Saratoga is a name that might not be entirely familiar to the casual Chrysler fan, but in the mid-50s, it represented a big step up from the entry-level Windsor and a more sporting attitude than the luxury-laden New Yorker. Only the mighty 300F of 1960 was more potent, but you had to pay extra for the privilege. The smart money bought a Saratoga like this one, complete with a thundering 383 cubic inch V8 that would go on to become the mighty Max Wedge that was so feared on drag strips around the country. The on-again, off-again Saratoga nameplate would disappear forever after 1960, and with only 2963 Saratoga hardtops built, it's an extremely rare piece of Chrysler luxury-muscle that more than delivers on its amazing looks.

There's an argument to be made that this could be the finest 1960 Saratoga hardtop in the world. It has a well-documented history, including more than a decade in storage, and just two owners from new. Following a comprehensive frame-off restoration, it remains in exceptional condition with documentation that includes the original Chrysler Corporation Broadcast Sheet, original bill of sale and title, and other documentation from the initial purchase. It was restored in a factory-correct Black over Toreador Red color combination that's simply stunning on the massive coupe, emphasizing the long, low Virgil Exner lines and bubbletop cockpit that was cutting-edge fashion in 1960. Park this car next to almost anything else from 1960 and you'll see that few can compare to the big Mopar.

Given that the car was always protected, the restoration was able to preserve all the original sheetmetal, including the floors and quarter panels, a testament to the single-family ownership that lasted more than four decades. Following its long internment, the restoration was a cost-no-object proposition that probably cost twice the asking price and the results speak for themselves. The bodywork is laser-straight, the paint shines, and the chrome was restored for show. Meticulous maintenance since it was completed ensures that everything is in top condition and it doesn't even show polishing marks on the black top. This is a car that can roll off the trailer and collect awards without working very hard. The only possible demerits on this big coupe are the exterior door handles, which are original and very, very lightly pitted and some minor scratches on the base of the exterior mirror, which is also unrestored. You will note that the Saratoga badges are correctly gold anodized, the unique "Golden Lion" emblems are crisply rendered, and the glass is entirely original. There is no aspect of this car that is merely adequate. In fact, this is one of very few cars that’s actually even better in person than it looks in photos.

Inside, the two-tone black and red leather upholstery demonstrates Chrysler's intention to build true drivers' cars. The unique driver's seat with its extended seat back is your first clue that this car is something special and the wonderful "Astra-Dome" instrument panel is science-fiction come to life. Looking like a quarter-sphere, it houses an arched speedometer in the background with secondary instruments hovering in front of it with individual pointers visible from above. At night, special electro-luminescent lighting gives the entire dashboard a futuristic look that's perhaps the car's most dramatic feature (no easy feat with a car that looks like this!). The seats, of course, were fully restored with new foam and leather (not vinyl) seat covers with their own special metal crests embedded in the seat backs, and the carpets are entirely new. A gorgeous set of chrome header bars gives the interior an expansive feeling and unique materials such as the woven material on the rear package shelf and wonderful metal foil inserts on the door panels make the Saratoga very special indeed. Everything in this car is fully functional, including the radio, clock, gauges, and even the power antenna on the rear deck. Again, the car is in exceptional condition with the only possible demerits inside being slight bubbling in the door panel foil which is quite minor and probably not worth replacing in the quest for perfection. But then again, the car is so nice that perfection might be on the only logical next step. There's also a massive trunk, as you'd expect, and it has been outfitted with correct mats and cardboard side panels, as well as a bias-ply spare tire and jack assembly that are quite correct for 1960.

Saratogas used a stout 383 cubic inch V8 called the "Golden Lion" rated at a very strong 325 horsepower. We have every reason to believe this is the car's original engine, although "matching numbers" is not knowable on 1960 Chryslers. The engine is fully rebuilt and highly detailed for show, ready to drive or compete at a moment's notice. Correct decals on the valve covers announce the presence of the strong-running powerplant, while a gold air cleaner assembly means you don't have to look very far to find the horsepower. Little things like the hose clamps, fasteners, and even the factory inspection markings are accurate, giving it a factory-fresh look. A brand new Mopar reproduction battery has just been installed, eliminating one of the only possible complaints about the engine bay's decor.

The undercarriage is also highly detailed, starting with body-colored floors that provide an awesome backdrop for the detailed hardware. The 1960 Chryslers were unibody cars with an exceptionally stiff structure that was both stronger and lighter than the frame it replaced. As a result, handling is adept and this Saratoga carries a set of upgraded front disc brakes that are a smart idea on a machine that can generate this much speed. The TorqueFlite 3-speed automatic transmission (push-button controlled, of course) offers crisp shifts and powers a 2.93 gear set out back, so it's a superlative highway cruiser. Dual exhaust is standard and has a subdued rumble, perfectly appropriate for the car's luxury/performance mission and offering the sound of great power held in reserve. Flashy chrome wire wheels were optional and quite appropriate on this spectacular coupe and wear recent 215/70/15 Goodyear wide whitewall radials for a perfect look and upgraded handling.

As I mentioned, there is extensive documentation on this car dating back to the initial owner. The restoration is fresh and the car remains in exceptional condition throughout. The 300F is already a six-figure car, as are convertible New Yorkers. Can this stunning show-quality Saratoga be far behind? Don’t miss this opportunity for a truly remarkable Mopar.