I lived in Fall River, Mass., in 1991. While running an errand, I drove past a used car dealership that had a really cool-looking ‘50s car in the front row. I did not know what it was until I got up close and checked it out. It was a 1958 Chrysler Saratoga four-door hardtop. I’m not sure what caught my eyes first; the color combo, or the sweeping fins. Either way, I knew I wanted it, four doors and all.
After starting the car, by way of the push-button drive, I heard the wonderful sound of a classic, American V-8 motor! Running through factory dual exhausts, the engine was smooth and revved powerfully. I took the car for a test drive, and was amazed at the looks this vehicle was getting, and all the “thumbs up” from other motorists. I drove the car back to the dealer and we sealed the deal. I came back the next day to collect my new baby.
Since I did not have a garage to store and work on the Saratoga, I kept it at my in-law’s garage. Each week, as time and funding permitted, I went to work on the car. The gas tank had a leak, the carburetor needed to be rebuilt, the transmission was weeping fluid, the brakes were soft, etc. It was all about time and money, neither of which I had!
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