1957 Chrysler Saratoga

1957 Chrysler automobiles wore all-new styling designed by Mopar's Virgil Exner, described as 'Flite-Sweep.' Chrysler's post-war styling had been known for its conservative designs, but the new Exner creations instantly put them at the forefront of automotive design. Period advertisements stated that 'Suddenly it's 1960.' The tail fins were bold and the lack of extravagant chrome gave the new models a classic elegance. Along with new designs, Chrysler introduced a new three-speed Torqueflite automatic transmission, 'TorsionAire' suspension comprised of front torsion bars, and an even more powerful Hemi/Poly engine.

Chrysler's 1957 overhead valve V8 engines had displacement sizes that ranged from 354 CID to 392 cubic inches, with horsepower ranging from 285 bhp to 390 bhp. The Saratoga had a 354 CID cast-iron poly head block V8 engine with 295 horsepower and was backed by a three-speed TorqueFlite automatic transmission. The suspension was independent in the front with torsion bars, while the rear used longitudinal leaf springs. Braking was by four-wheel power-assisted hydraulic drums. The wheelbase measured 126 inches and it had a length of 219.2 inches.

The Saratoga nameplate had been discontinued after 1952, but revived for the 1957 model year, positioned between the base Windsor and top New Yorker models. Its DeSoto counterpart was the Firedome. Styling on the Saratoga featured dual headlights, with quad-headlights as an option where permitted by state law. The quad headlight design became standard on the Saratoga by the end of the year.

Body styles on the 1957 Chrysler Saratoga included a sedan, a two-door hardtop, and a four-door hardtop. The Sedan had a factory price of $3,715 and the four-door hardtop list for $3,830. The 2-door hardtop sold for $3,750. A total of 14,977 of the sedan were sold, 10,633 of the two-door, and 11,586 of the four-door hardtop.

The Saratoga was based on Windsor components, with nicer interior accouterments, a higher horsepower engine, brake warning signals, and backup lamps. The Windsor came with a standard shift transmission while the Saratoga used the TorqeuFlite (optional on the Windsor). Other standard equipment included power steering, Saratoga insignia located below the horizontal trim line, and steel wheel covers.

by Dan Vaughan

2-Door Hardtop
Chassis number: L5726168
Engine number: LE5729621

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 Dan Vaughan