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1948 DeSoto Custom Limousine

1948 Desoto Limo Barn Find

There’s no denying that this 1948 DeSoto is a barn find! This limo was purchased from the widow of a man who bought the car in 1981 from a funeral home. It was driven home and parked in this barn until about six months ago when the new owner dragged it out and got it cleaned up. They have it running and driving, but as can be expected with any car that has been sitting for 35 years, it still needs some help. It’s located in Westport, Massachusetts and is listed here on eBay where bidding is currently a tad over $1k. There is also the option to Buy It Now for $6k. Keep reading to see what it looks like without all that barn dust.

All Cleaned Up

From the sounds of it, the seller knew what they were doing when they brought this one back to life. Oil was squirted in to the cylinders and the fuel system was cleaned out before it was started. The brakes were also gone through at that time. Unfortunately, the transmission wont go into first, but the seller mentions that it could just be rusty linkage. Speaking of rust, there does appear to be some, but the floors and frame are claimed to be solid. I’m not sure what I’d do with it, but this limo project is an interesting proposition.

Comments

  1. Avatar Dirty Dingus McGee

    Correction; Bidding is just over 1K at the moment

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    • Avatar Jesse Staff

      Oops! Thanks for catching that.

      Like 0
  2. Avatar David Member

    What an amazing find, a glance back on to the streets of the early fifties. It sure cleaned up nice! To bad th rest of the car is not as nice as the view from the left rear, but it looks like the rest can be brought back with some work. Thanks for the find!

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  3. Avatar Jamie Staff
  4. Avatar Ed P

    The before cleanup and after shots are a great idea. Cleaned the car looks like a great candidate for restoration. The interior looks like it was quite elegant in its day.

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  5. Avatar John

    It won’t go into first because it has Fluid Drive. The quadrant has reverse (where one would expect it to be on a 3-on-the-tree) and Low/Hi ranges. No first gear position.

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  6. Avatar Paul B

    Great car. These things will last forever if cared for — and sometimes if not cared for. Smooth engines, comfortable, quiet ride, acres of room. What more could one want? And John is right. Fluid Drive, with no traditional first gear position.

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  7. Avatar Eric

    want

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  8. Avatar Texas Tea

    Love it! Not screwed with and original. I can only imagine the stories it could tell. A time past, and a time that will never come again…………

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  9. Avatar Ed Willaims

    Think of all the sad People who once rode in this car.

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  10. Avatar Keith

    that…….is………awesome

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  11. Avatar Hoby

    Look at all the lonely people.

    Like 0
  12. Avatar troy

    I own a 53 firedome not a limo. I love these old beasts 69900 all original and its a great car

    Like 0

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