- Seller: Bruce R
- Location: Boise, Idaho
- Mileage: 123456 Shown
- Chassis #: 62005650
- Title Status: Clean
- Engine: Inline 6-Cylinder
- Transmission: 3-Speed Manual
If I didn’t become so attached to cars (a real flaw for someone who likes so many of them), I’d love to buy at least one car a year that needs some help, get it back on the road, and send it on to a new owner who can enjoy it. Lots of us here on Barn Finds enjoy working on cars, and many of us are looking for an inexpensive project to rehabilitate. If this describes you, may we present this 1949 DeSoto as a candidate; it has “no holes in the floor or body” but could use a little TLC. Located in Boise, Idaho, it’s available now as a Barn Finds auction.
A flathead-era Mopar is always a good choice for someone who’s learning how old cars work; it doesn’t get much more simple or reliable, and there’s not really enough power to hurt anything. The ’49 DeSoto had a 236 cubic-inch version of that long-running engine, which produced 112 horsepower. The DeSoto Hemi was still a few years off, as was the Interstate Highway System, so the relaxed inline six was perfect for the slower rhythms of two-lane highways. Parts are still available as well, even if they aren’t necessarily on the shelf at your local O’Reilly’s. The seller says that the engine runs well and the brakes even work.
Here’s where the project part comes in: the electrical system was being converted to 12 volts before the project stalled, so the wiring needs to be finished. You’d have two options here: return the DeSoto to a 6-volt system or finish the conversion to 12. I’ve never noticed any real problems with a 6-volt electrical system as long as you’re using the car as it was originally intended to be used and keeping the connections clean, but if you want to add any electrical upgrades, the 12-volt system might be a wise decision. Your car, your choice.
The seller will throw in manuals and parts to reassemble what’s been taken apart. The interior itself is in good condition and would most likely clean up well; there are plenty of pictures in the gallery below.
Once you get the DeSoto running and driving, you can make a decision on the paint. Currently wearing a coat of flat black, you can leave it and enjoy it or, if you’re handy with a paint gun, give it a new paint job in a factory color. There are plenty of choices with this DeSoto, and it’s an inexpensive way to get into the old car hobby or, if you’re an experienced hand, to simply have a little fun. Bid now on Barn Finds Auctions.
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Anders bid $200.00 2025-01-09 11:59:11
I’m not sure why the wiring needs to be messed with to do a 12 volt conversion unless something went wrong (the 6 volt wiring is very robust). That’s what I suspect, and is the gauge cluster present and accounted for? That’s probably where the snafu was, someone didn’t put a resistor in the circuits.
Terrry, the gauge cluster is present. I will see if I can unbox it and send a picture. The electrical was started by the P.O. not me. I have rewired my share of vehicles, 53 Chevy was the last one. Unfortunately with all my other projects I just don’t have the time needed to give this 49 the love it deserves.
Bruce
Although beyond my capabilities, this DeSoto deserves a full restoration, as a survivor of an era AND a Marque long gone. My first DeSoto experience was with parents friends 49 or 50 Carry All (similar in appearance to this).A 4 door sedan, the rear seat folded forward, allowing extra loading space which served them well as they wintered in Florida. Like the lighted hood ornament (shared only with Pontiac), it was an innovation unique to DeSoto. I learned to drive on a55 Black DeSoto Firedome and have loved 55 and up DeSotos through the final 61s. At least DeSoto went out with FINS soaring high as the Grand Finale of Exners fabulous finned fantasies for Chrysler Corp.
Too bad it’s a sedan, this would be cool as a coupe. Do I have to say it? Finish converting to twelve volts And put some modern V8 in it. I remember a DeSoto in my neighborhood growing up, in black like this. The color had some weird iridescence to it, probably oil spray or a bad paint job.