While brands like Chevrolet, Ford and Dodge are stock in trade, defunct marques like Plymouth, Mercury, Pontiac and Oldsmobile still get their share of press here at Barn Finds. But things get even more interesting when we reach further back and examine long-gone brands like Packard, Duesenberg and DeSoto. And speaking of DeSoto here is a beautiful 1948 Club Coupe, located in Polk City, Florida and available here on BF Classifieds for an asking price of $14,500.
DeSoto was created by Chrysler Corporation in 1928 as a mid-tier brand. DeSoto vied back and forth with Dodge, a recent Chrysler acquisition, for mid-tier prominence with DeSoto both above and below Dodge at various times in its model life. The economic recession in 1958 adversely affected mid-tier cars and DeSoto saw a significant downturn in sales, a downtown from which it never really recovered. In the early part of the ’61 model year, DeSoto was discontinued.
The seller does not elaborate on this DeSoto’s provenance, how long he has owned it or how it was acquired. He is specific, however, on its condition and qualities and it is a very positive story. As for the overall condition, he states, “Needs nothing, completely solid front to back including all underbody, frame rails, floorboards, trunk, etc. No rust issues” This Club Coupe certainly presents very well; the black finish, which is very deep, fade-free and brilliant, is rated by the seller as a 9 out of 10 – seems like an accurate assessment. As with so many cars of this era, the grille is one of the more remarkable features. It has a hint of an electric razor look about it but its bearing is prominent and it leads the car’s visual appeal. There is not a discernable item out of place with this DeSoto.
The exterior’s condition has found its match with the interior. The camel’s hair upholstery looks untouched. It is a light shade that will easily show dirt or discoloration but non is observable – no signs of general wear either. And as prominent as the grille is outside, it is matched by the spectacular detail of the instrument panel on the inside. They don’t make ’em like that anymore! The seller claims, “Everything works properly including all gauges, heater, radio, dash lights, dome light, and all exterior lights.” Sounds like all of that instrumentation works as planned – good to know. Additionally, none of the glass is showing any signs of delamination or fogging. As the listing claims, “needs nothing!”
For power, this DeSoto utilizes a 236.7CI, flat-head, in-line, six-cylinder engine that develops 112 gross HP. A three-speed manual transmission handles the gear changing chores. The seller states that he was told the engine is original and matching number but most importantly, it starts easily, runs quietly and has no leaks or problems. Ditto the transmission, no issues there either.
With all of the cars of this era that I have reviewed, this example is probably the most pristine and original that I have encountered. The fact that it is a fallen flag, being a DeSoto, adds to the allure in my estimation. There is a one-minute walk-around video here so you can experience this beauty in all of its 360-degree excellence. So what would you do with this DeSoto? Why nothing, of course, it doesn’t require anything and is as DeSoto planned it 72 years ago. This is an automobile to be simply owned, driven and enjoyed, as is, don’t you think?
Wow! Spectacular!!! It’s right in my area! Seeing in tomorrow morning. Very cool or “dope” in modern parlance.
msheiner:
Great! Could you please report back and advise what you find?
Thx,
Jim
Hey Jim, sorry I never replied back then. I ended up purchasing the vehicle. It’s been rough going with a number of repairs needed along the way, but she is a tremendous looker and I enjoy driving her.
Fantastic just fantastic. This would be a real pleasure to own.
Looks like a great car for the money.
I spoke with the owner who is a rather young fellow fellow. It seemed too good to pass up. On the telephone he told me if you don’t like it because you are local, I’ll return your money. I hit the buy now button right away. I plan to go see it tomorrow, wire the funds if it checks out and drive it home. Another car I have purchased because of BF!
Good Deal! Hope you enjoy it!
Best of luck to you. It looks absolutely fantastic
Fantabulous
My unfortunately long deceased uncle Joe would love this old girl! He was a Mopar man through & through. I remember as a kid in the 70’s he always mentioned the 3 different DeSotos he had owned in the past very fondly. If memory serves me correctly he owned a ’37 4 door sedan, then a ’48 Club coupe, (both good used cars.) Then in 1956 he bought a brand new Firedome 2 door hardtop! The last Mopar he bought new was a ’71 Chrysler New Yorker…..but a couple of years later his 2nd wife totalled it when we she was driving home one night. She had a stroke & crashed head on into a bridge support (the Highway patrol estimated the car was running at least 80 or so at the time of impact!!) When poor Joe passed on himself back in ’89 at 70, he had been tinkering with antique Mopars for a good number of years. His officially last Mopar owned was a 1950 DeSoto Deluxe sedan, 32,500 or so original miles. I had the privilege of driving that wonderful DeSoto back from some car shows with him from time to time, (like the Daytona Turkey Run for example.) Very fun & well built American classic for sure!
after lurking on this site for eight months to a year, i didn’t think my first comment would be on a car like this.
it really draws you in, i can see it being used for weddings, good luck with the purchase msheiner.
This really brings back memories as I had an uncle growing up in the early 50’s that had a 1948 Desoto 4 door. I love seeing early Desoto car here.
God forbid anyone would turn this classic into a hot rod. Enjoy it for what it is.
“A three-speed manual transmission … ” ???
Plaques on the instrument panel and front of car say “Fluid Drive”.
Fluid Drive has two speeds in low range, and two speeds in high range.
The listing claims it to be a manual transmission and it has a clutch pedal.
Old Mopars had 3 transmission options. Three speed manual. Fluid drive, which was a tree speed manual transmission with a fluid coupling instead of a dry clutch; and an automatic sold under several names. Dodge called it a Gryomatic, and it would automatically shift once. There were two ranges, high and low. High range would be used almost exclusively. There was a clutch pedal which was used to change gears. Not needed when idling. You accelerated from a stop to 20 or so mph, and lifted your right foot. You waited until the transmission shifted up and proceeded slowly on your way. There was no shift quadrant. You had to remember the shift lever positions.
My Father had a 1948 Desoto convertible, which was the first car I remember. I believe it had fluid drive. In December, 1959 he bought a new 1951 Dodge Wayfarer Convertible with fluid drive. In 1955 a red light runner totaled the Wayfarer,and it was replaced with a 1951 Dodge Diplomat 2 dr hardtop with Gyromatic. The fluid drive was slow; and the Gyromatic was slower.
Best description Ben. My ’49 S-13-2 shifts smooth as silk.
Excellent explanation Ben – Thx! We rely heavily on readers that can help with the specific details.
In H.S. I drove a 4-door 1950 DeSoto Deluxe. Not exactly a chick magnet in 1968. It had the 4-speed slush box. Start off in 1st and just lift the gas pedal to shift into 2nd. Depress the clutch to shift into 3rd and lift the gas pedal again to get fourth. Down-shift required the clutch if going from third to second.
Painfully slow car that required about 1/4 to make a U-turn, but I’d sure like to have it back now!
msheiner, congratulations! Beautiful car and well bought. I’d be proud to call this mine, have fun!
I’m still curious about that ‘3 Spd’ transmission listed. It looks like a DeSoto Custom, and I thought that Fluid Drive was standard on them. The lesser priced DeLuxe could be purchased with a stick shift. It would be nice if the new owner would respond to this site and let us know if it is REALLY a 3 Spd. tranny. That would be a rare bird, and anything is possible!
Hello all – I am the new owner. Great comments. I’m a collector of vehicles of the 1980’s primarily so this type of classic is very new to me. The Seller was good enought to allow me to Buy It Now, drive up and see it in person, and told me if I did not like it, he’d cancel the sale. It presents as beautiful driver quality or better with some very minor hazing/pittng of the chrome. It appears complete with nothing missing and the interior is near perfect. He could only tell me that he purchased it from someone who restored it but did not have additional details. I too would love to definitely know if she is a Deluxe or Custom. I honestly don’t know how to differentiate those trims but it appears to have the additional exterior chrome of the more luxurious version.
It does have 3-on-the-tree and functions exactly as Ben Spanner described. It has low, high and overdrive gears but no indicator of the selected gear! She idles so quietly and smoothly and starts right up with the push of the starter button. I’d never driven on bias-ply tires before but boy, are they squishy feeling. Maybe classic looking radials would be better. She drives beautifully and handles road imperfections so well.
She will NOT be modified ever while I’m her custodian and will be stored in an AC controlled warehouse. Sure, the chrome and some paint could be improved upon but for me, she’s perfection as is! Even Grouchy Marx would approve of this DeSoto!
Congratulations!
Maxwell, I hope you cover many great miles with that beautiful DeSoto! Now go drive the wheels off that baby!!