For 1941, Chrysler moved the Saratoga to the entry-level slot of the 8-cylinder models, which wasn’t much of a demotion. The Saratoga still offered an ocean of luxuries, amenities and striking styling that set standards for the motoring industry at a price point that rivaled others offering a similar level of exclusivity. Available as a Club Coupe, Business Coupe, two- door sedan and four-door Town Sedan, the Saratoga offered something for everyone. The Business Coupe was also offered in upscale New Yorker trim, and both were often referred to in Chrysler literature as “Three-Passenger Coupes,” the telltale difference being that the Business Coupe/Three-Passenger Coupes had only the door window glass and no glass in the rear pillar. A simple affair of luxury and elegance, utility and value, it was perfect for one person, offering seemingly infinite cargo space, which was perfect for salespeople and businesspeople to carry samples and wares, clothing and essentials for the road. In 1941, Chrysler only built 1,921 Saratoga Business Coupes, making it a fairly rare automobile indeed. This particular example is believed to have covered only 14,000 miles from new and carries its original spare tire behind the wide bench seat. Wearing California black plates dated 1941, the coupe is powered by the 324 CI Spitfire inline 8-cylinder engine with a downdraft carburetor and Fluid Drive transmission. Chrysler was well known for its high interest in engineering, and these cars demonstrated that well with their semi-floating rear axle, independent front coil-spring suspension and semi-elliptical rear leaf springs, and hydraulically powered drum brakes among other advanced features that pressed the envelope, creating a car that was easy and pleasurable to drive. Finished in Dark Blue lacquer paint, this coupe is equipped with bumper guards, stone guards, dual windshield wipers, a central radio ariel above the split windshield and a hood ornament, among other small details. Inside, tan upholstery covers the seat and door panels along with Bakelite simulated wood-grain appointments on the dashboard, door tops and steering wheel; chrome and stylish ivory trim abound, along with a clock and pushbutton radio, all of which combine to create an interior that inspires lengthy visits. Rolling on Firestone blackwall tires wrapping painted steel wheels dressed with bright trim rings and Chrysler-script hubcaps, the Saratoga Three-Passenger Coupe—or Business Coupe, depending on your preference—was a fabulously well-equipped vehicle from which to visit customers.
