Chrysler was in a big growth mode in the 1920s, adding Plymouth and Dodge to the fold, with DeSoto’s incorporation in 1928. They chose to honor Hernando DeSoto, the 16th Century explorer who was credited with discovering the Mississippi River. This first-year DeSoto is a 4-door model called a “Sedan DeLujo” which was a fancy way of saying “deluxe sedan”. From what we can tell, this oldie goldie has been recovered from a barn where it must have been sitting for ages. From Dixon, California, the rough project is offered here on Barn Finds Classifieds where you’ll have to contact the seller for a price quote.
Unlike the Plymouth, which a four-cylinder engine would power, the Chrysler suits elected to go with a six-cylinder for their shiny new DeSoto’s in 1929. When the DeSoto was launched, Chrysler assured stakeholders that the car would not compete with other Chrysler products but was that true given the sharing of technology and parts? But the DeSoto initially had its own network of dealers. First-year DeSoto sales topped 34,000 units, so the product line was off to a good start.
DeSoto’s were sold in “Coach” and “Deluxe” versions and the seller’s sedan fits into the latter category. Both would be powered by a 55 hp inline-six, 10 more than Plymouth. The cars were fancier than Plymouths and Dodges and less so than Chryslers, and this trend would continue into the 1950s. Over time, the lines between divisions got increasingly blurry with four brands and by 1961 the DeSoto was no longer needed (and hadn’t been for a time).
Getting back to the seller’s car, we don’t know much about it, and there’s a good chance it’s not complete, which begs the question of where to find parts for a 93-year-old car whose brand was abandoned more than 60 years ago. The interior is said to be in rough shape, and that may be because the roof is caving in. The title status is categorized as “salvage” which may create a problem if you decide to restore the vehicle and then license for the road.
Looks like the barn had no roof, and no walls, and sat next to the Pacific ocean
This one is in too bad a condition . It will require a lot of work to get it running again, unless someone makes a rat rod or hot rod out of it.
Looks like something the Joads might have driven from Oklahoma to escape the Dust Bowl.
No, that would be an early 20’s Hudson.
But the condition is probably the same, lol.
In the novel they drove a Hudson Super Six, and its eventual condition likely matched that of the DeSoto.
Don’t hate me but I’d convert this to a tow truck like they did in the old days and pull my gasser to the local tracks with it…..once it’s completed of course. So many projects and so little time.
I suspect Mr. DeSoto probably discovered Native Americans paddling up and down the Mississippi, and living along it’s banks.
Actually DeSoto set a first year sales record that wasn’t surpassed until Ford introduced the Falcon in 1960
Pop Cans
Point of clarification: DeSoto ‘explored’ the Mississippi River, he did not ‘discover’ it. That event is rightly credited to the Indigenous peoples who came upon it long before DeSoto was ever born.
This kind of like that old discussion about what is better, a horse or an automobile.
Rex actually said DeSoto discovered the Native Americans, not the river, but since we’re going back to “who actually” discovered it, that would have to be God who created it I suppose lol.
I think it’s okay to say DeSoto discovered the Mississippi River “if” he had not heard anyone else say they had seen it first. Of course we have no way of knowing that for sure. All we know is a previous discovery was not documented unless it was in petroglyphs on a rock somewhere, which it probably was/is.
This car looks like it could have been there under that rock actually but that’s what I like about it. I’m still in the tow truck conversion camp. I’m sure Nash’s were more popular for this but I’m pretty sure I have seen a DeSoto tow truck too.
My father told me year ago that it was usually old luxury cars that were converted to tow trucks once they were no longer “luxurious” ,as they were large and the chassis were heavy duty . He told me when he was a teenager in the mid 1930s the local garage in Stonington CT. had a Pierce Arrow for a tow truck .
Not to belabor the point, but what Rex actually said was, “ They chose to honor Hernando DeSoto, the 16th Century explorer who was credited with discovering the Mississippi River.” No mention of indigenous peoples anywhere that I can see.
Rex Kahrs Member
Oct 10, 2022 at 2:50pm
I suspect Mr. DeSoto probably discovered Native Americans paddling up and down the Mississippi, and living along it’s banks.
Elliot, you have misquoted me. I did not say what you said I said. Read my initial comment for clarification.
My intent was to indicate that history has a way of imagining the absence of native peoples once the murderous, greedy, genocidal Europeans arrived in the New World. I doubt DeSoto “discovered” shi+; he simply stumbled upon a continent that was doing perfectly fine before he and his fellow “discoverers” descended on the native people and ruined their lives and, frankly, their entire respective races. It’s racism.
Absolutely Love this car… Would love to have it.. Just not feasible per cost..