Rare 1963 Dodge 330 With A 426 Max Wedge

In the world of classic Mopars, few cars carry as much under-the-hood muscle as the rare, high-compression 1963 Dodge 330 featured on the Dead Dodge Garage YouTube channel. This sleek two-door coupe is a showcase of Dodge’s early venture into high-performance drag racing, specifically designed to dominate the quarter-mile with its powerhouse 7.0-liter (426 cubic-inch) Max Wedge V8 engine. Although Dodge designed the 330 to look relatively simple on the outside, this car hides a potent combination of factory speed parts under the hood.

A Brief History of Dodge’s B-Body Platform and the Max Wedge V8 – 

In 1962, Dodge entered the midsize segment with the B-body platform, creating models like the Dart, Polara, and mid-range trims known as the 330 and 440. These cars were lightweight, affordable, and perfectly suited to house Dodge’s largest engines. To make waves in the growing drag racing scene, Dodge equipped the 330 with its newly developed Max Wedge V8—a beast of an engine specifically built for straight-line speed.

The Max Wedge, originally a 6.8-liter (413 cubic-inch) engine, was later bored out to 7.0 liters (426 cubic inches) by 1963. Known for its high compression ratios and unique “short ram” induction setup, the Max Wedge was available in two powerful configurations. The top-tier version, packing a 13.5:1 compression ratio, delivered an astonishing 425 horsepower—making it a dominant force on the drag strip.

The Legendary 426 Max Wedge in This 1963 Dodge 330 – 

This 1963 Dodge 330 is a rare example of the high-compression Max Wedge, making it one of only 162 vehicles produced that year. Even more impressive, it’s one of only 26 known to still exist and one of only 11 equipped with a three-speed manual transmission. Restored to nearly flawless condition, this Dodge 330 retains its original factory sheet metal and matching body numbers, making it a highly sought-after collector’s item among Mopar enthusiasts.

Finished in Dark Turquoise, this 330 is a one-of-one survivor in this color, making it a true gem for Mopar fans. The restoration has maintained the car’s original look and feel, with the 426 Max Wedge engine meticulously brought back to life. Although the Dead Dodge Garage video doesn’t show this beauty racing down the track, viewers are treated to the growl of its powerful V8 as the host brings the 426 Wedge to life on screen.

Why the Max Wedge V8 is an Icon in Mopar History – 

The Max Wedge wasn’t just a powerful engine but a turning point in Dodge’s racing heritage. Introduced just before the legendary 7.0-liter (426 cubic-inch) HEMI® V8, the Max Wedge showcased Chrysler’s innovation in building factory race engines. Each Max Wedge was carefully tuned to deliver maximum power, making Dodge’s B-body models some of the earliest high-performance intermediates on the market.

While short-lived, the Max Wedge’s legacy continues to inspire Mopar fans. Its rare production numbers, factory-built performance, and dedicated purpose make it a standout among vintage muscle cars. This 1963 Dodge 330 serves as a reminder of Dodge’s commitment to dominating the drag strip with raw power and minimal frills.