Motor Cars
USA
1960s

Dodge Polara Third generatio

1965 to 1968
Dodge Polara Third generation history
Overview
Production1965–1968
AssemblyDetroit, Michigan, United States
ClassMotor Car
Body style4-door sedan 2-door coupe 2-door convertible 4-door station wagon
PlatformC-body
Engines440 cu in (7.2 L) V8 (1966-68) 426 cu in (7.0 L) V8 (1965) 413 cu in (6.8 L) V8 (1965) 383 cu in (6.3 L) V8 (1965-1968) 318 cu in (5.2 L) V8 (1965-1968)
Wheelbase121.0 in (3,073 mm) 1965-66; 122.0 in (3,099 mm) 1967-on
Width80.0 in (2,032 mm)
Height62.0 in (1,575 mm)
 
 For 1965, Chrysler moved the Polara back to a Chrysler "C" fullsize platform that was shared with Chrysler and Plymouth models. Once again offered in a full range of bodies (sedans, hardtops, station wagons, etc.), the Polara, in effect, replaced the 880 and remained a step below the Custom 880, and the new Monaco hardtop coupe was now Dodge's top model.
Built with integral type chassis the front suspension was independent with wishbones, lower trailing links, longitudinal torsion bars, anti-roll bar, telescopic dampers, at the rear the normal rigid axle, semi-elliptic leafsprings and  telescopic dampers. 
Dodge Polara Third generation 1965 2 door side
Dodge Polara Third generation 1965 2 door side
 
 
The previous mid-sized Dodges that were sold under the names Polara 500, Polara, 440, and 330 continued in production under the name Dodge Coronet, their wheelbase shrinking to 117 inches (2,972 mm). These Polaras were criticized for low fuel economy, with some configurations going only 12 miles on a gallon of gasoline.
Dodge Polara Third generation 1965 4 door side
Dodge Polara Third generation 1965 4 door side

1966

The Polara for 1966 continued with large,shaped taillights revised grille with Dodge logo in letters, across the center of the hood, the Monaco would replace the Custom 880 as the mid-level model the base trim level included chrome windshield and rear window moldings,heater and defroster, power top on convertibles, 8.25 x 14 tubeless tires.
A sporty version of the Polara. called the Polara 500 with round '500' type emblems on the front fenders.The Polara 500s featured bucket seats a center console with floor shift lever.

PERFORMANCE:383cu in Engine

  • Engine capacity: 383 cu in, 6,276.22 cu cm
  • Fuel consumption: 15.6 mlimp gal, 13 m/US gal, 18.1 1 x 100 km
  • Max speed: 109 mph, 175.5 km/h
  • Max power (SAE) 270 hp at 4,400 rpm
  • Max torque (SAE) 390 1b ft
Dodge Polara Third generation 1966 4 door side
Dodge Polara Third generation 1966 4 door side
 

1967

The new full-size Polara Series was Completely restyled for 1967 year,models received a facelift and the hardtop coupe adopted a semi-fastback roof style with a reverse-slant rear quarter window. This now featured longer,wider and lower and wider bodies. with the rear side windows sweeping forward.
The Polara base trim level and included chrome windshield and rear window moldings.two-speed wipers; rear bumpe guards with step with step pads on larger nine-passenger station wagons.
 
Dodge Polara Third generation 1967 coupe
Dodge Polara Third generation 1967 2 door coupe
1967 models also saw a new U.S. Government-required safety package that included an energy-absorbing steering column and safety steering wheel, blunt dashboard controls, more interior padding, and a dual-circuit brake master cylinder. Along with more saftey features such as and warning lights; with emergency flasher system;front and rear seat belts and reverse lights.
 

1968

1968 Dodge, Polara 4-dr hardtop sedan, V-8. Slight updating the Polara name, in block letters, appeared on the sides of the front fenders, features include all-vinyl interior rear seat cushion foam pad on station wagons and convertibles heater and defroster; carpeting; cigar lighter
The Polara 500 was the top trim level of the Polara Series and included all the standard Polara features, plus DeLuxe wheel covers: front air foam vinyl bucket seats with centerfolding arm rests. Power top on convertibles.The nine-passenger station wagons also had power tailgate window and rear bumper guards.  t outboard front shoulder belts and side marker lights in addition to the '67 safety equipment.

 
Dodge Polara Third generation 1968 4 door side
Dodge Polara Third generation 1968 4 door side

One constant of the 1965 to 1968 models was taut, square-edged styling, which was updated each year. From 1965 to 1970, the Polara would be the only full-sized Dodge available in the U.S. as a convertible.

PERFORMANCE:318 cu in

  • Engine capacity: 318 cu in, 5,211.07 cu cm
  • Fuel consumption: 16.8 m/imp gal, 14 mlUS gal, 16.8 1 X 100 km
  • Max speed: 107 mph, 172.3 km/h
  • Max power (SAE): 230 hp at 4,400 rpm
  • Max torque (SAE): 340 1b ft, 46.9 kg m at 2,400 rpm
  • Max engine rpm: 4,800
  • Specific power: 44.1 hp/l
  • Power-weight ratio: 15.4 lb/hp, 7 kg/hp

Dodge Polara Third generation 1968 4-door station wagon

 Dodge Polara Third generation 1968 4-door station wagon

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Vehicles launched in 1965 | American 1960s | Dodge Polara

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Technical

Technical

  • Dodge Polara 3rd gen Technical details and specifications (1965-1968)

    ENGINE: 318 cu in
    front, 4 stroke
    cylinders: 8, Vee-slanted at 90°
    bore and stroke: 3.91 x 3.31 in, 99.3 x 84.1 mm
    engine capacity: 318 cu in, 5,211.07 cu cm
    compression ratio: 9.2
    cylinder block: cast iron
    cylinder head: cast iron
    crankshaft bearings: 5
    valves: 2 per cylinder, overhead, in line, push-rods and rockers, hydraulic tappets
    camshafts: 1, at centre of Vee
    lubrication: rotary pump, full flow filter
    carburation: 1 Ball & Ball BBD-4420 S downdraught twin barrel carburettor
    fuel feed: mechanical pump
    cooling system: water


    ENGINE: 383 cu in
    front, 4 stroke
    cylinders: 8, Vee-slanted at 90°
    bore and stroke: 4.25 x 3.38 in, 107.9 x 85.9 mm
    engine capacity: 383 cu in, 6,276.22 cu cm
    compression ratio: 9.2
    cylinder block: cast iron
    cylinder head: cast iron
    crankshaft bearings: 5
    valves: 2 per cylinder, overhead, in line, slanted at 45°, push-rods and rockers, hydraulic tappets
    camshafts: 1 centre of Vee
    lubrication: rotary pump, full flow filter
    carburation: 1 Ball and Ball BBD 3849 S or Holley WWC 3-254 downdraught twin barrel carburettor
    (option) 1 Carter 4-barrel carburettor
    fuel feed: mechanical pump
    cooling system: water

    TRANSMISSION
    driving wheels: rear
    clutch: single dry plate
    gearbox: mechanical; gears: 3+ reverse
    synchromesh gears: 2nd and 3rd
    gearbox ratios 383cu: 1st 3.020, 2nd 1.760, 3rd 1, rev 3.950
    gearbox ratios 318cu: 1st 2.550, 2nd 1.490, 3rd 1, rev 3.340
    gear lever location: steering column
    final drive: hypoid bevel
    axle ratio: Various 3.230. ,3.550
    (option) limited slip final drive
    (option) 4-speed mechanical gearbox fully synchronized (1st 2.660, 2nd 1.910, 3rd 1.390,4th rev 2.580)
    (option) Torqueflite Eight automatic gearbox, hydraulic torque convertor with 3 ratios (1st 2.450, 2nd 1.450, 3rd rev 2.200),


    CHASSIS
    type integral front auxiliary frame
    front suspension: independent, wishbones, lower trailing links, longitudinal torsion bars, anti-roll bar, telescopic dampers
    rear suspension: rigid axle, semi-elliptic leafsprings, telescopic dampers.

    STEERING
    recirculating ball
    turns of steering wheel lock to lock: 5.30. or 5.80
    (option) power-assisted steering
    (option) adjustable height and tilt of steering
    turning circle (between walls): 46.5 ft, 14.2 m

    ELECTRICAL EQUIPMENT
    voltage: 12 V
    battery: 48 Ah
    generator type: alternator, 37 Ah
    ignition distributor: Chrysler

    BRAKES
    drum, servo later dual circuit
    area rubbed by linings: total 328.30 sq in, 2,117.53 sq cm.

    DIMENSIONS AND WEIGHT
    wheel base: 121 in, 3,073 mm
    width: 79 in, 2,007 mm; to 80 in, 2,032 mm
    overall height: 54.90 in, 1,394 mm to 55.10 in, 1,399 mm
    ground clearance: 5.70 in, 145 mm to 5.80 in, 147 mm
    dry weight: 3,565 1b, 1,617 kg to 3,825 1b, 1,735 kg

    © Motor car History

Service

  • Dodge Polara 3rd gen Maintenance and Service Guide (1965-1968)


    Gearbox oil: 4.22 imp pt, 5 US pt, 2.4 1
    Automatic transmission fluid type AQ-ATF Suffix A or SAE 140, change every 32,000 miles, 51,500 km
    Final drive oil: 3.34 imp pt, 4 US pt, 1.9 1, SAE 80-90, change every 32,000 mile 51,500 km
    Greasing: every 32,000 miles, 51,500 km
    Tyre pressure (normal load):Small engine front 24 psi, 1.7 atm, rear 22 psi, 1.5 atm.Large front 28 psi, 2 atm, rear 28 psi, 2 atm.
    Width of rims: 5.5"
    Tyres: 8.25 x 14 (option) 8.55 x 15 tyres 8.45/8.55 x 14 8.15/G70 x 15 tyres
    Fuel tank capacity: 20.9 imp gal, 25 US gal, 95 1.
    Carrying capacity: 1,058 1b, 480 kg

    ENGINE: 318 cu in

    Fuel: 100 oct petrol
    Engine oil change: 6.69 imp pt, 8 US pt, 3.8 1, SAE 5W-20 (winter) 20W-40 (summer), change every 4,000 miles, 6,400 km
    gearbox oil: 4.93 impt pt, 6 US pt, 2.8 1, AQ-ATF Suffix 6, change every 32,000 miles, 51 ,500 km
    Total lubricating system capacity: 8.27 imp pt. 10 US pt
    Cooling system capacity: 29.92 imp pt, 36 US pt
    Valve timing: inlet opens 10° before tdc and closes 50° after bdc, exhaust opens 58° before bdc and closes 10° after tdc

    ENGINE: 383 cu in 
    Fuel: 95-100 oct petrol
    Engine oil change: 6.61 imp pt, 8 US pt. 3.8 1, SAE 5W-20 (winter) 10W-30 (summer), change every 4,00 miles, 6,400 km
    Total lubricating system capacity: 8.27 imp pt,10 US
    Cooling system capacity: 28.34 imp pt
    Valve timing: inlet opens 13° before tdc and closes 59° after bdc, exhaust opens 59° before bdc and closes 13° after tdc


    © Motor car History