So, how many 1968 Dodge Polara convertibles were built? An appropriate question, lacking an exact answer. It’s a distinctive-looking car and to my eyes, seldomly seen, but I haven’t been able to put my finger on an exact volume number. Today’s find is just such a model, and it’s in excellent condition, so I’ll give it a review, and we’ll see what we can determine. Covina, California, is where you’ll find this full-size Dodge drop-top, and it’s available here on craigslist for $17,500.
Full-size Dodges (C-bodies) were offered in three different models in ’68, the Monaco, Polara 500, and Polara (four, I guess, if you include the Monaco 500 two-door hardtop). With the help of Allpar, I was able to determine that there were 66K of these C-bodies assembled that year. The estimate is that about 4K were Polara 500 or Polara convertibles – but it’s just that, an estimate. Regardless, convertible numbers were trending downhill by the end of the sixties, and those makes and models, where accurate volumes are available, will tell that story as you compare their volumes to those from just a few years earlier. Anyway, our subject is a standard Polara, and it looks fabulous. The seller states that it was restored about five years ago, but it’s still exceedingly fresh in its appearance – and that goes for the folding white top too. This Dodge is long and low and cuts quite a swath by just sitting still. I’d say no demerits warranted!
Power is courtesy of a 383 CI V8 engine, and though not stated, I imagine it’s the standard 290 gross HP version of that B-block. It looks mostly stock, other than an open-element air cleaner and a valve cover swap. No surprise is the aluminum radiator, a replacement component becoming more and more common all the time. What may have been done to the engine during the five-year-old restoration is not disclosed, and this drop top’s running and driving characteristics are not referenced. The usual suspect, a TorqueFlite three-speed automatic transmission, handles all things gear-related. The seller adds, “Odometer shows 41,446 (not sure if rolled over).” Well, I can’t tell with certainty, but a rollover seems more than likely.
The interior environment is a standard black vinyl arrangement, and its condition matches that of the exterior – it’s excellent. Other than being hot as blazes in top-down mode on a SoCal summer day (yes, it’s a thigh burner), what’s not to like? Being a regular Polara means a standard bench seat, whereas the more upscale Polara 500 netted its new owner a pair of front buckets as original equipment. The only thing that seems out of place is a wrinkly passenger door panel.
These full-size cars, whether they’re Dodges, Plymouths, Fords, or Chevys, are often overlooked and can often be a much more affordable alternative to their smaller intermediate siblings. Big Fords and Bowtie ragtops are still fairly common, but a Dodge Polara from this era? I don’t think so. I’d put this Dodge in the way-cool category, how about you?
Put some towels down on the seats, and head out for a summer cruise. 🌞 Real cool 😎 Dodge here J.O 👍
I agree, I’d put this in the “way cool” category. A week ago, if you had asked me if the 1968 Polara (my in-laws had one) came in a convertible, I might have replied “I don’t think so.” A fun cruiser.
Mike Brady drove something similar in the first episode of The Brady Bunch, but his was a bucket seat Polara 500.
That engine shot appears to show a coolant hose for the AC but the dash doesn’t appear to have any vents. Otherwise just blast the AC with the top down to keep cool on those black seats. I like it.
Not an A/C equipped car. There are two heater hoses, and the other hose I think you are seeing is actually the power steering hose.
C-body Conv big block Mopar under $20K?
This Polara looks turn-key ready.
Forget Chargers and overpriced B-bodies when you can get something like this for a fraction of the $.
With aftermarket duals added, I’m betting there’s a 4bbl under that chrome air cleaner.
Blue-Light special at K-Mart!!!
Best friend in high schools parents got a used ’68 Dodge Polara hardtop around ’72. Got to drive it a couple of times. Power, handling and smooth. Loved that car.
Again, don’t know why I didn’t have more interest in Mopar as a young adult. They were actually cool cars.
The big blocks make them all cool Angel. 😎
Beautiful ride! Someone will grab it up! Peace!
Ms. Hathaway drove a lovely red over white one on the Beverly Hillbillies.
Unique front end for sure. I’d call it menacing. Very cool. Although I like the fuselage cars I feel this may have been the peak of Chrysler quality. Very good looking Polara and the perfect time of year to enjoy.
Greg, I wanna say that Miss Jane’s car was a Coronet 500, but I might be wrong. Any guesses from the BF universe? And yeah, I can see myself cruising around in something like this. And you’d need some terrycloth seat covers to keep from blistering you backside here in Florida too. And lest I say that my friend Buzzy turned one of these into a pimpmonile? First wrong thing he ever did IMHO. Hell, I’m legally blind and couldn’t see him doing that. I saw it once
not long after he did it. Compared to the other cars he built,
the ragtop was tastefully done and got attention wherever the owner drove it. Hi Angel! Hope you and your BF had a good 4th of July. Me, I was at work helping my kids, cleaning
my store, and jammin out to the great oldies they put on my
store’s Muzak system. Even sang a bit while I worked. Got my kids attention when I sang 2 Pina coladas by Garth Brooks. Anyhoo, it’s beddy bye time for me. Gonna stop by the store in the morning and check on my closing manger, who got roped into doing a double shift even though she’s really sick. Add the fact that half of the morning shift called off and you’ve got a recipe for disaster. Who knows, they might throw some work my way. Night Angel 💋. Night all.
Ken,
When did I get a BF? The only BFs (I am assuming it stands for boyfriend and not Barn Finds) I know of are you, Rick W, Frog, Howard, PRA4SNW, Stan, Solo and a couple of others.
You guys rock! ❤️
Bring bring bring me 2 Pina coladas.
I want one for each hand.
We’ll set sail with Captain Morgan
though we’ll never leave dry land.
Hey troubles I forgot ’em,
I hurried ’em in the sand.
So bring me 2 Pina Coladas,
and say hello to your good timing man,
Oh no dear. When I think of a BF, I think of a best friend like the lady you’re helping out right now. At least that’s what I thought it was. Just shows how far behind the times I am.
So just what do you call a best friend today? Anyone know out there in the BF universe? At nearly 71, I’d sure like to know. Maybe my kids will know. OMG Angel! If you haven’t
already, check out the ’71 Coupe DeVille that was posted on the site this morning. One sharp car that’ll have you drooling
all over yourself and wanting more. At least it did with me.
Well honey, it’s time for me to take a nap and get ready for work since I have no idea of what I’ll find when I get there. Let me know what you think of the Caddy. Think you’re gonna love it! 💋
Best Friend! Why didn’t I think of that? Probably because boy friends are easier to come by than best friends.
Let’s see…..”bestie” or “BFF” are some recent iterations. What the actual 2025 term is i don’t know. I’m in the same boat as you as far as keeping up with lingo.
I love this car a lot! Cruising around in this car would draw a lot of looks like my C7 Corvette currently does. Another problem for me would be finding somewhere to store it. Such a beauty!
I got me a Chrysler
It’s as big as a whale
And it’s about to set sail!
It seats about 20
So come on and bring your jukebox money!