The revived Saratoga hit the streets in 1957, with Chrysler trying to focus mainly on engine options and power. The base unit on the Saratoga was a 354 (5.8-liter) Spitfire donated by the Windsor.
Customers who wanted a power upgrade could go for Chrysler’s 383 (6.3-liter), while the top-of-the-range configuration came with the 392 (6.4-liter) FirePower V8. The carmaker used the same engine on the Chrysler 300, fitting it with dual four-barrel carburetors for more power and zero interest in fuel economy.
The new Saratoga performed well in its first year on the market, with Chrysler selling over 37,000 units in 1957. The production numbers gradually declined towards the end of the decade, so in 1960, the last year of this Saratoga generation, the output fell to 15,000 cars.
A fourth-generation Saratoga made its way earlier this week, trying to convince someone to give it a second chance to return to the road.
The listing, however, is incredibly vague and does not even confirm that the car is a 1960 model year. The only method to determine whether this Saratoga is worth a total makeover is to see it in person. You’ll need to conduct some research and find out additional information.
To begin with, the VIN. At least we know the manufacture year: the numbers point to a 1960 Saratoga constructed at the Jefferson Ave. plant in Detroit. Although the engine beneath the hood appears to be a 383, its state is uncertain. Although it doesn’t seem good, a competent mechanic should examine it in person to determine whether or not it is worth the time, money, and effort to get it operating again.
The metal condition is challenging too. Considering didn’t share any information regarding the body, the undersides, and the trunk, it’s safe to assume you’ll have to deal with the typical amount of rust. The owner says they pulled the vehicle from a barn, and I wouldn’t expect anything else than rusty floors. Unfortunately, the Saratoga isn’t the most common restoration project, so finding missing parts could become a significant challenge.
The seats inside need to be replaced entirely because they are completely destroyed. The dashboard needs a lot of work but doesn’t appear to be cut. The rest may or may not be original. A tad overly aggressive considering the sparse information and the difficult design of the vehicle.