1951 Chrysler Saratoga

When the Saratoga nameplate was first used by Chrysler in 1939, it represented the company's most expensive full-size eight-cylinder models and was positioned above the Imperial and the New Yorker. After World War II, the name returned as the least expensive eight-cylinder Chrysler model.

In 1949, Chrysler introduced its first all-new post-war styling, introducing the 'Second Series' Chrysler Saratoga. Body styles had dwindled down to just two, a two-door coupe and a four-door sedan, both resting on a 131.5-inch wheelbase platform and powered by a straight-eight engine sourced from the Chrysler New Yorker. It was backed by a semi-automatic transmission that was now called Prestomatic on Chryslers.

Minor styling revisions followed for 1950, including a new grille, a larger rear window, and updates to the taillights. Production in 1949 had been 2,475 vehicles and for 1950 it dropped to 1,300 cars.

The Saratoga moved to a shorter 125.5-inch wheelbase for 1951 and its engine bay received Chrysler's 331 cubic-inch Hemi V8 engine. It had overhead valves, five main bearings, a 7.5:1 compression ratio, and delivered 180 horsepower at 4,800 RPM.

A new feature for the year was the Hydra-Guide power steering, an industry ist, and Fluid Torque Drive, a true torque converter in place of Fluid Drive's fluid coupling.

Body styles included a club coupe priced at $2,990, a sedan at $3,015, and a Town and Country Wagon at $3,680. A long wheelbase platform measuring 139.5 inches was reserved for the eight-passenger sedan and limousine, priced at $3,910 and $4,240 respectively. The combination of attractive pricing, shorter bodies, and the powerful new V-8 helped the Saratoga sales reach 34,806 units.

by Daniel Vaughan | Sep 2020