Pick of the Day: 1964 Dodge Custom 880 Hardtop Wagon

It’s become a cliché by now but, when you have lemons, you make lemonade. In 1962, Dodge found itself in a predicament and made lemonade with the Custom 880. Our Pick of the Day is the 1964 version of the Custom 880 in an unusual body style. It is for sale on ClassicCars.com by a dealership in Springfield, Massachusetts. (Click the link to view the listing)

When Dodge introduced its Dart and Polara models for 1962, dealerships revolted. After a disastrous 1961 model year, they had hoped for something better the following model year, but they deemed these 1962s even worse because they had been downsized from the traditional full-size formula. Seeing a need for a quick solution, Dodge quickly whipped up a full-size Chrysler with a modified 1961 Dodge grille and called it the Custom 880. Among the body styles was a four-door hardtop wagon, a body style shared with Chrysler that was unique in the industry at the time.

For 1963, the Custom 880 was joined by a lesser 880 model. Both featured a revised, unique front-end design, while the taillights received new housings and lenses. The Custom 880 continued to offer a hardtop wagon, while the 880’s wagons featured B-pillars like conventional wagons.

The 1964 880 series featured a slightly tweaked grille, but out back was the biggest news thanks to new horizontal taillights. Additionally, new side trim did a fine job disguising its 1962 Chrysler origins. The hardtop wagon continued to be available in the Custom 880 model, the last time the body style would appear.

This 1964 Dodge Custom 880 hardtop wagon is a rare example of a model that is not well-understood, but it has history and style going for it. It’s been mildly customized with two-tone paint, modern chrome wheels, surfboards, skirts, and more. According to the seller, the car runs and drives well. “The car is powered by a 361 V8 topped with an Edelbrock intake and a 4bbl carburetor. The transmission is a 3 speed ‘push button’ automatic.”

Inside, the seller adds, “The interior is in amazing original condition,” though no mention if this is a six- or nine-passenger version. Probably doesn’t matter as the third row would likely be tight for adults and current driving laws make it difficult for kids to sit out back. But, for a neat vehicle that’s different than most others, this 1964 Dodge Custom 880 hardtop wagon will play the role nicely for $27,990.