1962 Dodge Mid-Size Facts, Figures, and Specifications
Check out this companion article by Martyn Schorr: “DODGE & PLYMOUTH: UNSUNG MUSCLECAR HEROES – Car Guy Chronicles“
Big Changes for 1962 at Dodge
Dodge, like Plymouth, in a surprise move, reduced the wheelbase of their mid-price cars to mid-size, dropping the wheelbase from 118 inches to 116 inches and removing almost 150 pounds from the average weight of each model!
1962 Dodge Mid-Size Resources
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1962 Dodge Mid-Size Facts – Body Paint Color Codes
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1962 Dodge Mid-Size
| A Flax | |
| B Silhouette Black | |
| C Powder Blue | |
| D Medium Blue | |
| E Cobalt Blue | |
| F Light Green | |
| G Glade Green | |
| H Emerald | |
| M Pearl Gray | |
| P Vermilion | |
| R Dusty Rose | |
| S Deep Cordovan | |
| T Buff | |
| W Polar White | |
| Y Nutmeg Brown |
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1962 Dodge Mid-Size Facts and Specifications
General Year Information – 1962 Dodge Mid-Size Car
NOTE: The 1962 Dodge Dart and Polara are categorized in our Fact Sheets as a mid-size car due to its 116 inch wheelbase. Dodge featured a full size car called the Custom 880 – it sat on a 122 inch wheelbase, sharing the unit body with the Chrysler Newport, Chrysler 300 and 300H.
A Totally New Look
The redesigned grille featured an unusual headlight arrangement. The inboard lights were mounted higher than the outer ones. An oval grille featured vertical bars, with five larger division bars spaced across the insert. Tail lamps continued the angular theme of the front and, again, the inboard lenses were positioned higher than the outer ones. Very heavy feature lines characterized the body sides. They originated as a ‘brow’ over the headlights and flared around the side of the fender. From there, they continued along the side, to the trailing edge of the front door.
Another heavy feature line began immediately in front of the rear wheel well. It swept up, along the wheel opening, and angled back to a point even with the inboard rear tail lamp elevation. A chrome strip highlighted each feature line and continued across the trunk lid, between the uppermost taillights.
Historical
Dodges proved themselves to be the car to beat in 1962 on the drag strip. Norm Thatcher drove a specially prepared Dart equipped with a modified Ramcharger V-8 to a Class. B Production record of 167.3 miles per hour.
1962 Dodge Mid-Size Factoids
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The 413 CID Ramcharger V-8 replaced the high output 413 and 383 CID long and short ram V-8s with 410 HP at 5400 RPM with 11.0 compression and 420 HP with 13.5:1 compression. See “Engines” below for more information. Want to learn about all the B and RB wedge V-8s? See all the specs through 1965 HERE.
The Dodge Line changed their model names from Seneca, Pioneer, and Phoenix to Dart, Dart 330 and Dart 440. The Polara Line became the upscale Dart and was the “sport” model, riding on the same wheelbase but featuring bucket seats and a plush interior..
1962 Dodge Mid-Size Facts – Models Offered
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The Dart was the base trim model and featured chrome windshield and rear window moldings; chrome headlight doors; turn signals; electric windshield wipers; driver’s side inside sun visor and front arm rests. The Dart name, in script, appeared on the front door edge.
The Dart 330 was the intermediate trim level Dart and included all the features of the Dart Series, plus a cigarette lighter; front foam cushion; rear arm rests; and a power tailgate window (on nine-passenger station wagons).
The Dart 440 was the top trim level Dart for 1962 and included all the Dart 330 features, plus backup lights; Custom interior upholstery and trim; exterior moldings and a power tailgate window on nine-passenger station wagons.
The Polara 500 was the top trim level for mid-size Dodge vehicles for 1962. It shared body and chassis components with the Dart Series and included all the features of the Dart 440, plus bucket seats, (split bench seat available), carpeting, dual exhausts, 361 CID 305 HP V-8 engine, padded instrument panel, Deluxe steering wheel, wheel covers, outside rear view mirror on the left door, and the Polara name where the “Dart” series name appeared on Darts. Special exterior trim, in contrasting colors, was also a part of the Polara 500 package.
1962 Dodge Mid-Size Facts – Engines
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- 225 CID I-6 145 HP
- 318 CID V-8 230 HP
- 318 CID V-8 260 HP AMT
- 361 CID V-8 Polara 305 HP
- 361 CID V-8 310 HP
- 383 CID V-8 330 HP
- 383 CID V-8 335 HP
- 413 CID V-8 365 HP
- 413 CID V-8 385 HP
- 413 CID V-8 410 HP Ramcharger
- 413 CID V-8 420 HP Ramcharger
225 CID I-6. Overhead valves. Cast iron block. Four main bearings.
Displacement: 225 cubic inches.
Bore and stroke: 3.400 x 4.125 inches.
Compression ratio: 8.20:1.
Horsepower: 145 @ 4000 RPM.
Torque: 215 @ 2800 RPM.
Valve lifters: Mechanical.
Camshaft timing: 232°, Exhaust: 228°, Overlap: 8°. Valve Lift: Intake 0.371″, Exhaust 0.364″.
Carburetor: (manual transmission) ball & Ball one-barrel: BBS-3231 S or Holley R-2418 A; (automatic transmission) Ball & Ball BBS-3232 S or Holley R-2419 A; (California) Ball & Ball BBS-3235 S.
318 CID V-8. Overhead valves. Cast iron block. Five main bearings.
Displacement: 318 cubic inches.
Bore and stroke: 3.91 x 3.31 inches.
Compression ratio: 9.0:1.
Horsepower: 230 @ 4400 RPM.
Torque: 340 @ 2400 RPM.
Valve lifters: Mechanical.
Camshaft timing: Intake 244°, Exhaust 240°, Overlap: 20°. Valve Lift: (Intake) 0.380″, (Exhaust) 0.386″.
Carburetor: Two barrel: (manual transmission) Ball & Ball BBD-3240 S or Bendix WW3-198; (automatic transmission) Ball & Ball BBD-3241 S or Bendix WW3-199; (California) Bendix . WW3-200.
Power Pack 318 CID V-8 – Automatic Transmission Only. Overhead valves. Cast iron block. Five main bearings.
Displacement: 318 cubic inches.
Bore and stroke: 3.91 x 3.31 inches.
Compression ratio: 9.0:1.
Horsepower: 260 @ 4400 RPM.
Torque: 345 @ 2800 RPM.
Valve lifters: Mechanical.
Camshaft timing: Intake 248°, Exhaust 248°, Overlap: 30°. Valve Lift: (Intake) 0.400″, (Exhaust) 0.406″.
Carburetor: Four barrel: (automatic transmission only) Carter AFB-3247 S (California) Carter AFB-3249 S.
NOTE: As shown, this optional engine was only available with Torqueflite automatic transmission.
Polara 305 HP V-8. Overhead valves. Cast iron block. Five main bearings.
Displacement: 361 cubic inches.
Bore and stroke: 4.125 x 3.375 inches.
Compression ratio: 10.00:1.
Horsepower: 305 @ 4800 RPM.
Torque: 395 @ 3000 RPM.
Valve lifters: Hydraulic.
Camshaft timing: Intake 268°, Exhaust 268°, Overlap: 48°; Lift: (1961) 0.430″; (1962) 0.444″.
Carburetor: Carter Four-barrel Model (manual transmission); AFB 3252S (automatic transmission) AFB 3253S; (California) AFB 3257S.
Optional 310 HP V-8. Overhead valves. Cast iron block. Five main bearings.
Displacement: 361 cubic inches.
Bore and stroke: 4.125 x 3.375 inches.
Compression ratio: 9.00:1.
Horsepower: 310 @ 5200 RPM.
Torque: 390 @ 3400 RPM.
Valve lifters: Hydraulic.
Camshaft timing: Intake 268°, Exhaust 268°, Overlap: 48°; Lift: 0.444″.
Intake: Inline Two four barrel.
Carburetors: Two Carter Four-barrel Model Front: AFB-2790S Rear: AFB-2791S; Optional Front: AFB-3258-S, Rear: AFB~3259-S.
383 CID Single 4-Barrel Performance V8. Overhead valves. Cast iron block. Five main bearings.
Displacement: 383 cubic inches.
Bore and stroke: 4.250 x 3.375 inches.
Compression ratio: 10.00:1.
Horsepower: 330 @ 4600 RPM. Torque: 425 @ 2800 RPM.
Valve lifters: Standard – Hydraulic; Optional – Mechanical.
Camshaft timing:
- Standard Hydraulic Lifters. Intake 268°, Exhaust 268°, Overlap: 48°; Lift: 0.444″.
- Optional Mechanical Lifters: Intake 268°, Exhaust 268°, Overlap: 48°; Lift: 0.444″.
- Optional Mechanical Lifters: Intake 276°, Exhaust 276°, Overlap: 58°; Lift: 0.450″.
Carburetor: Carter Four-barrel Model (Standard) AFB-3438-S, (Optional large venturi) AFB-3397-S.
Dual 4 Barrel In-line Carburetor 383 Performance V8. Overhead valves. Cast iron block. Five main bearings.
Displacement: 383 cubic inches.
Bore and stroke: 4.250 x 3.375 inches.
Compression ratio: 10.00:1.
Horsepower: 335 @ 5200 RPM.
Torque: 420 @ 3600 RPM.
Valve lifters: Standard – Hydraulic; Optional – Mechanical.
Camshaft timing:
- Standard Hydraulic Lifters. Intake 268°, Exhaust 268°, Overlap: 48°; Lift: 0.444″.
- Optional Mechanical Lifters: Intake 268°, Exhaust 268°, Overlap: 48°; Lift: 0.444″.
- Optional Mechanical Lifters: Intake 276°, Exhaust 276°, Overlap: 58°; Lift: 0.450″.
Carburetor: Two Carter Four-barrel Model
- (Standard) Front: AFB-2970-S, Rear: AFB-2971-S.
- (Optional) Front: AFB-3258-S, Rear: AFB-3259-S.
365 HP V-8 . Overhead valves. Cast iron block. Five main bearings.
Displacement: 413 cubic inches.
Bore and stroke: 4.1875 x 3.75 inches.
Compression ratio: 11.0:1.
Horsepower: 365 @ 4600 RPM.
Torque: 460 @ 2800 RPM.
Valve lifters: Mechanical.
Camshaft timing:
- Standard: Mechanical Lifters. Camshaft Timing: Intake 284°, Exhaust 284°, Overlap: 55°; Lift: (intake) 0.449″; Lift: (exhaust) 0.454″.
- Optional: Mechanical Lifters. Camshaft Timing: Intake 292°, Exhaust 292°, Overlap: 67°; Lift: 0.490″.
- Optional: Mechanical Lifters. Camshaft Timing: Intake 300°, Exhaust 300°, Overlap: 75°; Lift: (intake) 0.509″; Lift: (exhaust) 0.520″.
Carburetor: One Carter Four-barrel Model AFB-3251S; Optional AFB-3397S.
385 HP Inline Dual 4-barrelV-8. Overhead valves. Cast iron block. Five main bearings.
Displacement: 413 cubic inches.
Bore and stroke: 4.1875 x 3.75 inches.
Compression ratio: 11.0:1.
Horsepower: 385 @ 5200 RPM.
Torque: 455 @ 3600 RPM.
Valve lifters: Mechanical.
Camshaft timing:
- Standard: Mechanical Lifters. Camshaft Timing: Intake 284°, Exhaust 284°, Overlap: 55°; Lift: (intake) 0.449″; Lift: (exhaust) 0.454″.
- Optional: Mechanical Lifters. Camshaft Timing: Intake 292°, Exhaust 292°, Overlap: 67°; Lift: 0.490″.
- Optional: Mechanical Lifters. Camshaft Timing: Intake 300°, Exhaust 300°, Overlap: 75°; Lift: (intake) 0.509″; Lift: (exhaust) 0.520″.
Intake manifold: inline dual 4-barrel.
Carburetors: Two Carter Four-barrel Model (Front Standard) AFB-2790S, (Front Optional) AFB-3258S; (Rear Standard) AFB-2791S, (Rear Optional) AFB-3259S.
410 HP V-8 “Super Stock 413”. Overhead valves. Cast iron block. Five main bearings.
Displacement: 413 cubic inches.
Bore and stroke: 4.1875 x 3.75 inches.
Compression ratio: 11.0:1.
Horsepower: 410 @ 5400 RPM.
Torque: 460 @ 4400 RPM.
Valve lifters: Mechanical.
Camshaft timing:
- Standard: Mechanical Lifters. Camshaft Timing: Intake 284°, Exhaust 284°, Overlap: 55°; Lift: (intake) 0.449″; Lift: (exhaust) 0.454″.
- Optional: Mechanical Lifters. Camshaft Timing: Intake 292°, Exhaust 292°, Overlap: 67°; Lift: 0.490″.
- Optional: Mechanical Lifters. Camshaft Timing: Intake 300°, Exhaust 300°, Overlap: 75°; Lift: (intake) 0.509″; Lift: (exhaust) 0.520″.
Intake manifold: Integral 15″ short ram.
Carburetors:
- 1962 Dodge – Two Carter Four-barrel Model (Standard) AFB-2903S, (Optional) AFB-AFB-3447S. NOTE: This engine was intended for drag racing.
- 1962 Dodge – One Carter Four-barrel Model AFB-3559S.
NOTE: The single 4-barrel engine was intended for NASCAR – no HP figures given – some sources 405 HP.
420 HP V-8 “Ramcharger 413”. Overhead valves. Cast iron block. Five main bearings.
Displacement: 413 cubic inches.
Bore and stroke: 4.1875 x 3.75 inches.
Compression ratio: 13.5:1.
Horsepower: 410 @ 5400 RPM.
Torque: 470 @ 4400 RPM.
Valve lifters: Mechanical.
Camshaft timing:
- Standard: Mechanical Lifters. Camshaft Timing: Intake 284°, Exhaust 284°, Overlap: 55°; Lift: (intake) 0.449″; Lift: (exhaust) 0.454″.
- Optional: Mechanical Lifters. Camshaft Timing: Intake 292°, Exhaust 292°, Overlap: 67°; Lift: 0.490″.
- Optional: Mechanical Lifters. Camshaft Timing: Intake 300°, Exhaust 300°, Overlap: 75°; Lift: (intake) 0.509″; Lift: (exhaust) 0.520″.
Intake manifold: integral 15″ short ram.
Carburetors:
- 1962 Plymouth – Two Carter Four-barrel Model (Standard) AFB-2903S, (Optional) AFB-AFB-3447S. NOTE: This engine was intended for drag racing.
- 1962 Plymouth – One Carter Four-barrel Model AFB-3559S. NOTE: This engine was intended for NASCAR – no HP figures given – some sources 405 HP.
NOTE: This 13.5:1 Compression Ratio engine was initially listed as “Dealer Installed” – later amended to “Optional” to allow it in NHRA competition.
1962 Dodge Mid-Size Facts – Chassis Features
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- Wheelbase: 116.0 inches.
- Overall length: Wagons: 210.0 inches, Others: 202.0 inches.
- Overall width: 76.6 inches.
- Overall height: (V-8s): Wagons: 53.8 inches, Sedans & Hardtops: 54.0, Convertible: 54.5 inches.
- Front tread: 59.4 inches.
- Rear tread: 57.5 inches.
- Tires: Polara – 7.00 x 14 black or whitewall tubeless. Others – 6.50 x 14 black wall. White wall tires optional.
1962 Dodge Mid-Size Facts – Powertrains
- Three Speed Automatic Transmission Ratios
- All: 1st – 2.45:1, 2nd – 1.45:1, 3rd – 1:1, Reverse – 2.20:1.
- Three Speed Manual Transmission Ratios
- I-6: 1st – 2.95:1, 2nd – 1.83:1, 3rd – 1:1, Reverse – 3.80:1.
- V-8: 1st – 2.55:1, 2nd – 1.49:1, 3rd – 1:1, Reverse – 2.34:1.
- V-8 Optional: 1st – 2.17:1, 2nd – 1.43:1, 3rd – 1:1, Reverse – 2.84:1.
- V-8 Optional Heavy Duty: 1st – 2.10:1, 2nd – 1.45:1, 3rd – 1:1, Reverse – 2.65:1.
- Four Speed Manual Transmission Ratios
- V-8 Only: 1st – 2.20:1, 2nd – 1.66:1, 3rd – 1.5:1, 4th 1:1, Reverse – 2.61:1.
- V-8 Heavy Duty: 1st – 2.20:1, 2nd – 1.66:1, 3rd – 1.31:1, 4th 1:1, Reverse – 2.26:1.
- Rear Gear Standard Ratios
- I-6: 3-Speed SMT – 3.31:1, Station Wagon 3.23:1.
- V-8 Except High Performance 3-Speed SMT – 3.23:1.
- I-6 Wagons 3-Speed AMT – 3.23:1, Optional 3.55:1.
- I-6 3-Speed Other AMT – 2.93:1, Optional 3.31:1 and 3.55:1.
- V-8 Std 318 CID Except High Performance 3-Speed AMT – 2.76:1 Optional 3.23:1.
- V-8 Power Pack 318 CID & 361 CID Golden Commando Except High Performance 3-Speed AMT – 3.23:1 Optional 2.76:1.
- 361 2-4bbl, 383 2-4bbl, & 4134bbl CID V-8: All transmissions – 3.23:1.
- 383 4bbl V-8: 3-Speed & 4-Speed SMT 2.93:1, 3-Speed AMT 3.23:1.
- 413 all V-8: 3-Speed & 4-Speed SMT3.91:1, 3-Speed AMT 3.9:1.
NOTE: Optional – dealer installed gear ratios ranged from 2.76:1 to 6.17:1. Sure Grip available in all ratios. See 1962 Dodge High Performance Options AMA Specifications Sheets for all actual ratios HERE.
1962 Dodge Mid-Size Facts – Powertrain Options
-
- Three-speed manual transmission was standard.
- Torqueflite automatic transmission with six-cylinder ($192).
- Aluminum Torqueflite automatic transmission with V-8 ($211).
- “Power Pack” 318 CID 260 horsepower V-8 ($39).
- 361 CID 305 horsepower V-8 ($103), standard on Polara.
- “Ramcharger 413” 413 CID 410 HP V-8 ($400).
- Crankcase ventilation system for California vehicles ($5).
- Sure-Grip positive traction rear axle ($50).
NOTE: 230 HP 318 CID Base V-8 included in base Dart V-8 model pricing.
1962 Dodge Mid-Size Facts – Significant Options
-
- Airtemp air conditioning ($445).
- Anti-freeze ($5).
- Backup lights ($11).
- DeLuxe steering wheel ($11).
- Electric clock ($16).
- Heater and defroster, standard with air-conditioning ($75).
- Music Master radio ($58).
- Padded dashboard ($14).
- Power brakes ($43).
- Power seats ($96).
- Power steering ($77).
- Power windows ($102).
- Rear view mirror, Day/Nite inside ($4).
- Rear view mirror, left-hand outside ($6).
- Roof luggage rack, wagons ($48).
- Seat belts ($19).
- Tinted glass, all windows ($43); windshield only ($22).
- Two-tone paint ($17).
- Wheel covers, except Polara ($19).
- White sidewall tires ($33-$48).
- Windshield washer ($12).
- Windshield wipers, variable speed ($6).
1962 Dodge Mid–Size Downloads and Images
1962 DODGE MID-SIZE FACTS – RELATED DOCUMENT
DOWNLOADS
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1962 Dodge Dart and Lancer Brochure
1962 Dodge Polara 500 Brochure
1962 Dodge Mid-Size Car Print Ads
1962 Dodge High Performance V-8s AMA Specifications Sheets
SEEKING! 1962 Dodge Dart/Polara AMA Specifications Sheets Click HERE to Contact Us!
1962 Dodge Short Ram 410 HP V-8 Exposed – Hot Rod Magazine
1962 Chrysler Corp 405 HP 413 CID V-8 Specifications – Cars Magazine
1962 Dodge Dart 413 Road Test – Car Life Magazine
1962 Dodge Dart 440 Convertible Road Test – Motor Trend Magazine
1962 Dodge Dart 410 HP Ramcharger Road Test – Motor Trend Magazine
1962 Dodge Mid-Size Facts – Related Images
Related Images to the 1962 Dodge Mid-Size Line will appear below
1962 Dodge Polara 500 Convertible
The 1962 Dodge Polara 500 Convertible was the top line convertible and set up as a sport model with the 305 HP V-8 as standard.
1962 Dodge Polara 500 2-door Hardtop
The 1962 Dodge Polara 500 2-door Hardtop was considered the sport hardtop in the Dodge mid-size line. No six-cylinder power was available, and the base engine was a 361 CID 305 HP V-8.
1962 Dodge Polara 500 4-door Hardtop
The 1962 Dodge Polara 500 4-door Hardtop arrived a bit later than the other Polara models in 1962. Just like the others, a 361 CID V-8 was standard.
1962 Dodge Dart 440 Convertible
Sitting just below the Polara “sport” line the 1962 Dodge Dart 440 Convertible was the only convertible available in the Dart line. Its base engine was a 318 CID V-8.
1962 Dodge Dart 440 2-door Hardtop
The 1962 Dodge Dart 440 2-door Hardtop was the choice of many of the sporty set. It could be had with V-8s from 318 to 413 CID.
1962 Dodge Dart 440 4-door Hardtop
1962 Dodge Dart 440 4-door Hardtop was used to promote the brand. Next to the Polara Hardtop version, this was the most upscale mid-size 4-door available.
1962 Dodge Dart 440 4-door Sedan
The 1962 Dodge Dart 440 4-door Sedan was a popular choice among Dodge mid-size buyers.
1962 Dodge Dart 440 Station Wagon
The 1962 Dodge Dart 440 Station Wagon was the top line wagon this year. 9-passenger versions could only be had with a V-8.
1962 Dodge Dart 330 2-door Hardtop
The 1962 Dodge Dart 330 2-door Hardtop was the entry level 2-door hardtop.
1962 Dodge Dart 330 4-door Sedan
The 1962 Dodge Dart 330 4-door Sedan was an upscale 4-door, sitting in between the base Dart and the Dart 440.
1962 Dodge Dart 330 2-door Sedan
Like its 4-door brother, the 1962 Dodge Dart 330 2-door Sedan was a mid-price offering in the Dart line.
1962 Dodge Dart 330 Station Wagon
The 1962 Dodge Dart 330 Station wagon was the mid-price entry in the Dodge Dart line.
1962 Dodge Dart 4-door Sedan
The 1962 Dodge Dart 4-door Sedan was the base 4-door Dodge. With 6 cylinder power its base price was $2,297.
1962 Dodge Dart 2-door Sedan
The 1962 Dodge Dart 2-door Sedan was the least costly Dodge midsize offering. This was the platform for the famous Ramcharger 413.