Classic Cars Online US Feature Article
Special thanks to MAXmotive for granting permission to use their images and showcase this extraordinary custom build.
A Dream Realized Through Skill, Heart, and Hot-Rod History
Some cars are built to look good.
Some are built to go fast.
A rare few are built to tell a story.
The 1963 Dodge Polara known as the “Max Hemi” is one of those rare few — a one-of-one creation from the legendary Boyd Coddington, built through the Make-A-Wish Foundation for 17-year-old Max Cohen. What started as a dream became a nationally televised project, a SEMA showpiece, and one of the most meaningful customs ever crafted.
Thanks to MAXmotive, we’re able to explore this incredible Polara in detail.
A Tribute to the Early Max Wedge Era
Max Cohen admired the brutal, drag-strip-dominant Mopars of the early sixties — the Max Wedge cars known for big horsepower, big scoops, and even bigger personality. His wish was simple: create a modern version of that early performance legend.
Boyd Coddington’s team turned that wish into something unforgettable.
Engine: 472 Cubic Inches of Mopar Power
The heart of the Max Hemi is a hand-built 472ci Mopar Hemi V8, complete with:
- Mopar Cross-Ram intake
- Dual Holley four-barrel carburetors
- Polished stainless fuel lines
- Coated regulators
- March pulleys
- Billet expansion tank
It’s powerful, beautifully finished, and unmistakably Mopar in attitude and presence.
Exhaust & Drivetrain: Built to Sound and Feel Right
A set of coated Sanderson headers feeds a full three-inch mandrel-bent exhaust with an X-pipe and Magnaflow mufflers. The sound is crisp, deep, and unmistakably Hemi.
Power moves through:
- A built A727 TorqueFlite
- A B&M ratchet shifter
- A strong Currie 9-inch rear axle
This car is as functional as it is beautiful.
Suspension and Steering: Modern Control for Serious Power
To make sure this Polara drives as good as it looks, the chassis received:
- Magnum Force tubular front suspension
- Coilover shocks
- Rack-and-pinion steering
- Baer disc brakes at all four corners
This is no museum ornament — it’s a real hot rod built for the road.
Exterior: Boyd Coddington’s Signature Style
Boyd Coddington was known for clean, smooth, intentional designs — and the Max Hemi captures his philosophy perfectly.
- Shaved door handles
- Smoothed body lines
- Mirror-deep black paint
- Subtle “Max Hemi” scoop graphics
- Proper stance with Boyd forged wheels
Everything is streamlined, elegant, and expertly proportioned.
Interior: Custom Red Leather from an Industry Legend
Inside, the Polara features a full custom red leather interior crafted by Gabe’s Street Rod Custom Interiors — one of the top shops in the country. The bold red contrasts beautifully with the black exterior, giving the car a premium, show-ready feel.
- Tilt column
- Billet pedals
- Custom gauges
- Fully upholstered trunk
It’s refined, comfortable, and unmistakably high-end.
A Build Watched by Fans Around the World
The entire creation of the Max Hemi was filmed on the TV series American Hot Rod, giving the public a chance to watch the craftsmanship unfold step by step.
The car debuted at SEMA 2005, and later crossed the Barrett-Jackson Scottsdale auction block, where it sold for $550,000 — benefiting the Make-A-Wish Foundation.
It remains one of the most memorable charity builds ever completed.
Today: Part of the Maxwell Family Collection, Offered by MAXmotive
The Max Hemi has been meticulously maintained and cherished as part of the Maxwell Family Collection. It is now offered for sale through MAXmotive, giving a collector the chance to own a genuine piece of Boyd Coddington history.
Final Thoughts
The Max Hemi is more than a car — it’s craftsmanship, heart, and storytelling wrapped into one unforgettable custom. Featuring it has been a privilege, and it stands as one of the most meaningful builds we’ve covered.
Special thanks again to MAXmotive for providing the images and allowing Classic Cars Online US to share this incredible Polara.