Dodge Matador
Encyclopedia
The Dodge Matador was a full-sized automobile produced for the 1960 model year by the Dodge
division of the Chrysler Corporation.
The Matador was one of two new models produced by Dodge in 1960 when the marque dropped its long-running Coronet
, Custom and Custom Royal models. The Matador was designated Dodge's full-size base trim vehicle, with the Dodge Polara
becoming the make's full-sized premium model. All Matadors were V8-powered — Chrysler's Slant Six was not an available option on Dodge's senior cars in 1960.
The Matador (and the similar, better-trimmed Polara) featured styling cues that were carried over from 1959 models, itself an evolution of Virgil Exner
's "Forward Look" cars introduced in 1957. Like these cars, the 1960 Matador continued the Dodge styling hallmarks of stacked "jet pod" taillights, however, the size of the lights was greatly exaggerated, with the lower light set into the rear bumper. The design also incorporated Dodge’s trademark (shortened) tailfins, which included small vertical taillight lenses placed on the vertical surface at the back of the fin; again. the purpose of the shortened fin was meant to exaggerate the length of the “jet pods” holding the taillights. Up front, the car featured a small grille comprising six stacks of chromed rectangles nested in a massive (and complex) front bumper assembly. As a base model, the Matador lacked exterior excessive chrome trim and plainer interiors than found on the Polara.
The majority of cars built by Dodge and sold during the 1960 model year were in Dodge's new "smaller" and less expensive full-sized model, the Dodge Dart
, which fielded three sub-series (Seneca, Pioneer and Phoenix) of its own.
An estimated 23,600 Matadors were produced for 1960. Low sales volume — and the overwhelming popularity of the Dart model — prompted Dodge to drop the Matador nameplate for the 1961 model year.
Interestingly, the Matador name ("bullfighter" in Spanish) was subsequently used
in 1971 by American Motors
(purchased in 1987 by Chrysler Corporation) for their mid-size car line, replacing the AMC Rebel
.
Dodge
Dodge is a United States-based brand of automobiles, minivans, and sport utility vehicles, manufactured and marketed by Chrysler Group LLC in more than 60 different countries and territories worldwide....
division of the Chrysler Corporation.
The Matador was one of two new models produced by Dodge in 1960 when the marque dropped its long-running Coronet
Dodge Coronet
The Coronet was a full-size car from Dodge in the 1950s, initially the division's highest trim line but, starting in 1955, the lowest trim line. In the 1960s, the name was transferred to Dodge's mid-size entry.-1949:...
, Custom and Custom Royal models. The Matador was designated Dodge's full-size base trim vehicle, with the Dodge Polara
Dodge Polara
The Dodge Polara was an automobile introduced in the United States for the 1960 model year as Dodge's top-of-the-line full-size car; after the introduction of the Dodge Custom 880 in 1962, the Polara nameplate designated a step below the full sized best trimmed Dodge model; the Polara that year had...
becoming the make's full-sized premium model. All Matadors were V8-powered — Chrysler's Slant Six was not an available option on Dodge's senior cars in 1960.
The Matador (and the similar, better-trimmed Polara) featured styling cues that were carried over from 1959 models, itself an evolution of Virgil Exner
Virgil Exner
Virgil Max "Ex" Exner, Sr. was an automobile designer for numerous American companies, notably Chrysler and Studebaker. He is known for his "Forward Look" design on the 1955-1963 Chrysler products and his fondness of fins on cars for both aesthetic and aerodynamic reasons.-Early life:Born in Ann...
's "Forward Look" cars introduced in 1957. Like these cars, the 1960 Matador continued the Dodge styling hallmarks of stacked "jet pod" taillights, however, the size of the lights was greatly exaggerated, with the lower light set into the rear bumper. The design also incorporated Dodge’s trademark (shortened) tailfins, which included small vertical taillight lenses placed on the vertical surface at the back of the fin; again. the purpose of the shortened fin was meant to exaggerate the length of the “jet pods” holding the taillights. Up front, the car featured a small grille comprising six stacks of chromed rectangles nested in a massive (and complex) front bumper assembly. As a base model, the Matador lacked exterior excessive chrome trim and plainer interiors than found on the Polara.
The majority of cars built by Dodge and sold during the 1960 model year were in Dodge's new "smaller" and less expensive full-sized model, the Dodge Dart
Dodge Dart
The Dodge Dart is an automobile built by the Dodge division of the Chrysler Corporation from 1960-1976 in North America, with production extended to later years in various other markets. The Dart was introduced as a lower-priced, shorter wheelbase, full-size Dodge in 1960 and 1961, became a...
, which fielded three sub-series (Seneca, Pioneer and Phoenix) of its own.
An estimated 23,600 Matadors were produced for 1960. Low sales volume — and the overwhelming popularity of the Dart model — prompted Dodge to drop the Matador nameplate for the 1961 model year.
Interestingly, the Matador name ("bullfighter" in Spanish) was subsequently used
AMC Matador
The AMC Matador is a mid-size car that was built and sold by American Motors Corporation from 1971 to 1978. The Matador came in two generations: 1971 to 1973 and a major redesign from 1974 to 1978...
in 1971 by American Motors
American Motors
American Motors Corporation was an American automobile company formed by the 1954 merger of Nash-Kelvinator Corporation and Hudson Motor Car Company. At the time, it was the largest corporate merger in U.S. history.George W...
(purchased in 1987 by Chrysler Corporation) for their mid-size car line, replacing the AMC Rebel
AMC Rebel
The AMC Rebel is a mid-size car produced by American Motors Corporation from 1967 to 1970. It replaced the Rambler Classic. The Rebel was replaced by the similar AMC Matador for the 1971 model year...
.