Ezra Dyer Finds a Neglected Saturn Sky Red Line That Comes Quite Close to a Discount Viper, Maybe
A cautious owner changes course
Roger had once sworn off General Motors cars after a troublesome 1982 Camaro Berlinetta. He later bought a Saturn Sky, and, despite an ignition-switch recall that once shut the engine down while he was driving, he continued to like it.
When Roger stopped driving, the Sky remained in his driveway. After it sat long enough for its neighbors to plant hedges, he told Dyer he could have the car if he got it running and removed it.
The Sky starts again
Dyer arrived with a battery jump pack, an air compressor and five gallons of fresh gasoline. The tires held air, the electrical systems powered up, and the engine started; the digital odometer showed 43,000 miles.
The car’s condition was rough. Its tires had flat spots, the battery would not hold a charge, the interior smelled musty and the air conditioning did not blow cold. Still, the 260-hp turbocharged engine ran strongly, with a chirp from the turbo during shifts.
Repairs bring a setback
Dyer replaced the tires with Pirelli P Zeros, got an alignment, changed the oil and recharged the air conditioning. Reaching the battery required removing the right front fender, which he partly unbolted before trying to bend it aside.
That attempt tore the fender. Even so, Dyer remained pleased with the Sky’s driving character after addressing its deferred maintenance.
A rough car with appeal
Dyer describes the Sky as agile, powerful and eager through corners. He says its low stance and performance make ordinary drives entertaining, despite dents and the car’s imperfect condition.
The Sky’s inexpensive-feeling interior, limited storage and poor visibility drew criticism when it was new. Dyer considers those flaws less significant now, arguing that Saturn’s roadster is enjoyable even though the company ran out of time to refine it.
Key points
- Roger offered Dyer the Sky if he could get it running and remove it.
- The car’s odometer showed 43,000 miles when Dyer started it.
- The 260-hp turbocharged engine ran well despite the car’s deferred maintenance.
- Dyer tore the right front fender while accessing the battery.