We as automotive enthusiasts have all heard or have a story about the car our grandfather owned. This 1950 Desoto Custom was owned by the seller’s grandfather to which he took ownership of in 1989. The car was well maintained, and garaged its entire life. Extremely solid and complete, this Desoto would be a great project to clean up, revive, and enjoy. This fun and affordable project is offered for the buy it now price of $2,500. Take a look at it here on eBay out of Dover, Delaware.
Although dusty, the engine bay is rather clean with no obvious surface rust, oil stains, or paint damage to be found. It seems as if this car was parked in 1989 and that it has gone untouched since. The seller reports he pulled the plugs on the engine recently and found that the engine still spins. I would guess that the car was a fine runner back in 1989, at least fine enough to drive on the open roads. Servicing the fuel and brake system, as well as performing a full fluid change and tune up would probably get this Spanish explorer out on the open roads once again.
Although the steering wheel is in rough shape, the rest of the interior is actually very reasonable. The seller claims that seat covers have been installed since the car was new, so the upholstery may very well be near to mint condition depending on storage conditions. There is still carpet in place, and it looks nice other than basic dirt and trash. Also the door panels are in nice shape, as is the Desoto figural emblem on the door itself. After a good cleaning, I imagine this interior would need little other than addressing the steering wheel situation.
Certainly dusty and a bit hidden, this Desoto does look to be a great condition machine. There is no notable body damage, and it seems that there may still be some old paint in place. One thing to note it that the left hand side rear fender was replaced in the 1970’s, and the fuel filler sticks out about an inch further than it should according to the seller. From what I cans see, it looks fine to me, but it could be a potential concern. The rear window and trim has been removed for some reason, but the rear window and its associated trim is included with the car, as well as a brand new rear window seal. With some tools and free time this Desoto could likely be an affordable, fun, and quick project to make into a driver once again. Would you invest the time in this cheap Desoto?
These were quite the car, in the early 50’s. My parents liked them and the Chrysler, just could afford one. I never had one. But, time, money, place…you know the rest of the story. Yeah, sure. Why not?
Complete running, stopping examples are going for 5k to 8k. For what it would take to put this one back together, it is really not worth it unless you have a sentimental drive for this year. This one however has serious parts potential.
Would I invest any time or money in a 1950 Desoto 4 door? No; and this comes from some one who grew up with a 1948 Desoto Convertible, 1951 Dodge Wayfarer Convertible, 1951 Dodge Diplomat 2 dr Hardtop. and a 1955 Desoto Firedome 2 dr hardtop.(Big improvement a Hemi and PS/PB.)
Those early 1950’s Mopars are slow as a bus, ponderous to steer, and hard to stop. Put your time and money in something more fun to drive, and that you really want. The early Plymouth is the opposite of this car.
I think it would make an easy and fun project to get her back on the road again.Bruce.F.
The engine should be a 236 cu in flathead 6 with 112 horses when new. Seems like a good start for the price. I agree with Ben about being a bear to drive, but if you don’t mind working out a bit, it could be a fun ride for someone.
Buy it, fix it up, drive the ole’brick. Zero to sixty in three days. Don’t ever expect to sell it. Zero interest to collectors, lighted hood ornament or not.
Darnit, too bad it’s way out east!
Tough old tanks.
Drop V10 Viper in it and show off
Yeah I agree it’s too bad but it’s money well spent somewhere else. In twenty more years maybe it might be worth restoring, but not now. Even if you bought it and stored it for twenty years you’d still have to much in it. Desoto was my least favorite of the mopars of this era, just didn’t like the grill.Learned to drive in a 48 Dodge three on the tree, I was 8 years old and only allowed to drive on the farm.