1965-1973 Dodge Polara Police Car

(1965 Dodge Polara)

For 1965, Dodge moved the Polara back to a Chrysler “C” fullsize platform that was shared with Chrysler and Plymouth models.

One constant of the 1965 to 1968 models was taut, square-edged styling, which was updated each year.

The 1966 Dodges were available with the 440 Wedge, a new addition to the options list and the top police engine until 1978. The 1966 Polara Pursuit, the only car to get it that year, claimed 365 hp and 480 lb-ft using a single carburetor. Other squads could get a 330 hp 383, which brought them from 0 to 60 in 7.7 seconds despite their bulk.

The 1966 Polara was also reportedly available with the 426 Wedge engine — at least, to the California Highway Patrol, which standardized on that model, with front disc brakes and a double pulley for the alternator.

1967 models received a facelift and the hardtop coupe adopted a semi-fastback roof style with a reverse-slant rear quarter window. The 1967 models included new U.S. Government-required safety package that featured an energy-absorbing steering column and safety steering wheel, blunt dashboard controls, more interior padding, and a dual-circuit brake master cylinder. The 1968 model years added outboard front shoulder belts and side marker lights in addition to the 1967 safety equipment.

In 1967, the 440 was available on the Polara and Fury I, in two forms: the 350 hp standard-cam and the 375 hp special-cam.

In 1968 the California Highway Patrol required engines of at least 420 cubic inches (no 383), to run “knock-free” on 100 octane fuel — with a single carburetor. Acceleration had to be a minimum 82 mph quarter-mile (standing start), with a speed of 115 mph in one mile and 125 mph at the end of two miles, from a standing start. Brakes had to be capable of four “impending skid” stops from 90 to 0, at two minute intervals, followed by a panic stop from 60 mph. Then, after a five minute rest, the car had to be retested for stopping in a straight line. They also tested self-adjustment features to make sure the brakes would not drag after being adjusted with the brakes hot.

(1969 Dodge Polara)

The 1969 Dodge Polara had a sleek new streamlined body style called the “Fuselage Design”, which would continue until its end of production in 1973. The new streamlined body style, 3.23 gears, and the 375 horsepower 440 Magnum made this one fast cruiser. It could do 0-60 in 6.3 seconds, the quarter mile in 14.3 seconds (at over 99 mph), and recorded a 149.6 MPH to speed at the Chrysler test track in Chelsea, Michigan. This car was so fast that it’s 149.6 MPH top speed record wouldn’t be broken until the 2006 5.7L Dodge Charger recorded a 150 MPH top speed during the Michigan State Police vehicle evaluations. Check out 1969 Dodge Polara Pursuit Record Setter.

There weren’t many changes for 1970, but the 440 engines compression ratio dropped to 9.7:1 to comply with new emissions standards. Models and axle ratios were identical to those available in 1969. The 440 powered Polara Pursuits top speed dropped to about 141 mph.

In 1971 the power dropped to 370 horsepower, and in 1972 it dropped to 285 horsepower thanks to an even lower 8.2:1 compression ratio.

1973 would be the last year for the Polara. In 1974 it would be replaced with the Monaco.

(1970 Dodge Polara)

(1973 Dodge Polara Fire Chief Car)

Engine Ratings:

Photos:

Click to enlarge.