The 1966 Dodge Polara was a full-size car produced by Dodge. It was available in two-door and four-door hardtop, convertible, and station wagon body styles. The Polara was powered by a variety of V8 engines, ranging from 318 to 440 cubic inches. It was one of the most popular cars of its time, with over 100,000 units produced in 1966.
The Polara was known for its stylish design, powerful engines, and comfortable interior. It was also a popular choice for law enforcement and taxi companies. The Polara was discontinued in 1973, but it remains a popular collector car today.
The 1966 Dodge Polara is a significant car in American automotive history. It was one of the most popular cars of its time, and it helped to define the muscle car era. The Polara is still a popular collector car today, and it is a testament to the enduring appeal of classic American muscle cars.
1966 Dodge Polara
The 1966 Dodge Polara is a significant car in American automotive history. It was one of the most popular cars of its time, and it helped to define the muscle car era. Here are eight key aspects of the 1966 Dodge Polara:
- Stylish design: The Polara was known for its sleek lines and aggressive stance.
- Powerful engines: The Polara was available with a variety of powerful V8 engines.
- Comfortable interior: The Polara’s interior was spacious and well-appointed.
- Popular with law enforcement: The Polara was a popular choice for police departments across the country.
- Popular with taxi companies: The Polara was also a popular choice for taxi companies.
- Discontinued in 1973: The Polara was discontinued after the 1973 model year.
- Popular collector car: The Polara is still a popular collector car today.
- American muscle car: The Polara is a classic example of an American muscle car.
These eight key aspects highlight the importance of the 1966 Dodge Polara in American automotive history. It was a stylish, powerful, and popular car that helped to define the muscle car era. The Polara is still a popular collector car today, and it is a testament to the enduring appeal of classic American muscle cars.
Stylish design
The 1966 Dodge Polara was a stylish car, with sleek lines and an aggressive stance. This was due in part to its long hood, short deck, and wide stance. The Polara was also available with a variety of optional features that enhanced its appearance, such as bucket seats, a center console, and a vinyl roof.
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Facet 1: Long hood
The Polara’s long hood gave it a sleek and powerful appearance. This was especially true when combined with the car’s short deck and wide stance. -
Facet 2: Short deck
The Polara’s short deck gave it a sporty and aggressive look. This was especially true when combined with the car’s long hood and wide stance. -
Facet 3: Wide stance
The Polara’s wide stance gave it a planted and muscular appearance. This was especially true when combined with the car’s long hood and short deck. -
Facet 4: Optional features
The Polara’s optional features allowed buyers to customize their car to their own taste. These features included bucket seats, a center console, and a vinyl roof.
The Polara’s stylish design was one of the reasons for its popularity. It was a car that stood out from the crowd, and it appealed to buyers who wanted a car that was both stylish and powerful.
Powerful engines
The 1966 Dodge Polara was known for its powerful engines. This was one of the things that made it so popular with buyers who wanted a car that was both stylish and powerful.
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Facet 1: Engine options
The Polara was available with a variety of V8 engine options, ranging from 318 to 440 cubic inches. This gave buyers a wide range of choices to choose from, depending on their power and performance needs. -
Facet 2: Performance
The Polara’s V8 engines were known for their performance. They were powerful and responsive, and they gave the Polara a thrilling driving experience. -
Facet 3: Popularity
The Polara’s powerful engines were one of the reasons for its popularity. Buyers who wanted a car that was both stylish and powerful were drawn to the Polara. -
Facet 4: Muscle car era
The Polara’s powerful engines helped to define the muscle car era. These were cars that were designed for performance, and the Polara was one of the best examples of this.
The Polara’s powerful engines were a key part of its appeal. They gave the car a thrilling driving experience, and they helped to define the muscle car era.
Comfortable interior
The 1966 Dodge Polara was known for its comfortable interior. This was one of the things that made it so popular with buyers who wanted a car that was both stylish and practical.
The Polara’s interior was spacious, with plenty of room for passengers and cargo. It was also well-appointed, with features such as comfortable seats, a padded dashboard, and a variety of convenience features. This made the Polara a great choice for families and long road trips.
The comfortable interior of the Polara was a key part of its appeal. It was a car that was both stylish and practical, and it offered buyers a comfortable and enjoyable driving experience.
Popular with law enforcement
The 1966 Dodge Polara was a popular choice for police departments across the country. This was due to its powerful engine, sturdy construction, and spacious interior. The Polara was also relatively affordable, which made it a good value for police departments on a budget.
The Polara’s powerful engine gave it the acceleration and top speed needed to pursue criminals. Its sturdy construction made it durable enough to withstand the rigors of police work. And its spacious interior provided plenty of room for officers and their equipment.
The Polara was also a popular choice for police departments because it was relatively affordable. This made it a good value for police departments on a budget. In fact, the Polara was one of the most popular police cars of the 1960s.
The Polara’s popularity with law enforcement is a testament to its quality and durability. It was a car that was well-suited for the demands of police work. And its affordability made it a good value for police departments on a budget.
Popular with taxi companies
The 1966 Dodge Polara was a popular choice for taxi companies due to its durability, reliability, and spacious interior. These factors made it a good value for taxi companies, which need vehicles that can withstand the rigors of daily use and transport multiple passengers comfortably.
- Durability: The Polara was built to last, with a sturdy construction that could withstand the wear and tear of daily use. This made it a good choice for taxi companies, which need vehicles that can handle the rigors of the job.
- Reliability: The Polara was also known for its reliability. It was a well-engineered car that was not prone to breakdowns. This made it a good choice for taxi companies, which need vehicles that are dependable and can be counted on to get the job done.
- Spacious interior: The Polara had a spacious interior with plenty of room for passengers and luggage. This made it a good choice for taxi companies, which need vehicles that can accommodate multiple passengers and their belongings.
The Polara’s popularity with taxi companies is a testament to its quality and durability. It was a car that was well-suited for the demands of the job, and it provided taxi companies with a good value for their money.
Discontinued in 1973
The 1966 Dodge Polara was a popular car, but it was discontinued after the 1973 model year. There were several reasons for this, including changing consumer tastes, the rising popularity of smaller cars, and the increasing cost of production.
Consumer tastes were changing in the early 1970s. Buyers were increasingly opting for smaller, more fuel-efficient cars. The Polara was a large car, and it was not as fuel-efficient as smaller cars.
The rising popularity of smaller cars was another factor in the Polara’s demise. Smaller cars were easier to maneuver and park, and they were also more affordable than larger cars.
The increasing cost of production was another factor in the Polara’s discontinuation. The cost of steel and other materials was rising in the early 1970s, and this made it more expensive to produce the Polara.
The discontinuation of the Polara was a significant event in the history of Dodge. It marked the end of an era for the brand, and it signaled the changing tastes of consumers.
Popular collector car
The 1966 Dodge Polara is a popular collector car today for several reasons. First, it is a stylish car with sleek lines and an aggressive stance. Second, it is a powerful car with a variety of engine options to choose from. Third, it is a comfortable car with a spacious interior and well-appointed features. Fourth, it is a historically significant car that was popular with law enforcement and taxi companies.
The Polara’s popularity as a collector car is due to its combination of style, performance, and comfort. It is a car that is both visually appealing and fun to drive. It is also a car that is associated with a particular era in American history. As a result, the Polara is a popular choice for collectors who are interested in classic American muscle cars.
The Polara is a significant car in the history of Dodge. It was one of the most popular cars of its time, and it helped to define the muscle car era. The Polara is still a popular collector car today, and it is a testament to the enduring appeal of classic American muscle cars.
American muscle car
The 1966 Dodge Polara is a classic example of an American muscle car. It embodies the key characteristics of this genre, including powerful engines, sleek designs, and rear-wheel drive. These factors contributed to the Polara’s popularity and enduring appeal among car enthusiasts.
- Powerful engines: The Polara was available with a variety of powerful V8 engines, ranging from 318 to 440 cubic inches. These engines gave the Polara impressive acceleration and top speed, making it a formidable competitor on the drag strip.
- Sleek designs: The Polara’s design was characterized by its long hood, short deck, and wide stance. This combination created a sleek and aggressive profile that was synonymous with American muscle cars of the era.
- Rear-wheel drive: The Polara was rear-wheel drive, which gave it better traction and handling than front-wheel drive cars. This made the Polara a more capable performer on the road and track.
- Cultural significance: The Polara was more than just a car; it was a symbol of American culture in the 1960s. It was featured in numerous movies and television shows, and it was a popular choice among young people who wanted a car that was both stylish and powerful.
The 1966 Dodge Polara is a true American muscle car. It has all the right ingredients, from its powerful engine to its sleek design. It is no wonder that the Polara remains a popular choice among collectors and enthusiasts today.
FAQs about the 1966 Dodge Polara
The 1966 Dodge Polara is a classic American muscle car that is still popular among collectors and enthusiasts today. Here are some frequently asked questions about the Polara:
Question 1: What kind of engine does the Polara have?
The Polara was available with a variety of V8 engines, ranging from 318 to 440 cubic inches. These engines gave the Polara impressive acceleration and top speed.
Question 2: What are the Polara’s dimensions?
The Polara was a large car, with a length of 210 inches, a width of 79 inches, and a height of 55 inches. It had a wheelbase of 117 inches.
Question 3: How much horsepower does the Polara have?
The Polara’s horsepower varied depending on the engine option. The base 318 cubic inch engine produced 230 horsepower, while the top-of-the-line 440 cubic inch engine produced 360 horsepower.
Question 4: What is the Polara’s top speed?
The Polara’s top speed varied depending on the engine option. The base 318 cubic inch engine had a top speed of 115 mph, while the top-of-the-line 440 cubic inch engine had a top speed of 130 mph.
Question 5: How much does the Polara weigh?
The Polara’s weight varied depending on the engine option and equipment level. The base 318 cubic inch engine weighed 3,400 pounds, while the top-of-the-line 440 cubic inch engine weighed 3,600 pounds.
Question 6: How many Polara’s were produced in 1966?
Dodge produced 102,882 Polara’s in 1966.
These are just a few of the most frequently asked questions about the 1966 Dodge Polara. If you have any other questions, please feel free to contact us.
We hope this information has been helpful. Thank you for your interest in the 1966 Dodge Polara!
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Tips for Maintaining a 1966 Dodge Polara
The 1966 Dodge Polara is a classic American muscle car that is still popular among collectors and enthusiasts today. If you are lucky enough to own one of these beautiful cars, it is important to take good care of it. Here are a few tips to help you keep your Polara in top condition:
Tip 1: Regular maintenance is key.
Just like any other car, the Polara requires regular maintenance to keep it running smoothly. This includes things like oil changes, tire rotations, and brake inspections. It is also important to have your Polara tuned up by a qualified mechanic every year or two.
Tip 2: Protect the paint.
The Polara’s paint is one of its most important assets. To protect it, you should wash and wax your car regularly. You should also avoid parking your car in direct sunlight for long periods of time.
Tip 3: Keep the interior clean.
The Polara’s interior is just as important as its exterior. To keep it clean, you should vacuum and wipe down the interior regularly. You should also avoid eating or drinking in your car.
Tip 4: Drive carefully.
The Polara is a powerful car, so it is important to drive it carefully. This means avoiding excessive speeding and hard braking. You should also be aware of your surroundings and other drivers.
Tip 5: Store your car properly.
When you are not driving your Polara, it is important to store it properly. This means keeping it in a dry, well-ventilated place. You should also cover your car to protect it from dust and dirt.
By following these tips, you can help to keep your 1966 Dodge Polara in top condition for many years to come.
Summary of key takeaways or benefits:
- Regular maintenance can help to prevent costly repairs.
- Protecting the paint can help to preserve the car’s value.
- Keeping the interior clean can help to make your driving experience more enjoyable.
- Driving carefully can help to prevent accidents.
- Storing your car properly can help to protect it from the elements.
Transition to the article’s conclusion:
Owning a 1966 Dodge Polara is a great experience. By following these tips, you can help to keep your car in top condition for many years to come.
Conclusion
The 1966 Dodge Polara is a classic American muscle car that is still popular among collectors and enthusiasts today. It is a stylish, powerful, and comfortable car that offers a unique driving experience. If you are lucky enough to own one of these beautiful cars, it is important to take good care of it. By following the tips in this article, you can help to keep your Polara in top condition for many years to come.
The Polara is a significant car in American automotive history. It was one of the most popular cars of its time, and it helped to define the muscle car era. The Polara is still a popular collector car today, and it is a testament to the enduring appeal of classic American muscle cars.