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1968 Dodge Polara

The 1968 Dodge Polara: a big, boxy American muscle car! Think '60s cool, a year of unrest reflected in its powerful engine options. Its clean lines and distinct grille made it a common sight, a reliable workhorse with a hint of flash. A true piece of automotive history!

History of the 1968 Dodge Polara

Kicking off life in 1960 as a full-sized leviathan courtesy of Chrysler, the Polara continued to evolve, finding its stride by 1968 with a balance of space, comfort, and that irresistible charm of modern design wrapped in old-school charisma.

Development and Design

The 1968 iteration didn't hold back—Dodge rolled out updates that aligned perfectly with the era's sleek, cutting-edge automotive trends. From two-door hardtops to roomy four-door sedans, the Polara was designed for everyone, from families seeking comfort to those aiming for a stylish cruising experience.

Famous Figures Who Own 1968 Dodge Polara

While the archives of automotive lore are a bit sparse when it comes to celebrity owners, the Polara's place in the hearts of the famous is whispered among enthusiasts. Let me tell you about a few personalities who might have swayed to its allure.

Elvis Presley

You probably wouldn't be surprised to find the King of Rock 'n' Roll himself fancied a Dodge or two. Elvis often favored big, bold Americana vehicles that could make an entrance just as grand as his music. The Polara, with its spacious design and powerful V8, would have fit right into his garage.

Photo of a 1968 Dodge Polara

1968 Dodge Polara Models:

Select the vehicle's model to see the correct data for it.

How Much is Dodge Polara Worth?

Original MSRP :$3,512.00

Outstanding

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$28,500

Clean

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$22,700

Average

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$13,300*

Rough

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$7,100

1968 Dodge Polara Specs

Body Maker: Dodge
No. Of Doors: 2
Model Number: DM27
Length: 219 inches
Width: 80 inches
Height: 56.3 inches
Wheelbase: 122 inches
Weight: 3,780lbs
Type: Own, V8, OHV, Dual downdraft, Synchronous in 2nd & 3rd
Displacement: 317.58 cu. in.
Cylinders: 8
Bore And Stroke: 3 29/32 & 3 5/16 inches
Compression Ratio Standard: 9.2 to 1
Horsepower Brake: 230@4400
Horsepower Rated: 48.83
Torque: 340@2400
Main Bearings: 5
Valve Lifters: Hydraulic
Block Material: Cast Iron
Lubrication: Pressure to all bearings excluding wrist pin
Carburetor Make: Ball and Ball
Type:
6 Pints
Drive:
Rear wheel drive
Clutch Type:
Single plate dry disc
Clutch Size:
10 inches
Gear Ratios:
3
Gear Ratios First:
3.02 to 1
Gear Ratios Second:
1.76
Gear Ratios Third:
1 to 1
Gear Ratios Fourth:
Not applicable
Gear Ratios Fifth:
Not applicable
Gear Ratios Reverse:
3.95
Type: Semifloating
Differential Type: Hypoid
Differential Ratio: 3.23 to 1
Front: Independent torsion bar
Rear: Semi-elliptic leaf springs
Service Type: Duo-servo, self-adjusting on 4 wheels
Service Front Size: 11 inches
Service Rear Size: 11 inches
Emergency Type: Rear service brakes
Emergency Size: 11 inches
Type: Regular
Tire Size: 8.25 x 14
Spare Location: Trunk
Fuel: 24 Gallons
Oil: 4 Quarts
Rear Differential: 4 Pints
Front Differential: Not applicable
Transfer Case: Not applicable
Serial Number:Starting DM27F8a100001
Total Digits:13
Digits 1-2:Series
Digits 3-4:Body style
Digits 5:Engine
Digits 6:Model year
Digits 7:Assembly plant
Digits 8-13:Production number
All colors may not be available in all models., Burgundy Metallic, Silver Metallic, Black, Medium Blue Metallic, Pale Blue Metallic, Dark Blue Metallic, Light Green Metallic, Racing Green Metallic, Light Gold, Medium Gold Metallic, Light Turquoise Metallic, Medium Dark Turquoise Metallic, Bronze #2 Metallic, Red, Bright Blue Metallic, Yellow, Light Blue Metallic, White, Beige, Medium Tan Metallic, Medium Green Metallic
Convertible: Opt
Torque Flite Automatic Transmission: Opt
383 Cu. In. V8 Engine: Opt
426 Cu. In. V8 Engine: Opt
Power Windows: Opt
Air Conditioning: Opt
Power Brakes: Opt
Power Steering: Opt
Power Seats: Opt
Radio: Opt
Speed Control Device: Opt

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Cultural Impact

The Polara didn't just roll along the roads; it cruised through the annals of pop culture, making memorable appearances in film and music. It proudly took center stage in Elvis Presley and Nancy Sinatra's film "Speedway" (1968), cementing its status as an icon of the muscle car era.

Pop Culture

The Polara wasn't only a staple in soundtracks and album covers of the '60s but also a muse for musicians capturing the road trip spirit. Remember those vintage tunes that made you long for long drives with the wind rushing by? Probably had a Polara in mind.

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Diving into the world of classic cars like the Polara is exciting, but whether you're buying or selling, you can't overlook the importance of a thorough vehicle history report.

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Fun Facts about the 1968 Dodge Polara

She's not just pretty; she's a performer! Not just under Clint Eastwood's hat, the Polara, particularly the 1969 versions, was a speedster. The California Highway Patrol found it handy due to its blistering performance—imagine that!.

Photo of a 1968 Dodge Polara

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Explore Dodge Polara from Other Years

Frequently Asked Questions

The '68 Polara? A real looker, that one! It boasted a sleek, updated design compared to previous years; think sharper lines and a more aggressive stance. Under the hood, you had a choice of several V8 engines, ranging from relatively modest to downright monstrous, depending on your preference and how much horsepower you craved. Some models even offered the option of a sporty, bucket-seat interior—perfect for those who like a little extra flair, you know? Plus, depending on trim levels you could get some pretty fancy stuff, like air conditioning, which back then was a total luxury. It wasn't just about power either; the ride itself was surprisingly comfortable for a car of its era, making it a decent cruiser. All in all, a really nice package.

Now, this is where things get interesting! Dodge offered a pretty broad range of V8s for the '68 Polara. You could get anything from a fairly tame 318 cubic inch engine; great for daily driving, you know, to a seriously powerful 440 cubic inch behemoth—enough power to knock your socks off if you weren't careful! There were a few others in between those two extremes, offering a nice spread of performance choices. It really came down to what you were looking for in a car; fuel economy or raw muscle! (And let's be honest, most people back then probably picked muscle!). Finding detailed specs for each engine is fairly straightforward if you search online; the internet's a treasure trove for this kind of stuff, especially if you're into classic cars.

Compared to other full-size cars of 1968, the Polara held its own pretty well. It offered competitive power, styling that was arguably a little more aggressive than some of its rivals, and a solid build quality. Think of it like this—it was a bit like the reliable, dependable friend amongst a group of flashy acquaintances. While some competitors might have had a slightly more luxurious interior, or maybe a slightly more innovative feature here and there, the Polara provided a strong balance of performance, style, and overall value. It wasn't trying to be the flashiest; it was just a solid, dependable car that could do the job.

Like any classic car of that vintage, there are a few things to keep in mind. Rust, sadly, is a common problem; especially for cars that spent a good chunk of their lives in areas with harsh winters. You'll wanna check the undercarriage carefully, especially around the wheel wells and floor pans. Brake systems, power steering components, and electrical systems can also be trouble spots, so a thorough inspection by a mechanic who's familiar with these classic cars is highly recommended. It's an investment, but it could save you a heap of headaches down the line. It's worth it, I assure you. Don't think of it as a cost; see it as an investment in your love for this classic beauty.

The value of a '68 Polara varies wildly depending on condition, options, and overall rarity of a specific model. A well-maintained, low-mileage car in excellent condition could fetch a pretty penny, while a project car will naturally sell for much less. To get a good estimate of value, you should check online resources and classic car valuation guides; there are several great websites and publications out there dedicated to precisely this task. It's tricky to give a specific number without seeing the car in question, but suffice it to say that the condition of the vehicle is paramount. A little research can make all the difference to get a good ballpark range.