Detailed Description: 1966 Dodge Polara 500 Convertible – Sold?

March 17, 2021 Update – We just confirmed the listing for this “Classifind” expired, so with no replacement found we’re assuming this ride “Sold?” While this one got away, please reach out either by email or call Rudy directly if you’d like to be informed when we come across something similar.

Look at the ads for enough classic cars, and you can start to pick out the nicely detailed examples from the rest of the pack.  That’s especially true with this nicely optioned, 64K original mile, 1966 Dodge Polara 500 convertible originally listed on Craigslist in February 2021 in Lake Lanier, Georgia with an asking price of $30,900. Not only is this Polara nicely detailed, but the seller also provides a very thorough description that others should use as a benchmark when selling their car.  Comparing this price against the Hagerty Insurance Online Valuation Tool confirms this private seller has his Polara 500 priced between the #2 “Excellent” appraisal of $29,100 and the #1 “Concours” appraisal of $39,700. Interestingly, the Collector Car Market Review indicates the asking price actually falls well above this guide’s #1 “Excellent” appraisal of $22,300. We think this a great example of how limited comparable car sales data versus more input of agreed-value insurance policies can cause such differences in appraised values. 

Here’s the Hagerty Insurance Valuation Tool Synopsis of this vintage of Polara:

“The Polara had been Dodge’s highest trim level up to 1964, but for 1965 the Polara became the base trim full-size car. In keeping with the styles of the year, the Polara was a no-nonsense design – an unadorned car with a cut-line in the bottom third of the bodywork.

The Polara was available as a four-door sedan or hardtop, a two-door hardtop or convertible, and a four-door station wagon with either two or three rows of seating for up to nine passengers. Engine power for the 1965 Polara was provided by a 383-cid V-8 engine with 270 hp and 390 lb-ft of torque. A 3-speed manual transmission was standard, with a 3-speed automatic or a 4-speed manual was optional.

In 1966, the Polara received a minor restyling to the front end, but the big change was the delta-shaped taillights that marked an otherwise Spartan body design. Body styles remained the same, but the convertible version now used a power convertible top. Sport-minded buyers could opt for a Polara 500 as either a two-door hardtop or a convertible, which included bucket seats and a 4-speed manual transmission with floor shift.”

The Stars and Stripes YouTube Channel features this vintage ’66 Dodge Polara 500 Convertible commercial:

We love how this nicely optioned Polara not only is very nicely detailed and pretty much show-ready, we love how the current caretaker took the time to add subtle enhancements to improve the performance as well as the sound system of this car. Good luck with the purchase!

Here’s the seller’s detailed description:

“EXTERIOR: Looking down both sides, they are laser straight. It was completely repainted its original light green metallic. Has a clear coat finish polished very glossy. The panels fit square and flush. Jambs are painted glossy. Jambs are glossy, weatherstrips look good. Bumpers have been rechromed. The side moldings, grill and taillights are really nice original condition. Has dual mirrors. It has a nice stance. Dressed up with Torque Thrust wheels with spinners and BFGoodrich tires. Black convertible top is power. Excellent shape, it does have one small whole that was repaired with silicone. Overall the car has a good appearance, shiny and sporty.

INTERIOR: Sporty inside too. Has bucket seats and a console. The seat cushions feel like new, upholstery looks new. Has rare headrests. Deluxe seat belts, it even has retracters in back. Side panels look like good original. Pretty cool looking dash area with 2 big instrument clusters. All in nice shape. Has a mini tachometer on the column and oil-temp gauges under the dash. Nice carpet, has Mopar floor mats front and back. Has owner’s manual in the glovebox. Has a Secret Audio stereo in the console with a remote.

ENGINE COMPARTMENT: Upgraded 383 motor with some nice performance features. Aluminum Edelbrock and carb with electric choke. Restored air cleaner with new pie tin emblem and custom made air induction tubes. New ignition system. The motor and intake are freshly painted. Finned aluminum valve covers were detailed to match. Has power steering and brakes. Master cylinder and ps hoses look new. In front there is a heavy duty transmission cooler with an electric fan. New horns. The original fender tag is attached and Certicard is in original holder.

TRUNK COMPARTMENT: It’s been restored- solid metal painted green. New plaid mat and weatherstrip. Complete jack and spare assembly. There is also a CD changer and fire extinguisher.

UNDERSIDE: Completely solid. Has reinforced frame rails and welded in frame connectors. The lower inner 1/4s are still clean original. Upfront is upgraded with sway bar, gas shocks and disc brakes. Has stainless braided hoses. Bottom of the motor is clean, has Torqueflite auto trans. In back it has 3.23 posi rear end and upgraded gas shocks. Dual exhaust system with crossover pipe and correct chrome tips.”

Do you have a Dodge Polara 500 Convertible story you’d like to share?  Comment below and let us know!