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1948 DeSoto Coupe: Classy Cruiser Or Hot Rod?

1948 DeSoto Club Coupe

Late ’40s cars might not be the hottest things on the market right now, but that doesn’t mean they aren’t worth buying! This barn find has a great look to it and could easily be made into a classy cruiser or a mean lead sled. Listed here on craigslist and parked in a barn in Spencer, Iowa this 1948 DeSoto Club Coupe is priced at $3,500 or best offer. It looks to be a complete car for you to have some fun with. There isn’t any history, mileage and/or information the condition of the motor.

DeSoto Club Coupe

The owner suggests you get this winter project and get the DeSoto ready for next spring.  If the body is solid would you just clear coat it?

1948 DeSoto Club Coupe Interior

The seller’s images really aren’t the best, but from what we can see, it doesn’t look too bad, but you will want to take a closer look for yourself. The owner states: It’s got it all, motor, clean, straight, all original dash, fenders in great shape, etc etc (too much to list). Great Barn Find.  So, is this ’48 in your future?

Cheers,
Robert

Comments

  1. Avatar randy

    Is that the model car from the movie “Cars”? (cartoon movie)

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    • Avatar Bib

      No. That was a 1951 Hudson Hornet named ‘Doc’ voiced by Paul Newman

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    • Avatar MH

      No but it did have a hudson hornet in the movie. Great car and a GREAT movie!

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      • Avatar randy

        Oh yes, Hudson Hornet, thanks. Great movie for sure.
        The De Soto is too early for my taste, but I am sure it’ll tickle someones fancy.

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  2. Avatar DENIS

    I like it and it’s within 125 miles….let’s see am I gonna live long enough to finish all my projects? hmmmm

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    • Avatar Hoos Member

      That depends.
      Are you married?

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      • Avatar randy

        Funny, but true.

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      • Avatar DENIS

        LOL, Hoos, I always buy, THEN ask for forgiveness. I think I may have over-stepped though-up to 14 of ’em…obsessed!

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  3. Avatar Rich

    Nice find. Wish all barn finds were as complete and unmolested as this one!

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    • Avatar Duffy

      I agree.

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  4. Avatar Vince Habel

    a slant 6 would be nice in this.

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  5. Avatar randy

    Or the engine out of the 300H from earlier!

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  6. Avatar Mark S

    This has most likely got a 217 or 230 flat head inline 6 the same used in Chrysler , dodge, and Plymouth. This engine was used in various sizes from 1938 to 1959 in cars and trucks and went on to be used in industrial application up to as late as 1972. They are not that powerfull if your looking to take off in a hurry but they had good low end torque at low rpm. Taxi company’s back in the day liked these because they would run for ever.

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    • Avatar Ed P

      Mark, the 217 & 230 were used by Dodge and Plymouth. Chrysler and Desoto used a “long block” inline 6 that allowed for larger bores. My info says the ’48 Desoto had a 236. The ‘long block’ was enlarged to 250 and finally 264 by 1954.

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  7. Avatar Gary

    Looks like the car Mr. Cunningham drove in Happy Days, but I think his was a sedan. I do not see a radio in the dash, I see the big hole to right of instrument cluster. Since I like old tunes with my classic’s, that is a deal breaker.
    Actually I like the car just to far away and too many other projects to complete..

    Like 0
    • Avatar Hoos Member

      Mr. C’s DeSoto – 1948 DeSoto Custom Suburban

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      • Avatar Gary

        Now that is a beauty! Complete with top luggage rack. Mr. C was the perfect actor behind the wheel of that big sedan! Thanks for sharing this nice photo!

        Like 0

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