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Autoart

Posted 2012-01-20 3:01 AM (#304458)
Subject: 1960 Dodge Polara Convertible

Regular

Posts: 71

Here is a photo of a "barn find" California Black Plate 1960 Polara Convertible recently discovered.

The car has original black paint, silver and black interior and a white top

The car is equipped as follows:

Power Windows
Power Seat
Power steering
Power brakes
Spinner hubcaps
383V8 4BBL
Automatic

I had been looking for a 60 Polara convertible for some time and had to pay the price (literally) to acquire this nice original example. But i think it will be worth it in the long run

The car has 63,000 original miles and is an exceptionally sound original example.

I do not intend to restore the car, but will detail it and preserve it in original condition.

I need to replace the top and i am wondering if anyone can recommend a good supplier for an original type replacement top.

Edited by Autoart 2012-01-20 3:06 AM

(IMG_0001 (Small) (2).jpg)

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Doctor DeSoto

Posted 2012-01-20 5:12 AM (#304463 - in reply to #304458)
Subject: RE: 1960 Dodge Polara Convertible

Location: Parts Unknown

Let's see those photos !

Love good "barn fresh" photos !

StillOutThere

Posted 2012-01-20 8:41 AM (#304479 - in reply to #304458)
Subject: Re: 1960 Dodge Polara Convertible

Location: Under the X in Texas

I wish more people would preserve rather than restore. KUDOS to you. They are only original once. With 50 years in this hobby I have to say that the vast majority of "restorations" are nothing more than expensive facsimiles of what the cars were when they left the factories. A "reference car" disappears every time another old car gets "restored".

Autoart

Posted 2012-01-20 9:40 AM (#304481 - in reply to #304458)
Subject: Re: 1960 Dodge Polara Convertible

Regular

Posts: 71

Still Out There,

Thank you for your comments.

Interest in "reference cars" seems to be gaining momentum.

It was interesting to see a restored 300SL roadster with 2 tops described to be in number 1 condition sell for around $850,000 and a an unretsored low mileage original with patina and in-operable since about 1980 sold for around $962,000 at the Gooding Auction at Pebble Beach in 2011.

The key is that very few restorations are done well - most including the very best seem to compromise originality to some degree. Over restoration is just one example

The few seasoned collectors in the hobby with a "conscience" prefer completely original and authentic survivors over restored cars.

The concern is that some survivors are being purchased at a premium because of their original condition but only to be restored to " better than new " by their selfish owners.

I accept that most cars of around 50 years of age have sufferred from extensive use and or poor storage over time and may have extensive deterioration to the extent they require restoration, but it is disappointing to see original survivors in good condition being "molested" by some owners for their own selfish pride to one up their peers

In my opinion a survivor should be preserved with the minimum restoration possible.

Doctor DeSoto

Posted 2012-01-20 9:57 AM (#304485 - in reply to #304479)
Subject: Re: 1960 Dodge Polara Convertible

Location: Parts Unknown

That is awesome !

Where did this car haunt the streets when still on the road ? What an amazing find !

BTW - I plan to "restore" my DeSoto to "nice used original" as much as I can. The
over-restored look gives me tunabutt.

Edited by Doctor DeSoto 2012-01-20 10:00 AM

carjock

Posted 2012-01-20 10:04 AM (#304486 - in reply to #304458)
Subject: Re: 1960 Dodge Polara Convertible

Account Inactive by Request

Posts: 1601
1000

The originality thing is great, but rarely completely possible because a "long-time stored car" almost always needs "drive-ability" work. Brakes, suspension, cooling system, exhaust,fuel system, etc. can rarely be used as found. And even though the required new parts are "under" the car, they stick out visually...this is what I have fought with my '57 New Yorker. But I definitely applaud the motive to leave it as close to "as found" as possible.
Does this car have the large trim panels behind the rear wheels? Were they removed by an owner for preservation? Seems odd that a Polara convert wouldn't come with them. Beautiful car, however...the rarest of the rare!!

StillOutThere

Posted 2012-01-20 11:29 AM (#304491 - in reply to #304458)
Subject: Re: 1960 Dodge Polara Convertible

Location: Under the X in Texas

The rear quarter panel washboards were not standard equipment on any body style of '70 Matador or Polara, not even the P 'verts. This goes back to the argument about maintaining good reference cars. It is RARE to NOT see the washboards on a restored car because in many cases, it has been OVER restored with the washboards added that were never there to begin with when the car left the factory.

If my father had bought a '60 Polara there is NO WAY he would have paid an extra $25 or whatever the option cost to get those "silly chrome things". Alas, he bought a '60 Ford Galaxie 4 door sedan, they all included a type of ribbed rear washboard, and the car, thankfully, rusted away in Chicago.

imopar380

Posted 2012-01-20 12:44 PM (#304495 - in reply to #304458)
Subject: Re: 1960 Dodge Polara Convertible

Expert 5K+

Posts: 7206
5000

Location: Victoria, BC, on Vancouver Island, Canada

Beautiful to find such a car, how about some more photos of the car, interior etc. I like to save and archive photos of Forward Look cars for reference. At this point I have several thousand photos of FL cars! I'm also the former owner of the Canadian built Polara, below, now owned by a good friend of mine. This was my second car, in my ownership from 1974 - 1995. And yes, this car DID come with the rear washboard panels!

Edited by imopar380 2012-01-20 12:50 PM

(Wenzel_Dodge.jpg)

(swivel%202b.jpg)

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C-300

Posted 2012-01-20 1:34 PM (#304498 - in reply to #304458)
Subject: RE: 1960 Dodge Polara Convertible

Extreme Veteran

Posts: 496
100

LOVE it! Looking forward to parking next to you at a show!!

Mine will be left as original as possible too... but the front clip will have to be repainted because primed, rust free fenders were part of the deal when I bought the car. I will make sure that the paint color and quality match the original as closely as possible. The original fenders are long gone. I added the washboards... because I like them and they were included with the deal.

Here's my as-found picture:

Aaron

(as found.jpg)

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3N57-2729

Posted 2012-01-20 2:13 PM (#304502 - in reply to #304498)
Subject: Re: 1960 Dodge Polara Convertible

Veteran

Posts: 257
100

Location: Kansas City

I am so envious...I want a '60 Polara or Matador sooooo bad! Great find, can't wait to see more pics of it.

BarnFind57

Posted 2012-01-20 3:41 PM (#304516 - in reply to #304479)
Subject: Re: 1960 Dodge Polara Convertible

Elite Veteran

Posts: 957
500

Location: Signal Mountain, TN

StillOutThere - 2012-01-20 8:41 AM

I wish more people would preserve rather than restore. KUDOS to you. They are only original once. With 50 years in this hobby I have to say that the vast majority of "restorations" are nothing more than expensive facsimiles of what the cars were when they left the factories. A "reference car" disappears every time another old car gets "restored".

X 2....

I have always had a thing for an original car, or, maybe a re-spray, but keep as much original as possible. On my own project, I am doing a low impact dance around everything. The engine had to be done, yes, and mechanicals to keep it reliable for the road, but I don't want to over-do anything. Even the body work. You can spend all your time pulling your hair out, trying to make every panel line up perfectly, but the truth of the matter is, they NEVER WERE perfect. I have a pre-release photo of the '57 Plymouths, stamped by Chryssler Photographic on the back... The shot is of a fleet of cars, fresh out of the factory, the building is in the background. Lots of 8 cylinder cars in the image, and the primary image is a Belvedere. The sport tone trim doesn't line up between the rear quarter and the rear door....

So, yes... I say, original as possible, including the drips and runs, and the slightly off body panels... It's what makes them the cars we all love. Scuffs and a little paint fade are part of their life.... Their little imperfections.

Can't wait to see this one, living and breathing again. Definitely a cool car ya got there.

d500neil

Posted 2012-01-20 8:06 PM (#304558 - in reply to #304458)
Subject: Re: 1960 Dodge Polara Convertible

Exner Expert 19,174 posts. Neil passed away 18 Sep 2015. You will be missed, Neil!

Posts: 19146
5000

Location: bishop, ca

Mike, the most important thing is to get correct OEM top material.

Fortunately, you've got it, right on your car, for reference/purchasing efforts.

Your local hot rod upholstery shop should be able to custom-install a correct-material new top that will fit perfectly to your car.

Gary Goers sells the convertible weatherstripping, unless you can re-use your car's rubber material.

Edited by d500neil 2012-01-20 8:10 PM

Doctor DeSoto

Posted 2012-01-21 3:48 AM (#304579 - in reply to #304558)
Subject: Re: 1960 Dodge Polara Convertible

Location: Parts Unknown

Personally, I think the washboards are a little too much. As if a car like this needs any additional
slathering of the "shiny brush" ! I find the "chroming in" of that rear quarter area distorts the prop-
ortions of that rear area and the car loses the definition of all those elements ... side trim, bumper,
and wheel well lip coming together. Had the washboard "louvres" been done against a painted back-
ground like the NY'er got, I'd like it better - although still just blatant overkill on a top shelf George
Jetson space mobile that the big 60 Dodge was. It is possible to have too much of a good thing.

I like this car as is.

and would drive it as found.

carjock

Posted 2012-01-21 9:59 AM (#304600 - in reply to #304458)
Subject: Re: 1960 Dodge Polara Convertible

Account Inactive by Request

Posts: 1601
1000

I like the washboards on these cars....just personal taste I guess. The biggest problem with them though is that they are pot metal and deteriorate quickly and they get dirt and debris stuck between themselves and the body and form a moisture trap that rusts the rear quarters badly and quickly. Still, if it were me, I would put them on.

Doctor DeSoto

Posted 2012-01-21 12:58 PM (#304613 - in reply to #304600)
Subject: Re: 1960 Dodge Polara Convertible

Location: Parts Unknown

Those are POTMETAL ???? ! I remember them being stainless. My God, if they are
potmetal, the must weigh a TON !

imopar380

Posted 2012-01-21 1:24 PM (#304616 - in reply to #304600)
Subject: Re: 1960 Dodge Polara Convertible

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Posts: 7206
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Location: Victoria, BC, on Vancouver Island, Canada

carjock - 2012-01-21 6:59 AM

I like the washboards on these cars....just personal taste I guess. The biggest problem with them though is that they are pot metal and deteriorate quickly and they get dirt and debris stuck between themselves and the body and form a moisture trap that rusts the rear quarters badly and quickly. Still, if it were me, I would put them on.

They are NOT pot-metal -they completely stainless steel - as a former owner of one of these cars I can attest to polishing them. Having stated that, the similar type pieces on the 59 Imperial WERE Pot-metal, chrome plated which deteriorate much worse. I would somewhat agree with them being debris catchers, but these quarter panels also rusted out from the inside because of the fact that most of the deck lids on these cars didn't seal properly and leaked lots of water, which ended up down in the bottom of the panel behind the rear wheel opening.

firedome

Posted 2012-01-21 1:24 PM (#304617 - in reply to #304458)
Subject: Re: 1960 Dodge Polara Convertible

Expert

Posts: 3155
2000

Location: NY & VT

Add my voice to those on the side of preserving originality as much as possible, hope to do the same with my next FL, if we can find one good enough to keep that way. Faded paint and dings are a badge of honor.

Autoart

Posted 2012-01-21 6:51 PM (#304639 - in reply to #304458)
Subject: Re: 1960 Dodge Polara Convertible

Regular

Posts: 71

I wont add the washboard stainless to this convertible , i will leave the car as produced. I feel compelled to preserve the car given it has survied for so long as un molested example of a very rare FL model.

The paint should buff up nicely albeit with some minor flaws, but i dont believe that minor flaws will detract from the overall presence of the car, but more importantly the car will retain its "Concours" reference status.

My view is that a vehicle's stance or rather presence is more important than the details.

Generally, the "right" look or rather proper stance is achieved by using the correct size wheels (tires) which fillup the wheel arches, the correct ride height, and a straight body with excellent panel fit.

In my opinion a car with a super straight body with original faded paint looks better than a tarted up resto with poor panel fit and panels with that all too common ripple affect caused by the incorrect use of bondo and fillers during the paint preparation stage.

To make my point, consider this - a beautiful woman dressed in wonderful evening attire with all the jewellery and accessories - of course she looks splendid!.

Then take the same stunning beautiful woman and out fit her in coveralls. She still looks hot! - because she has the right look and presence no matter what she chooses to wear.

In the alternative, consider a not so attractive overweight woman with poor body shape in the same style evening attire with the same jewellery and make up - of course who cares because she lacks the right look and presence no matter what clothes or jewellery she wears.

Beauty is in the form. Cosmetics cannot and do not prevail over the substance of the form.

In my view its the same with cars you can put a "glass" like paint job on a car with poor panel fit or with incorrect wheel to wheel opening proprtions etc. and the overall look will still be terrible to the trained eye.

The details don't matter as much as the substance of the form the vehicle

I am not adverse to restorations - i have cars that i have undertaken a full restoration, but i have discovered that a good car will attract the same attention if it has poor cosmetics or perfect cosmetics if it has a "pefect' body and embodies the correct wheel and ride height proportions.

So i urge people to think before they embark on a restoration to consider whether the car they are restoring embodies the necessary credentials or if they can achieve the right stance or presence during the retoration phase - because unless you are able to do that , expending money on the details is a waste of time in my opinion!

Edited by Autoart 2012-01-21 7:02 PM

christine-lover

Posted 2012-01-21 6:54 PM (#304640 - in reply to #304458)
Subject: RE: 1960 Dodge Polara Convertible

Expert

Posts: 2996
2000

Location: Sept. 1958

Such a stunning car. Wild design that it so out of this world. Very few examples left. Good luck with it.

christine-lover

Posted 2012-01-21 7:16 PM (#304642 - in reply to #304458)
Subject: RE: 1960 Dodge Polara Convertible

Expert

Posts: 2996
2000

Location: Sept. 1958

I guess many restore these FL cars because so few out of the few that exist, need way more work and really need going completely over rather than restore of the mechanicals. I know mine sure does.

Doctor DeSoto

Posted 2012-01-22 6:41 AM (#304691 - in reply to #304642)
Subject: RE: 1960 Dodge Polara Convertible

Location: Parts Unknown

I think what he's saying is that keeping a nice original just that is best. Restoring one to
an "as delivered", or "as used" presence is next best, followed distantly by the over-polished
look of too much ego.

FIN ME

Posted 2012-01-22 12:15 PM (#304727 - in reply to #304458)
Subject: Re: 1960 Dodge Polara Convertible

Expert

Posts: 2788
2000

Location: USA - KY

What a wonderful find, Mike! I just love the fins and the whole "rump end" of these Polaras! Your car looks like it is in great shape.

Aaron - that wagon is magnificent!

I'm rather envious of both of you!

FIN ME

Posted 2012-01-22 12:15 PM (#304728 - in reply to #304458)
Subject: Re: 1960 Dodge Polara Convertible

Expert

Posts: 2788
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Location: USA - KY

carjock

Posted 2012-01-22 1:23 PM (#304743 - in reply to #304458)
Subject: Re: 1960 Dodge Polara Convertible

Account Inactive by Request

Posts: 1601
1000

Ian: You're right, they are stainless. I have had several sets of them and must be mixing my memories. I guess I just remember them being heavy and big! I still like them on these cars...I just think they make a very gawdy (by design) and beautiful car just have that final bling! Just my opinion of course.

sidesho_bob1961

Posted 2012-01-28 8:42 AM (#305495 - in reply to #304458)
Subject: Re: 1960 Dodge Polara Convertible

Expert

Posts: 1728
1000

Location: Fleetwood, Pa

You're one lucky devil to find a gem like this........sure wish it was mine!!!

spider89119

Posted 2012-01-28 9:46 AM (#305500 - in reply to #304458)
Subject: Re: 1960 Dodge Polara Convertible

Extreme Veteran

Posts: 475
100

Location: Las Vegas, NV

I like those 60 Polaras and Matadors more and more every time I look at one. I think it's becoming my favorite forward-look body style.

Edited by spider89119 2012-01-28 9:47 AM

Doctor DeSoto

Posted 2012-01-29 3:31 AM (#305584 - in reply to #305500)
Subject: Re: 1960 Dodge Polara Convertible

Location: Parts Unknown

That's good. Because of the 21 made, 3 survive, and 25, 981 guys want them !

spider89119

Posted 2012-01-29 4:00 PM (#305637 - in reply to #305584)
Subject: Re: 1960 Dodge Polara Convertible

Extreme Veteran

Posts: 475
100

Location: Las Vegas, NV

Doctor DeSoto - 2012-01-29 12:31 AM

That's good. Because of the 21 made, 3 survive, and 25, 981 guys want them !

Are you sure about that? I thought it was that out of 25,981 made, 21 survive, and only 3 guys want them!

spider89119

Posted 2012-01-29 8:47 PM (#305666 - in reply to #304458)
Subject: RE: 1960 Dodge Polara Convertible

Extreme Veteran

Posts: 475
100

Location: Las Vegas, NV

Hell I doubt there are 25,981 guys who even know what one looks like!

Doctor DeSoto

Posted 2012-01-30 12:53 AM (#305678 - in reply to #305666)
Subject: RE: 1960 Dodge Polara Convertible

Location: Parts Unknown

You are probably right about that.

The sick part about that is there are great masses who can tell you the difference between an
'02 Subaru and the '03.

ttotired

Posted 2012-01-30 6:12 AM (#305685 - in reply to #304458)
Subject: Re: 1960 Dodge Polara Convertible

Expert 5K+

Posts: 8443
5000

Location: Perth Australia

It is funny that about the cars

When I was about 20, I could name every car (pretty much) that came along the road

Now they all look sort of the same and I cant pick them even for make until I see some sort of emblem on them.

Oh, to put relevence to the age referance, I am 45 now

sidesho_bob1961

Posted 2012-01-30 6:21 AM (#305687 - in reply to #304458)
Subject: Re: 1960 Dodge Polara Convertible

Expert

Posts: 1728
1000

Location: Fleetwood, Pa

I don't know about anyone else, but I'd love to see more pictures of this car!!!!

Chappy1960

Posted 2012-01-30 9:10 PM (#305755 - in reply to #304458)
Subject: RE: 1960 Dodge Polara Convertible

Member

Posts: 33

Location: Bowmanville (The BONE!!), Ontario, Canada

Here is my origianl 1960 Dodge Polara.
Been in the family 36 Years. My father put a seat belt in it for my car seat.
has 120, 000miles on it but runs great.
3 Generations. My Grandfather is now 89 Years Old

Edited by Chappy1960 2012-01-30 9:20 PM

(09-01-2010 10;08;04AM.JPG)

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09-01-2010 10;08;04AM.JPG (357KB - 262 downloads)

sidesho_bob1961

Posted 2016-04-07 8:46 AM (#508920 - in reply to #304458)
Subject: Re: 1960 Dodge Polara Convertible

Expert

Posts: 1728
1000

Location: Fleetwood, Pa

Whatever happened to this car????

The Adventurer

Posted 2016-05-29 10:44 AM (#512724 - in reply to #304458)
Subject: RE: 1960 Dodge Polara Convertible

Elite Veteran,, James Passed away March 2021, He will be Missed

Posts: 1028
1000

Location: Melbourne, Australia

Its here in Melbourne sitting with the 60 Phoenix Convertible we sold him 13 years ago . A genuine rust free sacramento car in salmon pink originally .

sidesho_bob1961

Posted 2016-12-14 3:34 PM (#528689 - in reply to #304458)
Subject: Re: 1960 Dodge Polara Convertible

Expert

Posts: 1728
1000

Location: Fleetwood, Pa

So, will this car ever be restored? I'd love to see more of it.....

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