchased it from me is reselling it then that may be what this ad is. It is without a doubt a really nice car, I know I owned it for sevral years.
This 1962 Dodge 880 Custom convertible was my car for several years. It is exactly as described and was and is in exceptional condition. I live in NH and the car was sold awhile back. Not sure it it is being resold. You would have a hard time finding much wrong with this car. It was and is a beautiful car. Only reason it moved on is I need the room for my #1 NCRS restored Corvette coming home soon. It will reside next to my 1961 Corvette, 1962 Chevrolet Impala SS Convertible 409 in triple black, and my 1953 Corvette Replicar. Back to the Dodge, she IS without a doubt a beautiful and really nice car/. I’m not a MOPAR guy but this car just POPS. Where can you find a totally restored car that is the right color, is a convertible, with the 361 V8 and in this condition. Wow. I still love the car but love my 1953 Corvette more.
I think this car is priced very fairly for such a good looking and rare vehicle.
I owned this car for several years and she is in the super nice shape as described. I sold her here in New Hampshire not too long ago and the guy was as happy of a person as you would ever want to meet. The car is in fantastic shape. I sold her to make room for my restored 1953 Corvette coming home soon. The radio does stand out as needing replaced as well as the speaker grille. Grille’s were made of plastic in their day and disintegrated from the heat over time. I know, I have another 1961 Plymouth Fury convertible and had to have a metal one fabricated. At any rate, if this car is still for sale it is a steal. I should know, I owned her for several years. She has a great history also. I’d double check to see if it is for sale however as my local ad was picked up by some national ad sales firms so this may be an old ad. Happy St Patrick’s Day And yes, the WWW tires should be smaller white walls. I knew this but, hey, the tires were new, looked great, and was easier to leave on then go through all the trouble to change them. Again, a really nice car.
I like it,and could of bought a 63 4-door with 383 2 barrel years ago,but just needed more interior and body work then I wanted to deal with,ran like a beast though, 305 hp,and 410 torque would roast the tire down the whole block!
My father had a 1962 880, two door, white hardtop, radio delete. The 361 motor ran damn strong for the day. If speedometer was correct, it buried 120 many times on the interstate. Different times in 60’s and early 70’s.
My 1st car was a 1962 Dodge 880….. White 2 dr with black primered front fenders from a 61 Dodge. Paid $25 for it in ’71, bought 2 recapped snow tires for $8 each, and sold it for $100 3 weeks after I bought it….
Hi Im Roy cote from Danvers MA.I bought the 880 from Wayne coudnt be any
more happy. He gets alot of compliments at car shows because nobody has ever seen one.Im a Mopar guy. 1937 plymouth 2door slant back hotrod vipper red.1957 Desoto Fireflight 4 door 341 Hemi yellow with white hat.1962 Dodge Dart 4door red with white hat.1958 pontiac Strato Cheif 4door red with white hat and arrow frame off resto.1946 Pontiac streemliner 4door rat rod. 1950 Chrysler town and country 2door hard top Black and wood lots of wood flat head 8 We live at Roys place in danvers Ma The 880 is not for sale
I love happy endings!