1957 Chrysler Saratoga 2-Door Hardtop

For 1957, the Chrysler Saratoga wore new and modern styling that had been designed by Virgil Exner. The styling was referred to as 'Flite-Sweep' and Chrysler ads proclaimed 'Suddenly it's 1960.' Certainly, Chrysler was shaking its conservative styling reputation and actively making its way to the forefront of automotive design. With its new design, the name 'Saratoga' also returned after being absent from the lineup for five years. It came equipped with an overhead valve V8 engine displacing 345 cubic inches and delivering nearly 300 horsepower. It featured Windsor-based components with upgraded upholstery, brake warning signals, and backup lamps. The 1957 Chryslers also brought with them three engineering developments which included the availability of a new three-speed Torqueflite automatic transmission, 'TorsionAire' suspension comprised of front torsion bars, and the Hemi/Poly engine. Early examples had single headlamps, with a dual system available as optional equipment. A two-tone paint finish was also available for an additional cost – and it proved to be a popular purchase.

For 1957, Chrysler sold approximately 37,000 Saratoga models including 10,633 hardtop coupes, which had a base price of $3,754. This example left the factory finished in Jet Black and Cloud white two-tone. Currently, it has just 33,000 documented original miles. It has the 354-cubic-inch Poly V8 that has a four-barrel carburetor and three-speed Torqueflite automatic transmission with push-button controls. It also has power steering and brakes, a working factory AM radio, dual mirrors, and quad headlights. Inside, all the gauges are highlighted by red instrument binnacles. It has its original steering wheels and the headliner is finished with chrome roof bows.

The car rides on period-correct BFGoodrich Silvertown wide whitewall four-ply tires on Chrysler wire wheels. Inside the trunk is the original spare, which has never been used. It was awarded a class award at the 2013 La Jolla Concours d'Elegance, and at the 2014 HASSIE All-Original Car Show in Spokane, Washington, it won a Best of Show award.

By Daniel Vaughan | Jan 2015