The term “sleeper” describes an ordinary-looking sedan hiding its high-performance capabilities. Favored by street racers and others preferring a low profile, sleepers don’t come much more potent than the 1970 Dodge Polara recently sold on eBay.
A Stroker Sleeper
A mid-trim model somewhere between police and rental car spec, this Polara presents a classic sleeper look. Clean and free of frills inside and out, with a bone-stock appearance right down to basic dog dish hubcaps - opens in new window or tab., nothing indicates what might be lurking under its hood.
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Raising the hood doesn’t provide many clues either, as the engine compartment is just as understated as the rest of the car. Only subtle chrome valve covers - opens in new window or tab. and other details, like an electronic ignition - opens in new window or tab., indicate this might not be an ordinary Dodge Polara.
That is until you start it up. The engine is a stroker, meaning that displacement has been bumped up by increasing the length of travel—or stroke—of the pistons. In this case, displacement has been increased to 496 cubic inches, more than enough to get this big sedan going in a hurry. Other performance modifications include:
- TCI Street Fighter - opens in new window or tab. automatic transmission operated by the original column shifter - opens in new window or tab.
Inside, the voluminous two-tone green interior is a throwback to the 1970s and yet could pass for virtually new. Everything that isn’t green is covered in the imitation wood so popular at the time, and the seats, headliner, and dash are free of rips or tears.
The only clues that this might not be somebody’s grandfather’s Dodge Polara are a row of aftermarket gauges - opens in new window or tab. under the dash and a tachometer mounted to the steering wheel. Optional factory bucket seats with a folding center armrest provide an upgrade to the basic standard bench.
Everyday Performance
Showing 97,000 miles on the odometer, this Polara is a well-preserved and garage-kept example with no evidence of rust. Repainted to a high standard in metallic silver, the Dodge appears to have originally been finished in a light green shade that was as popular as phony wood back in the day. But the silver looks more current and goes well with the black vinyl top.
In true sleeper fashion, this Dodge Polara was built as a performance car you can drive daily. Factory features include power steering and power disc brakes, while the audio system was upgraded with a subwoofer - opens in new window or tab. in the trunk.
An unusual find and a tasteful build, this would be an interesting Polara even without the performance modifications. Most of these workhorses saw hard use as family trucksters or commercial vehicles. Few remain today. Finding a Dodge Polara in this condition is nearly impossible. Finding one ready for its next Saturday night stoplight races is another thing entirely.
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This article is meant to provide general guidance only. Automotive maintenance, repair, upgrade, and installation may depend on vehicle-specifics such as make and model. Always consult your owner's manual, repair guide for specific information for your particular vehicle and consider a licensed auto-care professional's help as well, particularly for advance repairs.