At the dawn of the 1960s, America was on an auspicious path, making steady breakthroughs in technology and automation, and inching ever closer to a manned moon landing. Fashion and architecture took on a more sophisticated look, and automakers vied for the buying public’s dollar with ever-wilder creations – enter Virgil Exner. Dodge’s lineup for 1960 represented a further evolution of Exner’s bold “Forward Look” of 1957. Unibody construction, extensive use of chrome, and jet-pod taillights that extended well beyond the rear edge of the tail fins set apart the firm’s Matador model and uprated trim line, the Polara, from all challengers. Inside, push-button transmission, space-pod instruments, and a Lucite steering wheel cast with metal flake evoked a futuristic vision. Among the lowest production of the offered body styles were the Station Wagons, which boasted seating for nine, hardtop construction, and interior space nearing 100 cubic feet.

Marque aficionados believe that as few as five nine-passenger Polara Station Wagons exist today, and the example offered here is certainly among the finest remaining. It has been the subject of considerable restorative effort and expense and is finished in factory colors, with a Cocoa Metallic exterior, Fawn roof, and beautifully presented Cocoa interior. In 2012, it was exhibited at the Concours d’Elegance of America at St. John’s in Plymouth, Michigan. Accompanying the Polara is an extensive history file, which includes a copy of the original Dodge build record and receipts for various parts, repairs, and maintenance spanning over a decade. This exceedingly rare showcase of Americana stands as a fine reference to the design ethos of its day and will serve as a crowning addition to any assemblage of mid-century artifacts, automotive or otherwise.