Candy Cane: 1965 Dodge Polara Convertible – Sold?

March 30, 2022, 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 us directly if you’d like to be informed when we come across something similar.

Many automakers shift the names of some of their car brands around often to the confusion of consumers as the brand names moved up and down-market in both size and consumer targets.  Through the 1960s, Dodge’s Polara endured such a fate.  This white-and-red themed 1965 Dodge Polara 500 convertible originally listed in February 2022 on Craigslist in Cincinnati, Ohio represents Dodge’s redesign of the brand at the time. The seller reports only 42,000 miles on the odometer yet makes no claims in the listing about the low mileage being documented.

The current asking price is $19,000.  Researching the Collector Car Market Review Online Tool reveals the private seller has their Polara priced between this guide’s #2 “Very Good” estimate of $13,300 and its #1 “Excellent” appraisal of $22,100.  As a second data point, Hagerty Insurance Online Valuation Tool confirms this private seller has his Polara priced between the #2 “Excellent” appraisal of $27,300 and the #3 “Good” estimate of $15,300.

Dodge introduced the Polara for 1960 as its top-of-the-line full-size car where it stayed through 1964.  Then in 1965, Chrysler moved the Polara back to Chrysler’s “C” full-size platform shared with other division models. Once again offered in a full range of bodies (sedans, hardtops, station wagons, etc.), the Polara replaced the 880 and remained a step below the Custom 880, and the new Monaco hardtop coupe was now Dodge’s top model. The previous mid-sized Dodges sold under the names Polara 500, Polara, 440, and 330 continued in production under the name Dodge Coronet, with their wheelbase shrinking to 117 inches.  Critics panned these heavy Polaras for their low fuel economy, with some configurations getting on 12 miles per gallon.

The MyMopar.com YouTube Channel features this Dealer promo filmstrip comparing Dodge’s 1965 convertible against the competition. The Polara gets pitted against a Pontiac Bonneville:

With a full front suspension and rear brake rebuild combined with a fresh wheel and tire combination, the only thing we would repair immediately is the split seams on the driver’s side front bench seat cushion.

Here’s the seller’s description:

“Very clean, Very solid Polara convertible. 383 ci. Automatic trans. 42,000 miles on the odometer. White exterior. Red n white interior. Red Power convertible top. Brand new custom dual exhaust. All front suspension parts were replaced. New brakes front and rear. Brand new wheels and tires. also have the original magnum 500 wheels and tires.​“

Show or go: What would you do with this 1965 Dodge Polara Convertible?  Comment below and let us know!