Details

This 1958 Chrysler Saratoga sedan is powered by a 354ci V8 Poly Head engine that sends all power to the rear wheels by way of a three-speed automatic transmission. The Virgil Exner-styled body is painted in red with a white top, and the upholstery is matched with the same two-tone leather color. This Chrysler Forward Look styling came with many innovations for the period, including a push-button automatic transmission, Total Contact hydraulic brakes, and Torsion-Aire suspension. In addition, the car comes with quad headlights, the period-correct radio, and a 122-inch long chassis. The five-digit odometer shows 12,734 miles, but the true mileage is unknown, and the previous owner stated that the engine was rebuilt. This car has been cared for by the same individual since 2001 and is located in New York.

The Saratoga shows well in the third-party photos and inspection provided. The exterior was likely re-painted at some point, the seller notes, and new Coker tires were placed on the vehicle last year. The owner states that the transmission was rebuilt in 2002. Other refurbishment includes ignition and brake work. An exhaustive list can be found below. Scratches and chips in the paint and some surface rust can be found on the window trim are displayed in the photos and are consistent with the age of the vehicle. Buyers should note a spot of perforating rust in the trunk and that the car will need brake service since the power brake booster is not working appropriately. The interior leather is plush and in good condition. Some wear can be found on the dash trim as well as the door cards. Mechanically the car runs and drives as expected. The owner has included in the sale many spare parts, including a hard-to-find original bellows power brake booster. A car cover, original owners manual, and four spare brand-new tires are also included. 

This Chrysler is being sold through a CLASSIC.COM Pro and is located in Brooklyn, New York.

About the model

The Chrysler Saratoga was first introduced in 1939. The Saratoga was built in six generations, but there were three main eras of production. The first era (1939-1941) saw the model as the top Chrysler offering, the second era (1942-1952) saw it as the entry-level Chrysler model, and the third era (1957-1960) saw the Saratoga as Chrysler's intermediate offering. Over the course of production, the Saratoga was available in a wide range of closed-body styles, including sedan, limousine, and coupe. The Chrysler Saratoga was built until 1960, although the Saratoga name was re-used from 1988-1995 for a European exclusive model that was a rebadged Dodge Spirit.

Features and Specs

• 12,734 miles shown (Total mileage is unknown)

• 354ci V8 engine (Poly Head)

• 3-speed automatic transmission (TorqueFlite)

• 122 inch chassis

• Push button actuated transmission

• Forward Look styling by Virgil Exner

• Quad headlights

• Two-tone paint and matching interior

• Period correct radio unit

• Chrysler Total Contact brakes

• Chrysler Torsion-Aire suspension

Known Modifications

• 2003- New leather seats were installed to replace the old fabric seats

  • New carpets

  • New front and rear dash

Service History

• Previous owner notes that the engine was rebuilt

• Owner believes the car was re-painted previously

• 2002- Transmission was rebuilt and radiator re-cored

• 2015- New gas tank was installed

• 2022- New Coker tires were installed

• 2023- New distributor with electronic ignition

  • Spark plug wires

  • New wires that feed from the battery  

  • Brake pads replace

  • Fuel filter replaced

Ownership History

• Current owner purchased the car in 2001 

  • Owner states that the car was only driven about 300 miles a year

Known issues

• Brakes are thought to have a slow leak

  • Owner states that the car is currently driving on manual brakes

• Engine can flood on start-up

• Rust around the rear window

• Perforating rust in the trunk

• Tearing in the headliner

• Door cards are faded and peeling

Due Diligence

• Third-party photos 8/1/2023

• Third-party inspection 7/21/2023

Included in the sale

• Original owners manual 

• Original bellows power brake system

• 4 extra new tires

• Car cover

• Miscellaneous extra parts

• Saratoga emblems for the vehicle