Nov 16, 2020 · DeSoto provided engineering advantages such as an oil filter and Lockheed hydraulic brakes that were either optional or not offered by contemporary makes. DeSoto niceties included standard automatic windshield wiper, ignition lock, brake light, full-instrumentation, steering hub controls for headlights, and a tool kit with grease gun.

Nov 16, 2020 · Depending on year, Chrysler offered the Royal, Windsor and DeSoto DeLuxe with Fluid Drive and the normal 3-speed manual. This was also the only way Fluid Drive was offered by Dodge prior to 1949. Fluid Drive first appeared on the 1939 Chrysler Custom Imperial, and spread to the rest of the Chrysler line in 1940, and then the DeSoto and Dodge in ...

Nov 16, 2020 · The last use of the flat-head engines at Chrysler was in 1954 with the 264.5 cid six; at DeSoto, with the 1954 250.6 cid six. Plymouth and Dodge cars soldiered on until 1959 with the same 230 cid versions. Most Dodge trucks dropped the flathead six after 1960, when it displaced 230 cubic inches.

Nov 16, 2020 · 1950 DESOTO CUSTOM, S-14: DeSoto's new 12-inch brakes with cyclebond linings were among the largest used on any American passenger car. The introduction of bonded linings to De Soto and other Chrysler cars became another First. Shipments for the year rose to 136, 203 as De Soto passed the 100,000 sales mark for the second year in a row.

Nov 16, 2020 · Rick Hirsch wrote that AMC had first demonstrated this Bendix EFI system on a Rambler Rebel at 1957 auto shows, but ended up not using it, due to cost and technical problems (the system still ended up in the Rebel's brochure).

Nov 16, 2020 · The Chrysler-Plymouth-Dodge-DeSoto Powerflite automatic transmission In 1954, Chrysler finally had an automatic transmission, after years of manuals and semi-automatics - and just in time, too, as the average driver was now demanding one.

Nov 16, 2020 · Sales of the DeSoto took off with a very strong start. The calendar year production showed 64,911 DeSotos with proud new owners. Over the first year of production, DeSoto built and sold 81,003 units. This was a sales record that stood for 30 years for a new car. DeSoto in the first five years of production stayed within 70% of Oldsmobile sales.

Nov 16, 2020 · It was the most expensive Desoto. The Chrysler make covered a large price range with four models. The C38 Royal, Windsor and Town & Country 6 cylinder sedan used the same body as the Desoto S11, and the C38 Royal and Windsor 8 passenger sedan and limousine used the same body as the Desoto S11 8 passenger sedan, limousine and Suburban.

The DeSoto Coronado was a trim option on the 1954 Firedome and 1955 Fireflite. 1955 Coronados were only 4 door Fireflite sedans in three colors, black, turquoise and white. Leslie Howard wrote: The 1955 DeSoto Fireflite Coronado was only available in the tri-tone color scheme (with a bright green, white top, and black side-spear) or turquiose ...

Sep 14, 2022 · Nearly any Plymouth, Dodge, DeSoto or Chrysler flathead 6 setup from the 30s-50s should work fairly well (plus Dodge/Fargo/DeSoto light trucks.) These were also used in a lot of industrial equipment, though that would likely mean you still need to find a transmission.