Dodge Polara (1st generation)
A jet-age icon defined by its controversial 'reversed' tailfins and space-race styling.
- Power
- 230 bhp
- Top speed
- 110 mph
- Est. value
- $8k–$51k
About the Dodge Polara
The 1961 Dodge Polara represents the final flourish of Virgil Exner’s 'Forward Look' design era, distinguished by its unique concave grille and inward-sloping tailfins. As Dodge's top-tier full-size offering, it sat on a 122-inch wheelbase shared with the Chrysler Windsor, providing a more substantial presence than the junior Dart. The 318 cubic-inch 'A-series' V8 served as the entry-level powerplant, offering smooth delivery through the innovative push-button TorqueFlite transmission. Today, the 1961 model is highly prized by collectors for its 'love-it-or-hate-it' styling and its rarity, as sales plummeted during its production year due to its radical appearance.
Dodge Polara specs
The Dodge Polara produces 230 bhp (172 kW) and 461 Nm (340 lb-ft) of torque. It has a top speed of 110 mph (177 km/h).
| Make | Dodge |
|---|---|
| Model | Polara |
| Generation | First generation (1st generation) |
| Trim | 5.2 V8 |
| Years | 1960–1961 |
| Type | Classic |
| Body style | Saloon |
| Country | United States |
| Production | About 14,032 built |
| Original price | About $2,900 when new |
| Engine | 318 cu in (5.2-litre) V8 |
|---|---|
| Displacement | 5,211 cc (5.2 litres) |
| Induction | Naturally aspirated |
| Power | 230 bhp (172 kW) at 4,400 rpm |
| Torque | 461 Nm (340 lb-ft) |
| Top speed | 110 mph (177 km/h) |
| Transmission | 3-speed TorqueFlite automatic |
| Drivetrain | Rear-wheel drive |
| Weight | 1,694 kg (3,735 lb) |
| Power-to-weight | 136 bhp per tonne |
Typical figures for the standard car; options, markets and model years vary. Where our specs come from
How much is a Dodge Polara worth?
A typical Dodge Polara is estimated to be worth $7,700 – $51,000 (about £5,700 – £38,000).
Its original price when new was about $2,900.
Values are directional estimates for a typical example, not appraisals. Condition, mileage, history and specification all change what a real car is worth. Pound figures use the exchange rate of 3 November 2026. How values are estimated
Dodge Polara rarity in CarSpot
The Dodge Polara is a Rare card in CarSpot, with a rarity score of 44 out of 100. Performance cars, typically worth around £50,000 to £100,000. A Rare card is worth 40 XP.
Each model's tier starts from a 0–100 score based on its value plus its power or production numbers. Once enough players have spotted a model, how often it is spotted can move it up or down one tier. How CarSpot rarity works
Rarity is a collectible game mechanic, not an assessment of real-world scarcity or value.
Dodge Polara fun facts
- The Polara name was a direct nod to the Polaris star, capitalizing on the public's fascination with the Space Race in the early 1960s.
- For 1961, Dodge reversed the tailfins so they grew taller as they moved forward toward the cabin, a design choice that remains one of the most polarizing in American car history.
- The 1961 Polara was the only Dodge model that year to offer a factory-built police pursuit package on the longer 122-inch wheelbase.