$2,999 on Ebay.
Hardwood Motors-
Saratoga is a name that might not be entirely familiar to the casual Chrysler fan, but in the mid-50s, it represented a big step up from the entry-level Windsor and a more sporting attitude than the luxury-laden New Yorker. Only the mighty 300F of 1960 was more potent, but you had to pay extra for the privilege. The smart money bought a Saratoga like this one, complete with a thundering 383 cubic inch V8 that would go on to become the mighty Max Wedge that was so feared on drag strips around the country. The on-again, off-again Saratoga nameplate would disappear forever after 1960, and with only 2963 Saratoga hardtops built, it’s an extremely rare piece of Chrysler luxury-muscle that more than delivers on its amazing looks.
There’s an argument to be made that this could be the finest 1960 Saratoga hardtop in the world. It has a well-documented history, including more than a decade in storage, and just two owners from new. Following a comprehensive frame-off restoration, it remains in exceptional condition with documentation that includes the original Chrysler Corporation Broadcast Sheet, original bill of sale and title, and other documentation from the initial purchase. It was restored in a factory-correct Black over Toreador Red color combination that’s simply stunning on the massive coupe, emphasizing the long, low Virgil Exner lines and bubbletop cockpit that was cutting-edge fashion in 1960. Park this car next to almost anything else from 1960 and you’ll see that few can compare to the big Mopar.
Given that the car was always protected, the restoration was able to preserve all the original sheetmetal, including the floors and quarter panels, a testament to the single-family ownership that lasted more than four decades. Following its long internment, the restoration was a cost-no-object proposition that probably cost twice the asking price and the results speak for themselves. The bodywork is laser-straight, the paint shines, and the chrome was restored for show. Meticulous maintenance since it was completed ensures that everything is in top condition and it doesn’t even show polishing marks on the black top. This is a car that can roll off the trailer and collect awards without working very hard. The only possible demerits on this big coupe are the exterior door handles, which are original and very, very lightly pitted and some minor scratches on the base of the exterior mirror, which is also unrestored. You will note that the Saratoga badges are correctly gold anodized, the unique “Golden Lion” emblems are crisply rendered, and the glass is entirely original. There is no aspect of this car that is merely adequate. In fact, this is one of very few cars that’s actually even better in person than it looks in photos.
Inside, the two-tone black and red leather upholstery demonstrates Chrysler’s intention to build true drivers’ cars. The unique driver’s seat with its extended seat back is your first clue that this car is something special and the wonderful “Astra-Dome” instrument panel is science-fiction come to life. Looking like a quarter-sphere, it houses an arched speedometer in the background with secondary instruments hovering in front of it with individual pointers visible from above. At night, special electro-luminescent lighting gives the entire dashboard a futuristic look that’s perhaps the car’s most dramatic feature (no easy feat with a car that looks like this!). The seats, of course, were fully restored with new foam and leather (not vinyl) seat covers with their own special metal crests embedded in the seat backs, and the carpets are entirely new. A gorgeous set of chrome header bars gives the interior an expansive feeling and unique materials such as the woven material on the rear package shelf and wonderful metal foil inserts on the door panels make the Saratoga very special indeed. Everything in this car is fully functional, including the radio, clock, gauges, and even the power antenna on the rear deck. Again, the car is in exceptional condition with the only possible demerits inside being slight bubbling in the door panel foil which is quite minor and probably not worth replacing in the quest for perfection. But then again, the car is so nice that perfection might be on the only logical next step. There’s also a massive trunk, as you’d expect, and it has been outfitted with correct mats and cardboard side panels, as well as a bias-ply spare tire and jack assembly that are quite correct for 1960.
Saratogas used a stout 383 cubic inch V8 called the “Golden Lion” rated at a very strong 325 horsepower. We have every reason to believe this is the car’s original engine, although “matching numbers” is not knowable on 1960 Chryslers. The engine is fully rebuilt and highly detailed for show, ready to drive or compete at a moment’s notice. Correct decals on the valve covers announce the presence of the strong-running powerplant, while a gold air cleaner assembly means you don’t have to look very far to find the horsepower. Little things like the hose clamps, fasteners, and even the factory inspection markings are accurate, giving it a factory-fresh look. A brand new Mopar reproduction battery has just been installed, eliminating one of the only possible complaints about the engine bay’s decor.
The undercarriage is also highly detailed, starting with body-colored floors that provide an awesome backdrop for the detailed hardware. The 1960 Chryslers were unibody cars with an exceptionally stiff structure that was both stronger and lighter than the frame it replaced. As a result, handling is adept and this Saratoga carries a set of upgraded front disc brakes that are a smart idea on a machine that can generate this much speed. The TorqueFlite 3-speed automatic transmission (push-button controlled, of course) offers crisp shifts and powers a 2.93 gear set out back, so it’s a superlative highway cruiser. Dual exhaust is standard and has a subdued rumble, perfectly appropriate for the car’s luxury/performance mission and offering the sound of great power held in reserve. Flashy chrome wire wheels were optional and quite appropriate on this spectacular coupe and wear recent 215/70/15 Goodyear wide whitewall radials for a perfect look and upgraded handling.
As I mentioned, there is extensive documentation on this car dating back to the initial owner. The restoration is fresh and the car remains in exceptional condition throughout. The 300F is already a six-figure car, as are convertible New Yorkers. Can this stunning show-quality Saratoga be far behind? Don’t miss this opportunity for a truly remarkable Mopar.
God bless 60’s American steel!
Some people wanted to be Hugh Hefner in his prime.
I would rather be Jay Leno with that car collection of his…
It has the famous “push-button” automatic – buttons on the dash instead of a column or console shifter.
Saratoga’s are nice, but this was the killer Chrysler:
https://youtu.be/RSd6_5IZuio
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JETHRO In ’57 dad bought a ’58 dodge.It had the push button transmission. Took my driver’s test for my license in it next ear.Not a good car.
I was in the 8th grade when my father brought home a ’56 Chrysler Imperial—
Dad never made any kind of ‘big wages’ so he was all the more proud of purchasing such a vehicle.
Likewise, I took great pride in washing it for him most every week.
Nice looking car.
My favorite car growing up was my mom and dad’s 63 Dodge station wagon with the push button automatic transmission and a 383 V8. I loved that car and wish that we still had it. It was a great kid hauler for 4 boys and had a huge area behind the back seat where you could stretch out and ride comfortably all the way in the back. They don’t make them like that anymore.
Good looking old Mopar. My first car was a 60 Dodge w/ push button automatic. Can see Exner’s touch in the fins and forward looking front design. While it certainly received a comprehensive restoration, it wasn’t a frame off restoration as all Mopars were unibody construction in 1960.
I always wondered who at Chrysler had the bright idea to dash mount the rear view mirror. Worked fine until you had a rear seat passenger in the center.
I’ve always loved car talk! I don’t know a ding-dang thing about what’s under the hood, but still I love it. I completely understand American’s love affair with all those lovely designs from the ’50s, ’60’s, and, yes, even into the ’70s and (some) ’80s. And it’s not just the big cars — though most of the early era smaller cars were all imports.
Last year, driving through downtown Seattle, I saw this stunning Cadillac parked on the street. Couldn’t believe how negligent the car’s owner was to park this amazing car on the street — with its top down! it was a ’60 Series 62; white with a red leather interior.
I’d buy a wonderful, restored product of Detroit before I’d ever buy a new car. I’ve never owned a new car.
I’d drive that Chrysler all over the place!
They made them great in 68. They made them fine in 69. After that everything turned to poo poo. Well with the exception of the 70 z28, and the 70 Cudas, Challengers and small block A bodies.
I want a red 1955 Lincoln Futura Concept car.
Awesome original “Batmobile” frame.
It “starred” in a 1959 movie on TCM last week:
“It Started With a Kiss”
Glenn Ford, Debbie Reynolds & Eva Gabor.
Fun little film…
The newest car that I ever had was a 75 Honda Civic CVCC when my wife and I were married in 1977. I sold an acoustic Martin D 18 guitar to help pay for that car before we were married. My wife played guitar and when she found out that I had sold that Martin guitar she was not happy with me. The Honda died about 1980 or 81, I should’ve kept the Martin because it still has value and is probably still worth 4 to 5 thousand dollars today while the Honda went to the junkyard and was probably recycled to make another POS car. My wife did forgive me though later but reminded me every once in a while, that I should kept the guitar.
LBS – There is a company that makes reproduction Batmobiles and someone got one and finished it to look like the Futura.
My father had a ’68 Chrysler Newport with the 383 engine. I only got to drive it a couple of times, but for a big car it could really move – even with the 3 speed automatic.
Sincerely sorry, but during my whole driving life (1986) I have never known a Chrysler that was not the worst POS in every category.
Kcir, that’s because you’re allergic to Corinthian leather…
Tires aside, it wasn’t in such bad shape on the outside. Too bad you can’t park it anywhere, or some obama ‘son’ will destroy it or steal it.
Dodge Aspens and Plymouth Volare’s almost killed Chrysler back in the late 70’s and early 80’s. K cars also didn’t help Chrysler either, they were all horrible POS’s. Of course, most American cars built during the 70’s and 80’s were junk, all of them Ford, GM, Chrysler were not the best built American cars ever.
Geoff,
My first car was a ‘76 Honda CVCC. I bought it in ‘83 when I was 18. Paid $350 for it. Front end was rusting off of it. Was missing a fender. My dad helped me fabricate a side rail so we could attach a fender we found at a salvage yard. It’s the car I learned about “reverse donuts” in. Found a snow covered parking lot one evening, put it in reverse and hit the gas. Wild ride! A lot of stories with that car. Never failed me. I just had to put a quart of oil in it once or twice a week.
I saw a mint 63 Galaxie 500 convertible and another 63 fastback hard top on my recent trip. Brought back memories of mom passing cars like they were standing still, while lighting a Kent or slapping down three kids jumping around in the back seat.
Her best friend was the fleet sales manager at Capitol Ford in Helena MT and that one was formerly the State Patrol Chief’s personal car. It was replaced by a 65 and both were outrageously fast. She got them for next to nothing because they were included in lots of vehicles that were traded in after two years. Most were used up, but the upper echelons didn’t really drive them.
“The malaise era” is a term referring to cars built from the early 70’s to the early 80’s, usually ‘73 to ‘83 or so. It’s a term I learned fairly recently. Think of the cars you owned from that era and it makes sense. The ‘81 Chevy citation I inherited from my grandparents is a good example.
How many of you ever drove a vehicle with a “3 on the tree?” I spent time in one that was a work truck back in the mid ‘80s – a Ford pickup. They were fun.
@ Ted Nougat AT 10:18 PM
Mine was a V8 Mercury Comet w/three on the tree. After that I started buying Mach 1s. How it was that I survived is anyone’s guess.
Pull the engines down and put a solid lifter cam in them and a single plane manifold and either the 351 or 429 was pretty hard on the competition. My brother’s 427 Cyclone and buddy’s 67 Fairlane with a 429 SCJ shoehorned into it were problematic, but on any given day it was a toss up.
Kcir
Your a little kid. LOL.During your time frame you are correct. However if I was buying a new shiny diesel 4 wheel pick um up truck right now, it would be a Dodge, and that’s coming from a really solid Duramax guy.
They’ve wrecked all the trucks.
IIRC the fastest car Road and Track tested back then was the 63 Pontiac Tempest with 421 Super Duty.
First photo? That’s how the Clintons, Obamas, and Bidens lived until they discovered the MSM would cover for them as they sold our country to Russia and China.
I drove a three-on-the-tree ’76 Ford 100 Ranger… a test drive to see if I wanted to buy it. I tested the brakes before I started it, but when I got out on Rt 4 the brake lines blew out. It was pretty hair raising because I was unfamiliar with the transmission and I wanted to get the damn thing back to the owner.
Transmissions seem to always be the pain in the ass. I had a Ford where left and forward was reverse, and half of my motorcycles were one up – four (or five) down… and the other half were one down, four up. And somebody used to own a Triumph that had the gear selector on the right side.
And of course the Beetle to get to reverse is to the left, and down to the ground, and then straight back.
I once got in some large SUX with an automatic and had been driving a four speed for so long I put both feet on the brake to push the clutch in that didn’t exist. Fun shit.
WE had 2 53 Chevy baby blue with white tops Belair’s. Both had 216 straight 6’s, one had an automatic 2 speed Power Glide transmission and the other had a 3 in the tree manual transmission. Those old Chevy’s pretty much ran forever and went thru 4 boys learning to all drive back then in the late 60’s and early 70’s. One had the Wash. license number CAR 475 which I still remember.
Mom had a 61 Bel Air 4 door in baby blue. It had AC. I think it was called Cool Pak.
One day I was jacking up the front driver’s side (I don’t remember why) and the car settled on the jack. The frame disintegrated. It had been sitting for some time, but started right up every time.
It did have some carb problems, and overheating problems, but I didn’t know car stuff at the time and can only make baseless conjectures… or maybe not so baseless, but conjectures all the same about what could have been the problems. I’d like to go back in time knowing what I know now.
The hing with that $2999 car is it would cost much more to restore it than you could ever recoup by selling it.
RadioMattM, these mofos will buy rolling chassis VW bugs for 5 to 10 thousand dollars. A pile of shit worth less than your oldest t-shirt.
Eddie sold a rolling chassis Cuda for 21,000 dollars. Some shit I wouldn’t give you 5 whole dollars for. But he has the eye for that nonsense.
My silly ass VW Super was 5000 dollars 12 years ago. You can’t get them now, in that condition, for under 20,000.
DANG!!!
Those fins…….
My first car was a’60 Impala 4 door hardtop.
283, three on the tree, later changed to hurst on the floor.
8 track screwed to the bottom of the dash.
Big old 6×9 aftermarket speakers in the rear deck and 6″ round in the front doors.
I rebuilt that 283 with 002 oversize rings on standard pistons, changed the intake t0 4 barrel, and put it all together with STP for lube.
We had to tow it to get it started the first time.
What a boat!
If I still had it today, I could prolly rent it out for illegals to live in.
I, not only designed, but built by hand, the first Saratoga.
Sadly, I was not smart enough to own a Grand National, painted in Henry Ford’s favorite color, black.
Always bet on black,
Wesley Snipes (just not for tax preparation)
In the late 70’s I had a classmate inherit his grandfather’s 1961 Chrysler Saratoga Newport 4-door. It had less than 50k miles and was in showroom condition. It was huge. He drove it all through school and college. Once he had a job he parked it in a barn and got a new Mustang.
Brad: “They made them great in 68.” Oh yes, I agree about 68. Cute, 5’2”, strawberry blonde, very smart, sexy. Oh wait, were you talking about cars?
“complete with a thundering 383 cubic inch V8 that would go on to become the mighty Max Wedge that was so feared on drag strips around the country”
Nope.
The 383 and 440 shared the same block. The max wedge was altogether different, a 426 ci dual quad monster that evolved into the mighty hemi.
In high school i had friend with push button transmission Rambler.