The 1963 Dodge's came in four levels of trim. There was the 330, the base model that came with few standard options but could have been ordered in late 63 with the 426 cid. Ramcharger V-8 engine. I believe this one pictured has the aluminium front sheetmetal which will also mean it has a severe lack of underseal and sound deadening material in it, no inner wheelarch stone-guards and dog dish hubcaps etc.
The 440 model had two chrome stripes along it's length and was sometimes painted a contrasting colour between the two stripes. 440 is a model identification only, the 440 Magnum Engine was not introduced until 1966. Although it seems to be a popular replacement when the original engine wears out.
Chrysler Corporation used a "Totem Pole" system to designate the different models, the higher the trim level the higher the chrome climbed up the sides of the cars. The Polara had upgraded seat upholstery and hoodlining, reversing lights and a power top on the convertible.
The Polara 500 was the top trim model and had padded dashboard, deluxe steering wheel, bucket seats and a centre console. The exterior side trim went through the door handles and it had a special exterior trim piece on the rear quarter panels in front of the bumpers. This picture is from a 1963 advertisment the, artist's have used a bit of "artistic licence "and made the windscreen lower to accentuate the sporty look of the car.
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Copyright © 1999 Bruce Cresswell
