DESOTO -1953

Model History

The DeSoto brand was marketed by Chrysler between 1928 and 1961. It was named after the Spanish explorer Hernando de Soto and the products were pitched against the mid-class offerings of General Motors. Studebaker and Willys-Knight. The Firedome model was introduced in 1952 and for 1953 replaced the Custom as the brand's top-of-the-range model. It was available in Saloon. Station Wagon. Convertible and Coupe guises and powered by a 4525cc (276ci) Hemi V8 engine that drove through a four-speed automatic gearbox. The engine's output of 160bhp was sufficient to launch the Firedome to 60mph in 15. 5 seconds and on to 100mph. Prices in period started at $2. 40 and some 64. 11 examples were produced during 1953.

Interior & Equipment

The brown stripe cloth interior is completely original as are the door cards. carpets and roof lining. the condition is A1 it still looks as new there is no deterioration what so ever. The original steering wheel. switches. clocks and gauges are all perfect it's stunning throughout.

Exterior

The bodywork and paint are to die for. Still in its original colour of Arizona Beige. she was given a full repaint during 1984/85 and the paintwork looks like it was only done yesterday. The original brightwork. decals and glass are near perfect. This car is a multi show winner at some of the largest events in the UK but she is not a trailer queen it drives to every event the way it should be. perfect.

Wheels. Tyres & Brakes

The wheels are all original and in A1 condition. The original trims support the emblem of Hernando Desoto who was the Spaniard that discovered the Mississippi River. his name was given to the car brand.

Engine & Transmission

This engine has its place in History being of the unique efficient Hemi design. it was the worlds most powerful and efficient engine of its time. The all original matching numbers engine is in superb order having been so regularly maintained and with such low miles. The unique original gearbox operates with ease its a true pleasure to drive. she sounds fantastic and pulls strong.

Summary

This Desoto has an amazing history and the 4 previous owners including owners in the States can stand proud with how this car has been loved and cherished. their attention to detail has made this car the show winning car it is today.

A recent full service was carried out 1000 miles ago.

This splendid-looking left-hand drive Desoto Firedome is a 1953 Club Coupe that's finished in Arizona Beige which is the original colour it left the factory in and trimmed with brown cloth. which is all original.

During it's 20 years in the UK it has won numerous awards. including two "Car of the Show's". and featured in various magazine and newspaper articles such as 'Classic American 1989' and 'Cumbria Life 2012'.

Evidently beginning life in California in the care of a Southern Pacific railway engineer. who clocked up 47. 00 miles by 1977. It then had one more American owner being a Museum who clocked up a further 3000 miles before crossing the Atlantic in 1988. The previous owner believes that `Miss Desi' is the only DeSoto of its type in Europe and one of only seven left in existence - the others having all remained in their native USA.

The history file is outstanding having many original documents such as sales leaflets. invoices. certificates of show wins. manually recorded ledgers etc etc plus a cupboard full of car show trophies.


Should this car or any of our cars be of interest then we can deliver throughout the UK and Europe using covered transport. please ask for details.

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