Occasionally, cars appear on our desks at Barn Finds that are so stunning that identifying their greatest attribute is seemingly impossible. Such is the case with this 1959 DeSoto Adventurer. From its stunning exterior to its well-appointed interior and the potent V8 under the hood, this DeSoto is guaranteed to turn heads wherever it goes. Its next journey could be to your garage, and I must say a big thank you to Barn Finder Mitchell G. for spotting it listed here on eBay in Saint Ann, Missouri. However, if you want this Adventurer, it will cost you, because the seller has set their BIN at $89,900 with the option to make an offer.
DeSoto introduced the Adventurer as a premium, limited-production variant of its Fireflite model in 1956. Available initially as a Hardtop Coupe, a Convertible would join the range in 1957 before being dropped when a four-door Hardtop and a Sedan were added for the final production year of 1960. Color choice was limited during almost the entire run, with this 1959 Adventurer finished in the correct shade of Black with Gold trim highlights. The seller confirms that the vehicle underwent a restoration at some point, and the presentation suggests that no stone was left unturned in the quest for perfection. The paint holds a shine that is almost deep enough to sink into, cloaking panels that are laser-straight. The gaps are tight and consistent, reflecting the attention to detail during the build. One problem that seemed to impact almost every DeSoto vehicle from this era was the fit and finish of the panels. Gaps, especially around the trunk lid, allowed water to enter and pool in areas like the drop-offs, resulting in premature and often severe rust issues. It appears this Adventurer has avoided those problems, with the underside shots confirming that this classic is rust-free. The trim and glass are in as-new condition, and the whitewalls add the perfect finishing touch to the exterior.
As a premium model, it is fair to expect the inside of this Adventurer to be nicely equipped, and this car doesn’t disappoint. The new owner will hit the road in a car featuring air conditioning, power windows, an AM radio with twin rear-mounted antennas, and swivel front bucket seats. It is trimmed in a classy combination of Gold, White, and Black cloth and vinyl, and, as with the exterior, there is almost nothing that deserves criticism. The seller was told that the odometer reading of 10,713 miles is believed to be genuine, and the condition is consistent with that figure. There is no wear or evidence of abuse, the carpet is spotless, and the dash has no issues. I said that there was almost nothing to fault, but if I were to mark this interior harshly, close-up shots reveal pimpling on some of the plated components. This is probably acceptable in most circumstances, although some readers will believe that it is not desirable for any classic within this price range.
DeSoto initially offered the Adventurer with a Hemi under the hood, replacing it with a 361ci “Wedge” V8 in 1958. The capacity grew to 383ci for 1959 and, thanks to the dual-quad intake system, this engine generated 350hp and 425 ft/lbs of torque. Of course, with the Adventurer tipping the scales at over 4,100 lbs, it was always going to require something special to provide respectable performance. This car delivered, receiving enormous praise from motoring journalists during this era for its impressive acceleration and open-road cruising ability. As befits a luxury model, shifting duties fall to a three-speed TorqueFlite, with power assistance for the steering and brakes as standard equipment. Potential buyers will welcome the news that this DeSoto was recently serviced, and that it runs and drives wonderfully. Therefore, flying in and driving this classic home is a viable option for the buyer to consider.
To place it in boxing terms, DeSoto was on the ropes by 1959. Sales volumes had collapsed catastrophically in 1958, and the results were worse in 1959. The Adventurer wasn’t immune to the hurt, with only 602 Hardtop Coupes and 97 Convertibles leaving the factory according to most reputable sources. Chrysler announced the end of the marque on November 18th, 1960, bringing down the curtain on a brand that had been part of the American automotive scene since 1928. The economic downturn of 1958 was part of the problem, although the company also developed a reputation for quality control issues that caused many of its cars to rust prematurely. How many of these classics survive today is unclear, but this is the chance for someone to own what could potentially be the best one on the planet. Are the rarity and condition enough to convince you to pursue it further?
Wow.
I agree, nice car! I wonder how many came with all those rare options? Must be fun to drive, although I’d be afraid to drive it except on early Sunday mornings, before people start venturing out.
WOW!!..Not bad for a Chrysler product!!
The 1st recollection of any of my dads cars, was the ’59 DeSoto. For a while, his business partner and him bought similar cars. While my old man went for mundane 4 doors, “Eddie” had a bit more class, and his renditions were always much fancier. I remember his DeSoto having those swivel out seats, so his must have been a 2 door. These weren’t cheap. I read, the Adventurer was the top of the line, and sold for a whopping $4427, or almost double what a basic Plymouth cost. Naturally, the gas mileage was not the best, an average of 7.1 mpg, but power to pass? Hang on, mom,,,
Howard, thanks for posting about your Dads and business parters cars, and the prices too. I’m guessing at a steep price like that, the Adventurer was more expensive than many of the Chrysler models. Maybe that contributed to them not selling many as well.
Dave
Actually DeSoto was being squeezed with Dodge moving up market and Chrysler lowering entry level. ADVENTURER was competing directly with Chrysler 300 letter series. I guess it’s a moot point, as Walter P. Spins in his grave! And PLEASE don’t say Stelantis! 🤮 🤮 🤮 🤮
Absolutely beautiful DeSoto. The black with gold trim really looks classy. I’m guessing this one is fully loaded with air, power windows, swivel seats, someone went all out buying this and then keeping it nicely all these years. As much as I’d want to drive it and open up those dual quads, I’d be too afraid of something happening to it. Really nice write up Adam, thank you I enjoyed it.
Hard to believe only 10K miles, but it’s not impossible. The first owner must have known how special this car is to keep the mileage so low. Makes me wonder how this car was treated over the decades. I picture a velvet car cover, wheels up off of the pavement on blocks perhaps, resting peacefully. I’m curious how long the original owner kept this before it was sold. Someone is getting a genuine museum piece far too nice to even drive to car shows. GLWTA!
Hi Will, not sure on this one. In the “underside” shots, that I don’t see on the eBay ad, looks like a rust hole above the left exhaust pipe. The general underside condition, isn’t 10K worthy, and the replacement motor and alternator makes me think it was driven more. While 110K is probably unrealistic, the dealer saw the potential, and gooped and detailed the heck out of it. It may be low mileage, but I guarantee it didn’t look like this when they found it.
Exactly where did you see something about a replacement motor, Howard?
Your eye follows those incredibly straight panels and the stunning paint that is deep and beautiful.
My second-favorite DeSoto Adventurer. The first? The ’58 version. I’d swear Mr. Exner saved his best work for the DeSotos. Fit and finish wasn’t very good on all Chrysler cars from 57-59 resulting in rust in the trunks and inside the car. Whoever buys this should look closely, because pimpling inside means moisture has been getting in, so look for rust in hard to see spots.
Great “barn find”. lol
yeah that dealership sure looks like a “barn” LOL and you know why the price is inflated. I wish BF would exclude dealerships from their “finds”.
Feel free to send in your non-dealer finds. BF only posts what the readers submit.
Awesome. Agree there probably wasn’t too much room between Chrysler and De Soto so it had to go, but what an impressive ride. Makes me wonder what will happen to Chrysler. They can’t survive just making minivans. BTW while driving today I saw what at first looked like a Nissan 240SX from the back but when I got closer I was like no way, it’s too big. It was a new Daytona, whether it was the EV or the twin turbo six I couldn’t tell. Well done.
Best friend’s dad in Iowa high school was a cattle broker — a real character. Bought a new ’57 hardtop in white and let us “cruise” with it. Shifts from 1 to 2 to 3 would chirp the tires. Only hit with one major street racing ticket against a Merc Marauder from out of town. Don’t recall which car won. Fantastic ride
These were so over looked!
Stunning! Virgil Exner at his best. This is definitely a museum piece. The Smithsonian should acquire it or someone wealthy who wants to save a piece of Chrysler history unlike Stellantis saving Chrysler. May they go broke soon!
Like my story, I’m LATE ! Well here goes. In early 1960, my parents had a chance to buy a white 59 ADVENTURER 2door and trading our 55 Firedome. Of course I was salivating, but Mom resisted, declaring she’d never be able to park it. So that was that! Even further, they passed on the last 61 DeSoto in our community. It gets WORSE! 😲. The following summer, they ACTUALLY traded our beloved 55 Firedome for…! 🤮 a 62 Plymouth Belvedere! My ultimate dream cars are 61 LeBaron, 61 DeSoto and this Delightful, Delovely DeSoto. Exners grand finale for his fabulous finned fantasies for Chrysler. I’d love to buy. Maybe the duck will give me the $ if I say the secret word. Shh! It’s DESOTO. And be sure to tell em Groucho sent you!
As usual RICK W you nailed it! Thanks for the cool and informative reply. BTW, are any of the rest of you “non-members” having difficulty with the “thumbs up” click? Really irritating.
My thumbs up hasn’t worked for months.
Please give the thumbs up another try. I think we have finally found the problem and fixed it!
Yes. Always!
Thanks John! Several friends say I’m the complete compendium of totally worthless information. But I do believe in sharing what I can. As for the thumbs up 👍 button, mine has never worked. I thought maybe it was just for members.
I became a member so I can post pictures. It’s impossible. And yes, they are in the right format and not to big.
The main reason why I am a former member is because of the long-term intermittent problem with the thumbs up button.
Please give it the thumbs up another try. I believe that we have finally fixed it!
I’ve posted this many time before, there is a way to make the thumbs up work, if you want to do a little bit extra:
When someone leaves a comment, the URL looks like this:
https://barnfinds.com/23k-original-miles-1986-chevrolet-monte-carlo-ss/#comment-1516761
When you click that URL, you can’t leave a thumbs up.
However, if you take that URL and delete the last part of it – in this case, it is #comment-1516761 – and then refresh the page, you can leave thumbs up again.
It looks more difficult than it actually is.
Hagerty puts a concours example at 81K. This car is probably priced at least 10K too high I would think.
Back when, one of my comments garnered over 100 thumbs up. It wasn’t even one of my funniest comments. But I lobbied the powers that be for a free T-shirt to commemorate the ” accomplishment” , to which they agreed, but I never saw the free shirt.
Maybe this is why they’re disabling the thumbs-up button, so people won’t ask for free T-shirts? Just askin’.
Haven’t had/ or been able to give thumbs up for quite some time now….
I guess this bears repeating:
I’ve posted this many time before, there is a way to make the thumbs up work, if you want to do a little bit extra:
When someone leaves a comment, the URL looks like this:
https://barnfinds.com/23k-original-miles-1986-chevrolet-monte-carlo-ss/#comment-1516761
When you click that URL, you can’t leave a thumbs up.
However, if you take that URL and delete the last part of it – in this case, it is #comment-1516761 – and then refresh the page, you can leave thumbs up again.
It looks more difficult than it actually is.
@PRA4SNW as paying members why should we have to go through that B/S?
Shuttle Guy: Last I checked, they were trying to fix it. I gave them my solution in hopes that they could figure it out.
For now, I just use this solution when I want to give a thumbs up. Once you do it a couple of times, it’s easy.
Now, why they made it a member’s only feature when it still doesn’t work is a questionable move.
I believe that we finally have the thumbs up fixed! Please give it a try and let us know if you have any further issues. Thanks!
Please give the thumbs up another try. I believe we finally have it fixed!
Always good for an observation 👌. Suits you to a T. Just SAYIN!
I’m not showing that you ever asked for a free shirt. You did buy one a year ago. Did you not receive it?
👍 👍 👍 👍 👍 👍 👍 👍 👍 👍 👍 👍 👍 👍 👍 👍 👍 👍 👍 👍 👍 👍 👍 👍 👍 👍 👍 👍 👍 👍 👍 👍 👍 👍 👍 👍 👍 👍 👍 👍 👍 👍 👍 👍 👍 👍 👍 👍
Holy Emoji! 👍 😲 😃 😮 🌹 😲 💐 😮 🏆 😲 🚗 😮 🇺🇸 🤪 🐈 😃 😀 😄 😁 🤣 😂 😻. While the 🌎 seems to be going to the 🐕 🐕, we should enjoy a good laugh. Thanks, Stan. And on this Memorial Day, here’s a salute to our Veterans who have made America The LAND of the FREE because of the BRAVE.
Thumbs up!
What a STUNNING CAR!! I hope it goes to a collector that maintains it in the flawless condition it is today. What a beautiful piece of automotive history!!
Hey Jesse! It works! 👍
Thanks Jesse! 👍