Yikes! I’m not sure how I’d describe this 1961 Dodge Polara. It has a Star Wars-esque bearing about itself, courtesy of Virgil Exner’s imaginative pen. Styling is always subjective and I sorta like this one but mostly don’t. It looks to be in reasonably good shape though the seller mentions, “Needs misc work. Nothing too complicated“. OK then, let’s see what’s here. Mr. Numskal found this high-style Dodge listing, it’s located in Pahrump, Nevada and it’s available, here on craigslist for $3,900.
This Polara marked the end of an era. In ’62 Dodge and Plymouth embarked on a mistaken downsizing of their full-size cars but the styling returned to something a bit, just a bit, more restrained. Dodge did develop a full-size security blanket in the form of a rebadged Chrysler Newport that was labeled “880”. Multiple trim levels were the order of the day at Dodge in ’61 with the Polara riding high in the catbird seat and then trending downward with the Dart Phoenix, Dart Pioneer, and finally, the Dart Seneca in the anchorman position. Dodge ended up in ninth place in the domestic production race in ’61 with a total output of 269K units. It was an abrupt decline of almost 100K copies from their sixth-place 1960 finish.
As for needed misc. work, the engine compartment shows a missing radiator, fan, and maybe an alternator (generator?) too. The engine is said to be a 230 gross HP, 318 CI “Polyshere” V8 engine though Dodge’s marketing material states that a 361 CI engine was standard Polara equipment. A pushbutton-activated TorqueFlite automatic transmission handles gear changes though the seller mentions, “Needs transmission shifter fixed“.
The body of this curvaceous beast is in pretty decent nick. The leading edge of the passenger side fender has one of those “I misjudged the garage door jamb” kind of scrapes but the rest of it looks ok. The finish is, unsurprisingly, flat, but I don’t see evidence of rust-through. The bumpers are pretty fair and all of the stainless trim is still attached – good to see as I imagine replacements would be hard to source. Note the wheels, I’m not sure what to make of those, perhaps they’re factory pieces from another, later model that have been finished in black? Whatever the case, I like them.
From what can be seen of the interior the driver’s side of the front seat has problems but the rest, particularly the back seat, shows well. The interior images are limited so it’s difficult to make any other assessment regarding its condition. The door panels look OK, and typical for a ChryCo vehicle of this era, the rearview mirror is attached to the top of the dashboard as opposed to the more traditional placement, suspended from the roof at the top of the windshield.
Back to the styling, it’s a real attention-getter for visual recognition and the bodywork involves a lot of complex angles – it was probably a real exercise constructing the necessary panel dies. Regardless, it’s a look that I can’t get out of my head. If it were possible to personify this car, you know, transfer it into an actual individual…
Here you go, Admiral Akbar, at your service! Yup, that’s what I think of when I see the rear end of this Polara. Yeah, it’s weird I know, but this is a weird-looking car, wouldn’t you agree?
One night round 1965 our family was watching tv when we heard sirens and saw the reflections of red lights in our second floor rental. We had a front row seat as we watched the neighbors car across the street totally engulfed in flames. It was just like this one. He was a cigar smoker and that was thought to be the cause. I always thought it was great looking car.
As a teen, we had a 61 PHOENIX (Dart)red convert. The PHOENIX was very close in styling to the Polara. Exner was desperately trying new direction for the finned fantasies that were so successful. While this was polarizing (no pun intended), I loved the PHOENIX. Even when Custom 880 was introduced, it still had very similar front end. There has been a 61 PHOENIX with hemi engine advertised in Hemmings for mega bucks. While 61 Dodge and Plymouth may be a matter of choice, both were tragically restyled for 62. At least Dodge got the Custom 880, while Plymouth was stuck. FYI, the 62 full Chrysler Corp line up was planned for radical changes. When Mistaken information said GM was downsizing entire line, the Dodge and Plymouth divisions original Chicken Wing styling (not very attractive) looked even worse when downsized. Even Chrysler for 63 looked awkward. Only Imperial shouldered on with more traditional styling until Engel brought completely new looks for 64.
My father in law proudly talks about his first new car-a 1961 Dodge Pioneer! I learned that the Phoenix was the top trim level.
He told me it had everything, including back up lights! I never knew those were an option! Great memories
Just got new Hemmings. The 61 PHOENIX mentioned above is still available at $9,900.
Aw, what the heck, IT’S A TRAP!! To equate a ’61 Dodge back to Admiral Akbar clearly shows the authors imagination/Star Wars reference, pretty much defines the author. Star Wars literally defined how far our imaginations could go. I’ve seen them with my kids so many times, I could lip-synch the scenes. Lucas is a genius.
I suppose the same could be said for the early 60s Mopars. They literally took styling to its extreme. Styling too far out there for regular folks, no surprise, Hollywood loved them. Didn’t last but a couple years, but sure left its mark on auto culture. We (I) tend to mock some of the French creations, but I bet many Europeans wondered what they were thinking here. A great find, for sure.
Hey Howard,
Are you like me and think and say there are only three Star Wars movies?
I love these, and if it were a wagon, I’d be taking a hard look at it. The author is right, though. Exnerisms are something you either loved or hated. I suppose one could say, “It’s a trap!”
Distinctive. Unique. Maybe not as polarizing as the Plymouth. These are hard to categorize on appearance alone. Fix it up and enjoy the public reaction.
Absolutely, the Plymouth had a “mean alien ” look to it. Imagine looking into your rear view mirror at that face?
Many don’t realize what this `61 Polara represents, IMHO. It’s a 4dr. hardtop, with no B-pillars which is a plus to me since they are extinct today. Second, The Polara models of `61, while not everyone’s favorite are few & far between now. If this were a Polara 4dr. hardtop WAGON, You’d have MoPar GOLD on your hands. Me? I’m a purist and would source another 361 V8 and restore this. It’s worth for it to me for what it is—an end of an era. From `62 on this kind of automotive fantasy faded fast. Call me biased.
My first thought was how hard body and trim parts would be to find, since I don’t recall ever seeing one of these in person. But the body itself looks solid and the 318/torqueflite combo is easy to service. Great conversation starter for not a lot of $$$$$.
I wanted to like these Chrysler cars but they were so outlandish! Styling was litterly ‘off the wall’…..only 11 years old in 1961 I was sold on my fathers preference for FoMoCo automobiles and that’s what I’ve had myself these last 60 years….yes we did have foreign influence in our choices over the years but they didn’t overpower the American makes. Now it’s all Asian and no longer a tribute to the Red White and Blue…guess it’s the eventual erosion of what we were built on…..it can’t be stopped I know but sad in my mind, we’ve lost our identity. Time marches on and I’m lost in the shuffle!
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Exner’s Revenge!
Now if it was a two door…….sweet though. Back when ‘Merica was ‘Merica…..not a time when a bunch of suburbanites driving Lexus and Hyundai look alike suv’s..
We were darn lucky to have had the experience…….even if my Dad bought a stripper black ’61 Chevy
This Vintage Rolls Canardly (Roll down one hill and Canardly get up the next) fondly recalls the days when automobiles were individual in styling and variety. Dad worked for INLAND STEEL, so anything from across the pond was lousy. Today foreign names (even when built here) on melted jelly beans and SUVS and crossovers are a sad bunch. Unfortunately American brands aren’t much better 😕. At least for NOW, we can STILL have our own opinions. Not sure how much longer!
Correction. Between 1962 thru 1965. The dodge custom 880 was the highest trim level above the polara.
Very cool car. Buy it and be the only one at your local car show or cruise night.
I have the feeling the author has been watching Wheeler Dealers, with the description…”The body of this curvaceous beast is in pretty decent nick.”
Nice write up.
Used to be one of my favourite shows when Edd China was on there. Mike is funny, but has an inflated ego bigger than his stomach.
I always thought that the 61 Plymouth looked angry and apparently hurt the feelings of the 61 Dodge and made it cry!
Correction: The 880 ran from 62 thru 64, 65 was a new full-size body style, which now included the Monaco, and lower line Polara