1965 Dodge Polara 500Fratzog (1962–1981): From 1962 to 1981, the Dodge emblem had a colorful internal label: It was called a fratzog. If you're wondering what that word means...
1965 Dodge Polara 500
Fratzog (1962–1981): From 1962 to 1981, the Dodge emblem had a colorful internal label: It was called a fratzog. If you're wondering what that word means (it sounds German, doesn't it?), it's totally meaningless. Three arrow shapes pointed inward to form a three-sided star. Not knowing what else to call the imaginative design, a Dodge designer made up the whimsical name.
Right out of the futuristic year of 1965 we have a Dodge Polara in our midst. This survivor sports its original interior, an exterior factory correct light blue respray, and plenty of chrome to go around. Looking at the profile of this car the word spacious comes to mind, as its long and lean lines, steel panels, and mini cat eye styled taillights show the way to the future.
Exterior
A Light Blue respray covers long straight panels, and is highlighted by a single trim spear, and some front and back chroming, as well as window trim nice and shiny. A few mis-matched areas in front do not line up exactly factory but it retains its original charm. A “fratzog” hood ornament is just the beginning of this ultra-long hood, and an equally as impressive trunk deck. 14-inch standard wheel covers spin their way down the highway while wrapped in thin whites. Motoring was never so good as it was in 1965.
Interior
The future is definitely in hand when we swing the large doors which show light blue vinyl coverings, more trim spears that are a little de-laminated and some snappy graphics looking much like a sound wave pattern in a dark blue patterning the center of the door. Stepping into this jet age interior, the first thing I notice is the center console, which has futuristic vent style chevron graphics, and a centrally mounted shifter with metal ball on top. As this console makes its way to the dash more embellishment in the form of a quasar star circular “thingy” that does absolutely nothing but offer up more jet age bling…only in the 60's could you get away with this stuff! The console is flanked by 2 tone buckets, also in dark blue tuck and roll inserts, and light blue piped bolsters. These and the matching rear bench are all original and look to be in excellent surviving condition. Looking forward the dual cowled round instruments which are housed in a concentric circle style, have me feeling like I'm readying myself to jump to warp speed. The original AM radio is installed, and a Stereo-Magic box moves the AM stereophonic? sound from front to rear. Above a nice tight headliner is installed and below is clean blue carpeting flooding the floors.
Drivetrain
A 383ci V8 rests comfortably under the large hood and spacious engine bay which remains original. A single 2-barrel Bendix Stromberg carburetor is on top, and an A727 Torqueflite 3-speed automatic transmission is in back, pushing power rearward to an 8-3/4-inch 2.73 gear axle.
Undercarriage
Peppering the frame is surface rust, but it remains structurally sound. Time has worn some of the undercoating completely off the floorpans however they display no rusting. Torsion bar front suspension, and leaf spring rear suspension as well as drum brakes all around can be noted.
Drive-Ability
Entering this long futuristic designed interior, I donned my mid century modern hat complete with a feather, and I felt like dad on his way to the office while mom stayed home and kept the house in order. Oh, and the car started right up, ran smoothly, and has good acceleration and stopping. I lit my cigarette and carried on!
A survivor with its original special-order two-tone interior, futuristic trimmings, and the suburbia grocery getter, commuter that provides plenty of space in every aspect. This somewhat pedestrian automobile provided the middle class with mobility, and this car does not disappoint in its survivor condition.
VIN Decode
D156275618
D-Dodge Polara
1-Polara
5-1965
275618-Sequential Unit Number
Trim Tag (Important Codes)
AB60-383ci V8 2bbl
P8-Console
Z2-Front Buckets With Console
SO NUMBER 712 10195-July 12th 1965
TR L9B-Polara Buckets, Special Order, Blue
PNT CC1-Light Blue