Many of you don’t remember 1969. It was a windfall time for drivers: big engines, fast cars and cheap “high test” gasoline. Chrysler had the only optional engine that was smaller in cubic inches than its standard available engine, and you could optionally order the “elephant motor” 426 Hemi for only $900. I was riding with the some of the best trained deputies around – they all had to take the CHP’s EVOC, or Emergency Vehicle Operations Course, to be on the patrol division with the Stanislaus County Sheriff’s Department. I was just a young wide-eyed Explorer Scout – I was 17. Dodge was king then, and we had new 383 HiPo Dodge Polaras with the HD 727 Torque flight transmission and 3.23 geared 8 ¾” posi rear ends. Dual exhaust. Premium fuel only. On a hot call, we’d open up the four barrels and fly down the streets asking our red lights and Federal Interceptor “wail” siren to clear the road ahead. And often we saw the red speedometer needle covering the numbers 140. A certified 140 mind you. This was real, not like I’d hear some guys in high school saying they were in their cars at 150 and probably were doing 120 or 125. We heard an all-call for an assist on a 10-54, or fatal accident, and the deputy threw me the “mike” and grabbed the steering wheel and turned north on Interstate 5 and the big Dodge replied with a deep four barrel growl, a squeal of tires, and throaty pipes. I was “calling” in our position when Control One told us “Code 3”. In a short time we passed semi-tractor trailers like they were standing still – they weren’t. And the divided lines on the freeway flashed by faster than you could count them – now looking like one solid line. The car would shake, then settle, then shake, then settle, in harmonic vibrations. Suddenly the deputy looks in his mirror and says “holy…” and starts pulling over while still “floored”. What? Why? I thought in an instant, just as I saw our Dodge’s big brother come by… the bigger four barrel of the mighty 440 Magnum opened up and Dodge Interceptor of the CHP flew by like we were standing still – actually, it sounds good, but he just got by us, but he did leave us behind. I couldn’t believe it. By the time we got to the accident, he was already out helping in the twisted wreckage. I remember the sound of his Dodge Interceptor trying to idle and the sound from those pipes. My heart was pounding and my hands trembling and I did help out, but I remember so vividly the CHP Dodge Polara “440 Interceptor”. I did manage a ride a couple times in the Interceptor and in just two short years later, I could have bought one with 75,000 miles on it for $800. Those were the days!

My point to this is what Dodge has done with the new Charger. The CHP 440 Polara was fast – it held the CHP’s top speed record for 25 years, until GM put a Corvette motor in a Camaro and sold it as a squad car in the 1990’s. The Polara was power: 440 CI, 375 HP, and 480 pounds of gut wrenching torque, around 18 MPG, and 0-60 in 6.5 seconds on skinny bias ply tires, and that awesome top speed of 150. What? My new Charger has 350 HP, 380 pounds of torque, but I get 25 MPG and because of better tires and gearing, I go 0-60 in 5.5 seconds, and a reported governed top speed of 147.

The fastest car in CHP history is now practically eclipsed by my new Charger. Sure the Charger is now around 10 times the cost of the Polara, but those days are gone… technology and fun still exist within my Charger. Just like it’s older cousin of the past, Dodge has a winner again – and I’ve lived to be in BOTH !


MN

 

Great story, I worked for a retired PA trooper, and he told me much the same story about the top speed of the 440 Interceptors. Scary fast for bias plys and old school aerodynamics. Put a superchip and cold air kit on your new charger and you will blow the old one away. By the way I have a 383 magnum powered 64 Dodge sitting in my garage. I still love the sound of a big block.

 

Yes, nice walk through the past to present. It's way too cool that you've got to experience what you have.

I got to see those cars back in 69 but I didn't get to drive them, I was 9 years old. All the same, thanks for sharing the trip!

 

I still remember the races between my Dad's 64 Dart GT with a 273 and a 4speed versus my uncle's 69 roadrunner 383 auto. The roadrunner would normally win in the big end but the dart was quicker to 60 mph. I think my uncle would hold back and slingshot my Dad's dart. Dad still has the Dart my uncle sold the bird many years ago, it has since mad the cover of one ot the mopar mags. Last I knew it was out in Colorado. Anybody on here own a light green with a dark green vinyl top no power brakes auto on the column roadrunner?

 

Dodgeboy,
You have THE famous 1964 Super Stock (Polara) Dodge? Was it driven by a little old lady from Pasadena?

I lived those years watching older boys having all the (girls) and fun! I felt like Mango did in 1969... I was just a little too young!


MN

 

I wish it was the Little old Lady from Pasedena car, I love that song. It is a 64 Custom 880 4dr hardtop wagon. I rebuilt the engine 25 years ago, 383 10 to 1 compression mild port and polish, 4barrel holley and duals through hemi mufflers. 3:55 gears. It runs well for a lead sled and gets 18 mpg on the highway.

 

Very well said!

 

Awesome story MN

 

MN, the 64 super stock dodge was a 413 with the dual 4bbl long tube ram induction. My cousin had one - well, his was a plymouth, but same deal. He still has the build sheet from it, and the newspaper add for the super stock 413. Very cool stuff.

dave

 

Dave,

When I think back, (and it takes awhile sometimes LOL), the 1964 PLYMOUTH Fury was one of the most beautiful cars ever made. I know we are talking Dodge here, but I had to throw that in.

Did you know it wasa PLYMOUTH production car in 1962, that ran the first 12 second quarter mile with the 413 Max Wedge motor -- it had the short "ram" intake, not the long runners and bigger Stage 3 heads and a Tri-Y exhaust... [8D]

Fun stuff.

Does he still have the car too?


MN