were Mopar models given the 440 name, (before the 44 cu in engine by the way) because 440 yards is a 1/4 mile? Nope

 the 1962 Dodge Dart 440, and the 1963 Dodge 440,  got the 440 model name known as a Dodge, and the 1966 Coronet was the last of the Dodge with a 440 model name

The 330 was the base stripper model and the 440 was the mid-market level. The Polara capped the lineup as the top entry.

But no, I don't think they had worked out the 440 yards = 1/4 mile, and planned to associate these models with drag racing... there was a lame numbering system for many car companies, and AMC for example, had this system:  American: 220, 330 and 440 Classic: 550, 660 and 770 Ambassador: 880 and 990

The 440 cu in engine came along in 1967 

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dodge_440