1968 Dodge Polara Custom Build [Richard Zocchi’s creation] for sale

The design of this custom car is based on a 1968 Dodge Polara. In fact, it’s believed to be from Richard Zocchi’s California custom design house

It is a true two-tone Autorama dream machine that we’re surprised and delighted it has come up for sale.

Richard Zocchi is the kind of custom carmaker that should be mentioned in the same breath as George Barris. He didn’t have as many celebrity cars, and in fact, it seems like he didn’t make as many in total as the Hollywood guys. So his creations are a true rare treat. The West Coast look is flowing through this custom car nicely. It has the low-slung style of a 1960s concept car that wants to cheat the wind. That’s why there were inches chopped out of the roof, and frame rails were channeled to allow for such a lowered stance. The color theme is an expertly intertwined two-tone of vanilla and butterscotch. And the details make for a creamy dessert, right down to the custom pinstriping on the trunk. There are more terrific little details, like cleaning up the grille, making smooth mirror-like bummers, and streamlining the body by eliminating mirrors and handles. And chrome wire wheels are always a good choice. But possible the best detail are the rear fins. The factory Polara had just a hint of a sharply pointed end. However, the ones here have not only been enlarged, but also the trim was continued, too. So now it catches you eye in at the front fender and lets you follow it all way to the custom steep cliff at the end.

The interior continues the car’s full custom attitude with a two-tone that complements the exterior. This is a true master of classic custom car work where you have a hint of tuck and roll mixed with button-top pillow-top upholstery. It’s on the seats, doors, and center console. Even the custom headliner and full trunk have been done to match. While this has custom squat dimensions, this still feels roomy thanks to being a full-size coupe. If you do want creature comforts, this does come with provisions for an AM/FM digital tuner w/cassette and factory air conditioning (they will need servicing to return full function.) We doubt you’re going to drive this Dodge like a commuter, but the front bucket seats, classic steering wheel, and full gauges mean this full custom coupe knows how to get you to the car show.

Under the hood is an era-correct 318 cubic-inch V8. The engine bay has a tasteful black look with added flair on the valve covers and air topper. The appearance keeps it all practical while still looking a little custom. And this one really does have the right pieces to hit the road, including a remanufactured carburetor, three-speed automatic transmission, power steering, and power brakes. The glasspacks on the dual exhaust even give this the proper tone you want for such a cool Mopar.