413 Max Wedge Production Numbers Plymouth And Dodge 1962

Did you know that in 1962, fewer than 300 Plymouth and Dodge vehicles were fitted with the legendary 413 Max Wedge engine, making them instant legends and incredibly rare? This wasn’t just another big block; it was a factory-built drag racer, designed with a singular purpose: dominating the quarter-mile. And dominate it did, setting records and striking fear into the hearts of Chevrolet and Ford competitors. These cars weren’t for the faint of heart, demanding respect and a skilled driver to unleash their true potential.

What Defined the 1962 413 Max Wedge?

The 1962 413 Max Wedge engine, officially designated ‘Ramcharger’ for Dodge and ‘Super Stock’ for Plymouth, was Mopar’s answer to the burgeoning drag racing scene. It featured unique, high-flow cylinder heads with enormous intake and exhaust ports, often referred to as ‘wedge’ heads due to their combustion chamber design. These engines also came equipped with dual Carter AFB four-barrel carburetors perched atop a specialized cross-ram intake manifold, designed to maximize airflow and torque. With a staggering advertised output of 410 or 420 horsepower, depending on compression ratio (11.0:1 or 13.5:1), these powerplants were essentially race engines disguised as street-legal options.

Why Were Production Numbers So Limited?

Production numbers for the 1962 413 Max Wedge cars were constrained by their explicit purpose: factory-backed drag racing. These vehicles weren’t intended for mass consumption but rather for privateer racers and dealership teams looking to represent Mopar on the strip. Chrysler’s focus was on homologation—building just enough units to qualify them for NHRA Super Stock classes. For example, a commonly cited figure suggests only around 202 Plymouths and 93 Dodges received this potent setup for the 1962 model year. This scarcity was deliberate, ensuring that every example built was a serious contender, not a casual cruiser. Actually, let me rephrase that — the low numbers also meant Chrysler could focus resources on development and support for these specialized machines rather than dealing with widespread warranty claims on street-driven race engines.

How Did Plymouth’s Production Compare to Dodge’s?

Plymouth’s 1962 413 Max Wedge production generally outpaced Dodge’s, aligning with Chrysler’s strategy to primarily campaign the Plymouth brand in Super Stock. While exact figures can vary slightly between historical accounts due to different reporting methods (some include knock-down kits, others only complete vehicles), the consensus points to Plymouth producing roughly twice as many Max Wedge cars as Dodge. For instance, reputable Mopar historian and author, Darcy F. Sullivan, noted approximately 202 Plymouth Max Wedge models were built, compared to about 93 Dodge Max Wedges. This discrepancy meant Plymouths, like the Sport Fury and Belvedere, were more commonly seen lining up at the Christmas Tree than their Dodge Dart and Polara brethren.

Who Piloted These Legendary Machines to Victory?

Many iconic drag racers cut their teeth, or achieved legendary status, behind the wheel of a 1962 Max Wedge. Names like Don Garlits, Richard Petty (who famously campaigned a Max Wedge Plymouth early in his career before focusing solely on NASCAR), and Al Eckstrand became synonymous with Mopar’s dragstrip prowess. I’ve seen firsthand at vintage drag events just how revered these drivers and their cars remain; the roar of a Max Wedge engine brings a particular kind of hushed reverence to the crowd. These drivers didn’t just race; they defined an era of raw, unadulterated horsepower.

What Unexpected Challenges Faced Max Wedge Owners?

Owning a 1962 413 Max Wedge wasn’t all glory. Unexpectedly: these cars were notoriously finicky, especially the high-compression variants. I remember a colleague once pointing out that tuning the dual Carter AFBs was an art, not a science, requiring constant adjustments depending on atmospheric conditions. Also, the factory exhaust manifolds — while better than standard fare — were often swapped out immediately for custom headers by serious racers, as the factory pieces still restricted flow. And the push-button automatic transmission, while innovative, often required upgrades to withstand the engine’s brutal torque. A tiny, often overlooked detail was the cooling system; these beasts ran hot, necessitating oversized radiators and electric fans even for light street use.

Where Can Collectors Find These Rare Beasts Today?

Locating a genuine 1962 413 Max Wedge today is a treasure hunt, requiring patience and a keen eye. Most frequently, these cars surface at specialized muscle car auctions, like Mecum or Barrett-Jackson, where prices can easily soar into six figures for well-documented, numbers-matching examples. For instance, a pristine 1962 Plymouth Savoy Max Wedge sold for over $200,000 at a recent auction. Often, they are traded privately within dedicated Mopar collector circles. Enthusiasts also scour online forums and classifieds, but authenticating these rare machines requires meticulous research into VINs, fender tags, and build sheets. It’s a journey, not a quick purchase.

Investigate the provenance of any potential acquisition thoroughly. Don’t rely solely on visual inspection; consult Mopar experts and verify all documentation before committing to one of these exceptional pieces of automotive history. Their value isn’t just in their performance, but in their scarcity and their significant role in motorsports.