In 1951, DeSoto offered two “stretch” versions of their sedans that added 14 inches of wheelbase to the middle. There was the 9-passenger Suburban with a third bench seat, plus the 8-passenger sedan with jump seats for two in the center. No doubt interest for both was commercial and production was low at little more than one percent of sales, so they’re rare today in any condition. This ’51 DeSoto is a Custom 8-passenger edition that has “suicide doors” and needs restoring but has loads of potential. Located in Houma, Louisiana, this DeSoto is available here on eBay where the bidding has only reached $620 (no reserve). Thanks for the “big” tip, T.J.!
We assume the target audience for the 8 and 9-passenger vehicles was limo services and the like. The sedans didn’t offer the same kind of trunk storage capacity for airport or lodge shuttle services, though the Suburban did come with a huge roof rack. While the wheelbase was more than a foot longer than almost 99% of the DeSoto’s built at the time, leg room for most of the passengers with somewhat limited. DeSoto only built 503 of the Suburban’s, 289 of the lesser trimmed 8-passenger Deluxes, and 647 of the 8-passenger Customs, like the seller’s car.
The seller gives us a glimpse of what he/she may have intended to do with this big transport. Making it into a “great street rod or cruiser” or a “rat rod/bagged show-stopper” could have been the plan, but health issues are forcing the seller to give up the project. While the black painted sheet metal is shiny in places, rust can be found in less obvious places like the floorboards. As such, new front pans will come with the car to help solve those kinds of problems.
We suspect the big DeSoto has been dormant for ages as the seller is providing a new gas tank that’s still in the box and waiting to be installed. As such, the 251 cubic-inch six-cylinder doesn’t run but will turn by hand. Fortunately, it does roll and turn but – given its size – you’d better bring along some friends to help move it around. Getting it retitled may or may not be troublesome as the DeSoto only comes with a bill of sale (we assume the title, if there was one, was lost long ago). If you were to bring this project home with you, what would you do with it? Restore it to original specs or go the custom route?
I am so glad this original owner has given up his project. “Ratrod” “gasser” PLEASE!
These are somewhat rare, so why would you ruin a perfectly good classic. Love the suicide doors and the jumpsuits.
Someone, please, restore this to original off the factory line beauty that it is.
I only wear a “jumpsuit” when I’m sitting in jump seats :)
When I’m wearing my Elvis jumpsuit I often catch it on the suicide doors when I’m exiting the jump seats.
That aside, this has the possibility of being a very cool restoration….with healthy heapings of money :)
Houma is in South Louisiana, Cajun country. Bring your gaiters to avoid the gators.
Interesting concept for a rat rod, but I would go custom limo style…let it make some money…
Get it running, clean it up, and you’ve got the “party uber.”
Watch any old movie from the 40s thru 50s and you will see them in taxi livery. Bet this one was one too.
MKG,
Yes, DeSoto supplied hundreds of LWB cars to conform to the New York city regulations for Taxicabs, but this was not sold new as a taxicab, it would have been too expensive for such a lowly job. Most of the 8 passenger Custom or Deluxe series [non-taxi] sedans were sold to corporations or funeral homes.
My uncle the undertaker had one of these in his fleet. The last time i saw it was about 1970. I don’t know when he sold it. It was in showroom condition the last time I saw it.
In Miami, Florida of the 1950s these could be seen running around town as Jitneys.
My parents had a 1950 version of this car before I came along. Mom remembered they could fit their bowling league into it with room to spare.
I see what you did there. Bravo!
Pun intended?
You picked the right time to strike. ;)