1963 DODGE 330 FACTORY LIGHTWEIGHT RACE CAR

Drag racing changed significantly in 1963. Late in 1962, ACCUS met and placed a 7.0-liter, 427ci limit on racing cars going forward; both NASCAR and NHRA agreed. As a result, Chrysler's 413 Maximum Performance Wedge was bored to 426ci for the new year. Moreover, the factory turned to aluminum for certain body components in the hope of reducing weight. Even with fierce factory fighting still ongoing between Ford, Chevrolet, Pontiac and Chrysler, the start of the year found Dodge in the winner's circle at Pomona and again that summer at the U.S. Nationals as a direct result. Today, referred to as the Stage I version of the engine, the high-compression 13.5:1 Ramcharger 426ci V8 engine used the sonically tuned Cross-Ram intake, two Carter 4-barrel carburetors and refitted valve gear. The 330 was the base-model Dodge. Purchased from King Dodge in Minneapolis on February 8, 1963, this 330 was raced by Wain Pearce regionally and at the 1963 U.S. Nationals, and is listed in 1963 U.S. Nationals program. As built, this authentically repainted race car still features a 727 TorqueFlite 3-speed automatic transmission and 3.91:1 gearing in its 8.75-inch axle. Race components on the exterior include the aluminum hood with scoop, bumpers and bumper supports and front fenders. The battery is mounted in the trunk and factory exhaust cutouts are underneath. The red cloth-and-vinyl interior features radio- and heater-delete plates and a push-button shifter.

One of the first super stock lightweight Dodges produced. It’s powered by a 426ci Max Wedge V8 engine with 13.5:1 compression and two 4-barrel carburetors, backed by a 727 TorqueFlite push-button 3-speed automatic transmission.