1959 Desoto Diplomat 2 Dr Coupe Factory RHD American 50's Classic.... Christine!

Amazing 1959 Desoto for sale.
This car is an original factory RHD manufactured in Delaware NJ for the export market. and originally sold in the UK in 1959 and has been here ever since. Hence its probably the only one in the UK and likely to be one of a very small number in the world as the car was intended for the South African and Australian markets presumably.
This export model is a Chrysler product. a sort of conglomeration or pick and mix of mechanical and body combination based upon Plymouths' Fury and Belvedere. and Dodge Kingsway of the era but with a unique Desoto front.  The similarities to the famous Stephen King film 'Christine' car is there to see.
This car is well known on the internet. there are loads of images of it in previous life as it has such a long history in the UK. indeed it featured in the film Stormy Monday albeit with and earlier registration and colour scheme. and is reported to have been the 1959 Earls Court show car but I haven't dug up any proof of that to date. Also Classic and American magazine published an article about the car last month which has put me in touch with previous owners. So for those interested in a car with a past. loads of stories etc you may be entertained by this car!
To the car itself - we bought the car last year and have had some fun with it. various shows etc. and have decided to sell / swap for an American convertible (must be a 60's car). We did some work mainly with the steering system - its now has a very expensive brand new linkage system and a remanufactured steering box (long story as RHD is almost impossible to source) so that will never be another worry. Also a new brake master cylinder. new exhaust. new tyres. underbody entirely resealed / undercoated. new ignition system. etc etc. The car is taxed but MOT exempt.
It has a 318 cu in Poly V8 with a 2 barrel carburettor - its original specification but probably not the original engine. it runs beautifully. is quiet and sounds great with its new exhaust. The underbonnet is black with red/silver valve covers and chrome air cleaner (will try and get a photo added). the 3 speed pushbutton auto works perfectly. Inside the whole is in great condition with no tears or damage to the trim. The radio is original and not working but could be sorted by an expert. the dash could do with repainting to make perfect. The whole is red and white vinyl with the same colour scheme in the roof lining. The carpet is in good shape. The body is very solid overall. there is some local minor corrosion above the headlamps which is bubbling and a few bubbles here and there. the remainder of issues are where the previous paint is delaminating hence visible bubbling. but there's no rot underneath this. The huge frame looks good and the whole underside has recently been completely resealed and repainted to protect for years to come . The car has had metal work over the years and now ideally needs repainting to make perfect again. These photos were taken at Goodwood Revival last september and as you can see the overall effect is impressive and doesn't have to have anything done depending upon what you want. The photo of Stephen King Christine is to remind you and remind me of how the car drove before the steering was done!!The rear bumper and tail lamps have been painted silver. presumably because the chrome was imperfect - my view is that they would look better paint stripped back to chrome in its original state - or rechroming.
So what a fabulous car - super rare - looks amazing in all 4 windows down pillarless look - drive anywhere and be cool. but you will need a large garage! It needs a little TLC but nothing serious and will give you acres of fun. Only for sale so we can get a convertible so let me know what you have and drop me a note with a phone number if you want more information or photos of anything specific.

Also published at eBay.co.uk

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