Automotive styling trends come and go, and just when you think that you’ve seen the end of a particular trend, it will suddenly emerge once again. A notable exception to this rule has been the fin. For a brief moment in the late-1950s, the fin was king. They disappeared as quickly as they emerged, and you only have to glimpse a classic car with fins to know when it was built. Barn Finder Kevin F referred this be-finned 1958 Chrysler Saratoga to us, so I have to thank you for that Kevin. The Saratoga is located in Brewerton, New York, and is listed for sale here on eBay. The reserve has been met with the current bid of $15,100, suggesting that this is a classic that is about to head off to a new home.
The Raven Black and Ermine paint that graces the flanks of the Saratoga is not original, with the car receiving a repaint many years ago. It has recently been treated to a wet sand and professional buffing, and the results speak for themselves. The paint has a deep luster to it, and it is hard to find much that can be faulted with the car’s presentation. The external trim and chrome appear to be faultless, but for me, the jury is still out on the wheels that are fitted to the Chrysler. They aren’t original, and while they do seem to suit the car, if I bought the car I would be very inclined to find a set of original wheels to fit the car. After all, it appears that the original spare still occupies the trunk, so it would be nice if all of the wheels matched.
Opening the doors of the Saratoga reveals an interior that is drop-dead gorgeous. The carpet is new, but the owner doesn’t mention whether any of the remaining trim or upholstery has ever been replaced. If the owner’s claims can be verified, then it is entirely possible that the trim is original. He claims that the Chrysler has covered a genuine 11,700 miles, although it isn’t clear exactly what evidence he holds to verify this. If the mileage is accurate, then this is an interior that hasn’t seen a lot of work. That could mean that the trim that is hiding under clear plastic covers is original. I’ve spent plenty of time examining the supplied photos of this Chrysler’s interior, and there really isn’t anything that I can find to fault. As well as the factory radio with rear speakers, it appears that the car does come equipped with a power front seat.
The 1958 model year marked the last that the Saratoga came equipped with the 354ci engine, producing 310hp. The transmission is a 3-speed TorqueFlite, while the car also features power steering and power brakes. The Saratoga was by no means a light car, tipping the scales at a healthy 4,300lbs. Even with all of that weight, the 354 could push the car along from 0-60mph in 8.7 seconds. The engine and its surrounds of this Saratoga present just as nicely as the rest of the car. It would seem that it would be possible to eat off the engine, and with this car, it isn’t all about appearances. It has been treated to a full set of new engine seals, as well as a completely new braking system, including new lines. Add to this a new set of shocks, a carburetor rebuild, all new hoses and belts, a new gas tank, new fuel lines, and new tires, and it is not hard to see that the owner has treated the car with plenty of TLC. It is no surprise to learn that the car runs and drives smoothly and that everything on the car works as it should.
Sadly, I doubt that we will ever see a return to the extrovert vehicle styling of the 1950s that gave us the fins that were such a hallmark of the era. It is highly doubtful that a new car with fins would be a viable proposition, particularly given the ever-tightening design rules that manufacturers face today. That means that it is left to cars like this Saratoga to carry that torch, and this one carries it extremely well. It appears to be a car that wants for nothing, except for a new owner who will continue to lavish care and attention upon it. It is a stunning looking car, and I’m sure that it will go to an owner who will truly appreciate it.
Don’t normally care for four doors but I like this one. Very nice.
This thing is ready to star in a movie. What a ride. Click on past, 4-door haters. No need for you to even be here.
Us four door haters get no respect, ever.
Bob
Bob, that’s coz you don’t like 4 doors, simple as that but we’ll still put up with you, you can’t be all that bad. I like 2 doors better as well, less door latches and window winders to maintain and hinges to lubricate, also the young Grandkids have to stay put coz they can’t escape !
Originally, this Saratoga was probably a lt. gold color to coordinate with the interior. You have to wonder where this car sat for so many years untouched. A school teacher’s ride? Grandpa stopped driving & there it sat, or just lovingly cared for but a persnickety old lady? Who knows. The interior tells me the mileage is probably correct. The carpet may have faded or had some spill, hence it being replaced. Someone is going to get a real treasure with this `58! As for the wire wheels, they look to be the same units that were options on Chryslers `53-56 that EVERYONE puts on theirs these days. All I see it needs is a set of proper whitewall Cokers & you’re ready to roll!
The dash mounted rear view mirror on some of the Chryslers, Plymouths, Dodges and Desoto’s, etc. would have to be the worst idea ever, with passengers in the back seat they’re absolutely useless, even without passengers they’re not that good, other than that they’re the sort of cars you’d still kill for.
I have to agree. Whatever was Chrysler thinking when they installed the mirror on the dashboard?
Will, I am not sure about your opinion on the color. You were able to order any color you wanted with whatever color interior you wanted.
People have weird tastes and it is surely possible the car was ordered as is.
A look at the plaque under hood will clarify that.
It’s mentioned in the article that this is not the original color or paint. Going on the assumption this car was simply purchased off the lot & not special-ordered by anyone, this would not be a favorable color combo. that would garner a sale. All white maybe, but not this. Chrysler in `58 had a champagne color, which is what I pictured this originally being. But it could’ve been any color as you said.
That engine compartment is mind boggling! Unlike most of the “low mileage” cars seen here, this one has me convinced.
Apart from the fitting of new shocks after 11,000 miles. Why? Great car and one of my favourites from the era along with the Dodge, Desoto etc. Fins were the Kings back in the day.
Very old shocks regardless of the car being well kept and presumably low miles. Seals or whatever it is that keep the fluid in the shocks does give way to deterioration over time under almost any storage conditions. Same with gaskets and seals of any nature in an automobile.
At least someone could have replaced that old headlamp relay near the battery, it’s about the only thing that shows this car’s age.
I had a lady friend with a screaming red New Yorker that looked similar to this this. I’d drive it!!
Beautiful looking car. It looks like either a beautifully restored car, or a preserved original survivor. I hope whoever purchases the car enjoys it.
I was six years old when these hit the showroom in fall 1957. Dad & I went shopping for a new car for Mom, and in the center of the showroom was a loaded 1958 New Yorker four-door hardtop, white over baby blue (IIRC, the sticker was around 58 hundred, too). Dad bought it on the spot. Mom loved it, of course, and about three years later, I snuck out when they were playing golf and drove it around the parking lot. Had to get good at it, too, because if I parked it off-kilter, they would notice. When I was 15 I used it to take the DMV road test, and passed it on the first try. Once I had my license, I discovered just how fast a 392 Hemi was! Put the pushbutton tranny in “D”, hold down the brakes, and rev it up! Regularly beat “performance” cars, like my buddy’s new 383 4-spd Road Runner. What I would give to have her today. :-(
I’ve had a couple of ’57-’58 Forward Look finned cars. You always get thumbs up in these cars. Other than the heavy Imperial, the Chrysler, and Plymouths that I’ve had were a joy to drive. I have a ’57 Hemi Desoto, but it’s not on the road yet. That may be the next owners job if it hits the reserve on Ebay. At $22,500, this 4 door Saratoga is worth it and probably about to peak out, unless two bidders REALLY want it bad. Nice car.
@ B.J. I love two door cars. But four doors are even nicer.
Nice
Over restored for a 4 door.
he will never get his cash back
someone will get a deal
I love the colours. More important though, I love the condition.
Reminds me of the line in the “Love Shack” song!!! I got me a Chrysler that’s as big as a whale and it’s about to set sail!!! Sail it down the road!! She’s a boat and screams 50’s!!!!
I believe this is the same car I saw at Hershey, PA last week. Not sure if I can copy and paste my photo here, though…
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Some 1950s Chryslers I love more than others. I love this 1958 Chrysler Saratoga. I love the 1956 Chrysler New Yorker. I love the 1955 and 56 Chrysler 300.
I don’t care if the colour is stock original or if it has been professionally repainted. It still looks beautiful.