1962 Mopar 383/343 HP 'Stocker'

[Paul Ceasrine]

1962 Production Numbers;

1962 Dodge Polara 500

2-Door Hardtop,,,,,,,,,6973

Convertible,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,2077

4-Door Hardtop,,,,,,,,,,3218

Total Production; 12,268

Note: September 28, 1961; Dodge introduces the Dodge Polara 500 to the public.

Note: Dodge press release, 'A New Lean Breed of Dodge',,,'smaller, lighter and more rationale'.

Note: Marketing line, 'Why should todays buyer not have luxury and performance,,,,,,the Dodge Polara offers both,,,,,,,a car with luxurious appointments and top-notch performance'.

Note: November 5, 1961; Dodge announces it will add a 4-Door Hardtop to the Polara 500 2-Door Hardtop and Convertible line.

Note; Mid-December 1961, 4-Door Hardtops are available.

Note: All Polara 500's came equipped with the 361/305 HP as the standard engine.

Note: Standard equipment included; bucket seats, special interior trim, padded instrument panel and special exterior trim.

Note: Standard equipment included; dual exhausts and up-graded suspension.

Note: Standard equipment, included an 8 3/4" rear with 3.23 gears.

Note: Standard equipment tires; 7.00 x 14". Optional tires; 7.50 x 14".

Note: The Torque-Flite automatic transmission was a $211 option.

Note: The 'Sure-Grip' differental, was a $49.70 option.

Note: A base 1962 Dodge Dart cost $2241, while the Polara 500 base sticker price was $3019.

Note: The Polara 500 'convertible', base price $3263.

Note: December 1961, the 413/385 HP (In-line Dual carbed intake) engine is an available option. Cost $195

Note: February 1962, Dodge introduces the 413 Max-Wedge 'Ramcharger' engine at the Chicago Auto Show.

Note: March 1962, Dodge announces a 'police pursuit package' is available, which includes 11" drum brakes (standard was 10" x 2 1/2"),
a special handling package, 7.50 x 14" tires, 14" x 5.5" rims, and a 'special performance version' of the 383 'S-38 Code' engine.

Note: May 1962, the 413 Max-Wedge 'Ramcharger' engine becomes available, and is offered in '2' versions. 413/410 HP and 413/420 HP.

Note: Max-Wedge 'Ramcharger' engine option cost; 413/410 HP, $374.40

Note: Max-Wedge 'Ramcharger' engine option cost; 413/420 HP, $400.00
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1962 Dodge Model #440 3-Seat/9-Passenger Station Wagon

Total Production; 3708

Note: Standard engine in the #440 Station Wagon was a 318/230 HP 2-Barrel.

Note: Approximate cost of car; $3100

Note: The 361/265 HP 2-Barrel and 361/305 HP 4-Barrel engines were options.