This 1960 Imperial Crown Saratoga Convertible is an exceptionally rare and stylish vehicle, with only 618 examples produced in that year. Built on November 11, 1959, at Chrysler's Imperial factory in Detroit, Michigan, it is one of just 17,703 total Imperials made in 1960. After undergoing a cosmetic restoration prior to the previous owner's purchase in 2017, this car presents itself in excellent condition with only minor blemishes visible at close range.
The exterior features a striking color combination, with a contrasting white, power-folding top in very good condition. The body itself is smooth and straight, with chrome bumpers that fit tightly to the body. As part of Chrysler's 1960 styling updates, the car showcases iconic elements such as fender-mounted sideview mirrors, stylized tailfins, and a spare-tire bump integrated into the trunk lid. The engine bay is neatly organized, and the battery appears to be new, ensuring the car is ready for a smooth ride.
Riding on Coker Classic wide whitewall tires (size 225/75R15), each mounted on tru-spoke wire wheels, this Imperial offers an elegant look. The wheels and tires are all in very good condition, and a full-size spare tire is located in the trunk. With a 129-inch wheelbase, the car offers both luxury and comfort on the road.
Under the hood is a powerful 413 CID Wedge V-8 engine (code P-41) with a 10.1 compression ratio, delivering smooth power. The engine is mated to a TorqueFlite three-speed automatic transmission (code A466) and a 2.93:1 rear end. An oil change was completed in 2022, ensuring optimal engine performance. Driver convenience features include air-conditioning, power steering, four-wheel power drum brakes, power locks, and power windows. The A/C compressor engages, though the blower is currently inoperative, a matter the seller is investigating.
Inside, the car boasts a replacement red interior with matching red vinyl bench seats that look fantastic, though the driver's seat bottom has a missing button. The rear bench features a center fold-down armrest, adding to the luxury. Contrasting black carpet and the red metal dashboard complement the interior design. The car’s gauge cluster includes a speedometer and a full set of ancillary gauges, and the push-button transmission is located to the left of the gauges for a futuristic feel. The two-spoke, square steering wheel with rounded corners is in excellent condition, and the red inner door panels are also in very good order.
Styling in the 1960 Imperial is bold and exaggerated, with a front fascia that includes a swooping bumper, a gaping mesh grille, a large chrome eagle, and hooded quad headlights. The towering rear fins, with bullet-style tail lamps at their peaks, are quintessentially 1960s and iconic to this model. The heavy chrome pieces on the grille and bumper give the car a commanding presence. Inside, the "High-Tower" seat, which raised and contoured the driver’s side backrest, was designed for comfort and shoulder support.
This Imperial Crown Saratoga Convertible is a standout in both design and luxury, and it competes with other high-end convertibles of the era, such as Buick's Invicta, Cadillac's Eldorado Biarritz, and Lincoln's Continental Convertible. With only a few hundred units produced, this car is a rare gem for classic car enthusiasts and collectors alike. It also comes with the original owner’s manual, adding to its authenticity.
For anyone seeking a piece of 1960s luxury and style, this Imperial Crown Saratoga Convertible is a rare and highly desirable example of Chrysler’s finest.
