In the 1950s, DeSoto was knocking the ball out of the park. The nameplate had migrated upscale from a bread-and-butter necessity in the immediate post-war period, to a fashionista by 1957. That year, Virgil Exner gave the car exuberant fins, a trio of tail lights, dual headlights, and – for the hardtops – a delicate greenhouse. DeSoto hit a sales peak that year. The company was on the ropes just one year later, with sales down 60%. Granted, a recession had infected the US, and all car makers were suffering, but the unfortunate sales plunge only compounded problems already brewing. Chief among those was competition from inside and outside: Chrysler’s own Windsor and Newport models were cannibalizing sales, and Edsel carved off a hunk for Ford. Resources were always tight: Chrysler needed funds to develop a compact car (the Valiant). DeSoto hung on until November 1960, when Chrysler finally pulled the plug. For model year 1961, only 3034 cars were made, and most of these contained parts from other Chrysler models. Adding insult to injury, the final DeSotos bore no model name – they were simply called “DeSoto”. Only two body styles were offered. The car above is one of only 911 two-door hardtops sold in ’61. Leave it to T.J. to spot the most unusual cars for us – thanks T.J.!
Powered by a 361 cu. in. wedge-chambered V8 making about 265 hp working through a pushbutton automatic transmission, this DeSoto should run to sixty in about 11 seconds and attain a 115 mph top speed. It’s equipped with power steering and power brakes, and the seller notes that the car runs and drives “great”. The odometer reading is quoted at 108,000 miles. We mentioned the Newport above; it was equipped with the same 361 V8, but the base model could be had for a few hundred dollars less than the cheapest DeSoto. Given the rumors of DeSoto’s demise already afoot, no doubt some buyers opted for the Newport.
The interior sports high-back seating for the driver in a split bench. The distinctive dash is layered in three tiers, a holdover from a prior year’s Dodge model. The trunk is certainly spiffy enough, though under the rubber mat a bit of surface rust needs attention. The overall condition is above reproach, and as a bonus, the sale includes literature and historical documents.
This car’s styling is either overdone – if you’re not a fan of Virgil Exner – or captivatingly ’50s. I opt for the latter – I view the “let’s fill every space with trim or contorted sheet metal” as charmingly vintage. It’s a phenomenon we will never again see coming out of Detroit – or any other maker, for that matter. This 1961 DeSoto is listed here on facebook Marketplace for $31,500 or possible trade. Drive her home from Murfreesboro, Tennessee. Would you drive this one as is, or do you see improvements you’d like to make?
I like the rear end, but the front is ugly as hell!
Personally liked the front end. Other than oval with D E S O T O, so similar to 60 Lincoln, another of my dream cars!
“Take me to your leader”
It’s jet age FINTASTIC! ! ! 🏆
A huge fan here of the last DeSotos, and I sure wish the seller included more photos. Dead-on front & rear shots are OK, but side views would help to determine overall condition. But hey–that’s just me.GLWTA! This one probably won’t last long–very rare today and a boon to any MoPar guy’s collection!
Like you, I’m a huge DeSoto fan. A side shot would be great. But judging by the photos shown, it appears this Dazzling DeSoto has had much TLC. Don’t believe the seller is trying a Fernandos Hideaway! 😉 Then again, I wonder if (with current political correctness) DeSoto (like Pontiac) would have needed to change brand name if it had survived 🤔 😳
Like you I’m a huge DeSoto fan. But I wonder if DeSoto and Pontiac had survived, would they have been forced to change brand names 🤔
It did get a new name in 62 it became the Chrysler Newport.
👍 And Dodge Custom 880. But for me, nothing will ever replace DeSoto! Guess I’m a Fireflite ADVENTURER! 😉
While a side shot would be great, the photos shown indicate that this DeSoto has received the TLC it deserves!
Go to the FB listing, she’s there in all her glory.
That slanted front headlight setup is as fugly as some Lincolns in the late 50s were, but the taillights are great. Seller should have included some side pics as well. I’m sure some Mopar fan will be very happy to get this end of the line, and low production number, Desoto.
HC…just click on the red lettering in the write up ‘here on Facebook Marketplace’. There are several side shots that are really nice.
Thanks Dale, yes her side pics look very nice. With power brakes, power steering and AC, she came loaded with 1961 options too. That instrument panel and interior is nice. From the pics alone she looks well worth the asking price. What a beauty!
Can I use the word “Love” in relation to this fine automobile?
🎵It’s Delightful! 🎶It’s Delovely! 🎵 IT’S DeSoto! 🎶 In 61, parents had the opportunity to buy the last new black DeSoto in our town. Unfortunately they passed it up, only to trade our 55 Firedome for a 🤮 62 Plymouth Belvedere a few months later. Along with 61 Imperial LEBARON, the 61 DeSoto remains my favorite of Exners fabulous finned fantasies for Chrysler. The chrome caps on the fins were, I believe were optional and added much. I have framed collages of both 61s (that I made) hanging on my walls. At least DeSoto went out with FINS soaring high and was spared the chicken wing styling of 62 Dodge and Plymouth. But Dodge quickly brought out a badge engineered Chrysler full size to fill the void left by the demise of DeSoto! So, hurry on down to this DeSoto, say the secret word, and the duck may give you $50 as a deposit. But be sure you tell them Groucho sent you! 😉 😜
Gorgeous, and air conditioned. Long and lovely. Dayum!
These Exner-era Mopars are REALLY REALLY growing on me. Both the interior and exterior styling are out of this world. No wonder they looked dated so fast when everything went boxy and slab sided by 1964.
Chrysler design studios, circa 1958. “Man, that ’58 Edsel sure has a strange looking front end!”
Virgil Exner: “Hold my beer!”
I’m another acolyte of the DeSoto cult. This particular DeSoto not only is a rare beast but in remarkably good condition. I would advise the seller to get an advertisement into the National DeSoto Club. I’m no longer a member but was one for many years when I owned two DeSotos. They are a very active club. I’d venture that the seller will connect with someone who will be very interested in buying this car. GLWTS.
Whether you like the front end, the back end, etc., the fact that the dash mimics the “flare” of the outside trim makes this car quite unique.
While not shown here, that same see through speedometer and rest of dash was one of the most unique ever. It was shared or 🤔 inherited by 61 Dodge Phoenix and probably other 61 Dodges. We had a 61 Phoenix. 👍
Is that rear quarter a single stamping? That’s a four man job if they “hand bombed” them.
I’m sorry — I’m OLD — what’s GLWTS?? I was around and fully grown when these last DeSotos showed-up. I believe it was Exner who came on board in time to drastically improve Mopar’s noses for 1951, then made their rears lovely for 1953. But things went nuts in 1955, and his ’57s were HIDEOUS — and then things got WORSE!! Not only did Exner make the Chrysler products almost a parody of ugly excess– but other makers followed suit! 1962 brought Ford and Chevy back into line with the real world. But Chrysler’s products managed to look BOTH ugly AND small! FINALLY! — in mid-decade, the look went classic and boxy and dignified. I guess I don’t have any biases, DO I!
GLWTS means Good Luck With The Sale.
I’m old, too, but I have to keep up with my Millennial children!
Good luck 👍 keeping up with the kids! 😉. They’re tech savvy, but few are concerned about ANYTHING else, including what’s in a barn! 🚗 🏠 🐄 no🐮! Hope yours are an exception! And just as Delightful as this DeSoto.
I’m sorry — I’m OLD — what’s GLWTS?? I was around and fully grown when these last DeSotos showed-up. I believe it was Exner who came on board in time to drastically improve Mopar’s studgy noses for 1951, then made their rears lovely for 1953. But things went nuts in 1955, and his ’57s were HIDEOUS — and then matters got WORSE!! Not only did Exner make the Chrysler products almost a parody of ugly excess– but other makers followed suit! 1962 brought Ford and Chevy back into line with the real world. But Chrysler’s products for ’62-’64 managed to look BOTH ugly AND small! FINALLY! — in mid-decade, the look went classic and boxy and dignified. I guess I don’t have any biases, DO I! I’m glad, for this car’s sake, that SOME of you liked the ’61 DeSoto!
GLWTS Stands for Good luck with the sale. How are you doing Harrison?
Hi, Frog! As “Hoke” responded to “Daisy”, “I’m doin’ the best I can” and “Daisy” replied, “Me, too!”. Thank you (and David Burrowes, too!) fo defining “GLWTS” for me. Since my kids were born at the latter end of the “Boomer” generation, they often are as confused by contemporary culture, as I am. They get called, “Boomer!” — as though that were synonymous with “ignorant”. I hate to TELL them but those of a seasoned age know things the youngsters haven’t begun to learn. WAIT a minute!: — have I turned into my late father?? (smile)
Good to hear Harrison. Just this past Tuesday at my doctor’s appointment one of the new people on staff was trying to educate me on some things to do at home (techniques etc) and as I said to her there’s is nothing new. Only things become rediscovered after a generation or longer only to be called something different. Styles fashion designs are just a few examples of this along with the name of what something was called. What’s the phrase “No matter how much things change they always remain the same?”
Well, it’s interesting how different some opinions are. For example, the #1 American-made car I’d like to own would be a 1957 DeSoto Adventurer Hardtop. The fins on the ’57 are my favorite of all makes/models/years. I like it for the styling and the engine is plenty potent to boot. Also, I had a ’57 DeSoto black patrol car in 1/43rd scale diecast in the 1960s and grew to love it then. Some 25 years ago, I owned a 1962 Chrysler 300 Sport which remains the only Mopar car I’ve ever owned and they’re my favorite company largely because of the Exner styling.
What to be driving when you go to pick up your date, Bettie Page? This car, of course.
Has this car sold? If so how much 🤔?
It shows it’s still for sale unless the owner hasn’t taken it off the market yet.
What’s up with these multiple emails from readers?
When I post, often the same pops up a second time as a post as well as a reply. I have learned to scroll down to the last comment. If (as often happens) the post is shown again, it has yet to be actually posted and can be deleted. Hope that helps. 👍
Thank you, RICK W! That might be why, when I post something, and it does not post, and I hit “post comment” a second time and am told to “go back” because I have posted the same thing twice, I later find that my post is not there when I return.
Harrison, glad we can both still REED! 😉. Actually when I posted that comment, it did pop up as a comment. Just keep scrolling along! If it’s a duplicate, erase it. 👍 Keep REEDing.
Posts take a minute to pop up, then the countdown for editing begins. I’ve learned to just sit tight rather than poke the button again. Occasionally I might think I’ve miss hit the button, and the duplicate post warning pops. Just delete if it goes thru.
Mark Ruggiero: Thanks for the additional tip!