Hidden Monster: Discover the Remarkable 1964 Dodge 440 Wagon with Rare Street Wedge Engine

When one thinks of muscle cars from the golden era, Dodge isn't generally the first name that comes to mind, and certainly not in the form of a station wagon. Yet, that is precisely what makes this 1964 Dodge 440 Wagon such an unassuming gem. While this car may look like an old grocery-getter on the outside, it hides a rare and ferocious 426 Street Wedge engine under its hood, making it a sleeper in the truest sense of the word.

The Dodge 440: A Short-Lived Nameplate

The Dodge 440 badge appeared in 1962, initially adorning the Dodge Dart. Launched as a full-size car in 1960, the Dart was scaled down to a midsize in 1962 with the 440 serving as its upscale trim. However, in 1963 the Dart was resized yet again, this time becoming a compact, leaving the 440 name to be used on Dodge's new midsize lineup, which bridged the gap between the entry-level 330 and the top-of-the-line Polara.

For just two glorious years, from 1963 to 1964, the 440 existed as a standalone model. Then, with the arrival of the Dodge Coronet in 1965, the 440 was demoted back to a trim level, ending its ephemeral stand-alone status. Although it's far from iconic in today’s collector circles, its role during the muscle car wars of the '60s, especially with its connection to the powerful Max Wedge engine, is beyond significant.

Max Wedge: The Unspoken Hero

The Max Wedge engine is a legend in its own right. Developed for drag racing, this beast came in 413 and 426 cubic inches and could deliver between 415 and 425 horsepower. Various midsize Mopars had the honor of wielding this powerhouse from 1962 to 1964, although finding one today is a rare and coveted experience. However, Chrysler never installed these engines in station wagons, which makes the 1964 Dodge 440 Wagon's 426 Street Wedge all the more extraordinary.

426 Street Wedge: The Next Best Thing

While not the Max Wedge, the 426 Street Wedge was Dodge's range-topping engine for street use in the early '60s. Packing 365 horsepower and 465 pound-feet of torque, it's no slouch. This engine could propel a 1964 Dodge 440 coupe through a quarter-mile in under 15 seconds. Installed in a station wagon, it provides an incredibly unique driving experience—a true sleeper capable of embarrassing many a sleek muscle car at a stoplight.

A Rare Find

Dodge sold 30,300 midsize wagons in 1964, but the number of those equipped with the 426 Street Wedge is likely in the low hundreds. However, thanks to the meticulous research of Mopar expert Galen V. Govier, we know this vehicle is genuine. Its precision restoration preserves its authenticity, even though some parts show signs of aging, indicating a numbers-matching engine.

Up for Grabs

Currently, this pristine 1964 Dodge 440 station wagon is up for auction in Neosho, Missouri. The bidding competition is fierce, already hitting the $32,800 mark with a couple of days left to go. Given its rarity and immaculate condition, it's not hard to imagine this unique sleeper fetching upwards of $50,000.

This car may cloak its power in a plain exterior, but beneath the surface, it is nothing short of phenomenal. Whether you're a Mopar enthusiast or just an admirer of rare and stealthy muscle cars, this 1964 Dodge 440 wagon stands out as a remarkable piece of automotive history.