DeSoto Deluxe

DeSoto Deluxe

Class	Full-size
Manufacturer	Chrysler
Production	1946-1952
Body style	2-door coupe 4-door sedan
Layout	FR layout
Engine	237 cu in (3.9 L) I6
Transmission	3-speed manual Gyrol Fluid Drive[1]
Wheelbase	125.5"[2]
Length	205.8"(1949); 208.3"(1951)[1]
Width	73.2"[1]

The DeSoto Deluxe (also sometimes spelt DeLuxe) is an automobile produced by the Chrysler Corporation and sold under its DeSoto brand from 1946 through to the 1952 model year. While in production, the Deluxe was DeSoto's entry-level car, and was offered primarily as two and four-door sedans. The Deluxe range also included the extended wheelbase Suburban sedan. The body was claimed to be rust proof.^[3]

The Deluxe differed from the more upmarket Custom line by virtue of the traits found in base models, namely less trim, fewer standard features, and plainer interiors in fewer color combinations. An six tube and an eight tube radio were optional.^[4]

The Deluxe shared its engine with the Custom, and was powered by Chrysler's L-head 237 in³ six-cylinder engine, delivering 109 bhp (81 kW) at 3600 rpm.The DeSoto had full instrumentation.^[5]

Deluxes produced during the 1946, 1947, 1948 and first half of the 1949 model years used DeSoto's prewar bodies, slightly updated following the end of World War II. In 1948, low-presure tires became standard equipment.^[1] A fully redesigned DeSoto was launched in the second half of 1949, and these cars are referred to as "1949 Second Series" models. Two speed electric windshield wipers were

In 1950, the Custom gained DeSoto's first consumer designed station wagon body style, however the body style was not offered as a Deluxe. The Custom also received DeSoto's first hardtop coupe, which featured pillarless door design and trimmed to convertible standards, and again, the Deluxe was excluded from the premium body style. In 1951, the brakes grew to 12" in diameter.^[6]

The Deluxe remained DeSoto's base model until it was replaced by the DeSoto Powermaster in 1953.

References

1. ^ ^{a b c d} Flory, Jr., J. "Kelly" (2008). American Cars, 1946-1959 Every Model Every Year. McFarland & Company, Inc., Publishers. ISBN 978-0-7864-3229-5. 
2. ^ "Directory Index: DeSoto/1951_DeSoto/1951_DeSoto_Foldout". Oldcarbrochures.com. http://www.oldcarbrochures.com/static/NA/DeSoto/1951_DeSoto/1951_DeSoto_Foldout/1951%20DeSoto%20Foldout-16.html. Retrieved 2011-11-08. 
3. ^ "Directory Index: DeSoto/1946_DeSoto/1946_DeSoto_Brochure". Oldcarbrochures.com. http://www.oldcarbrochures.com/static/NA/DeSoto/1946_DeSoto/1946_DeSoto_Brochure/1946%20DeSoto%20%207A%20.html. Retrieved 2011-11-08. 
4. ^ "Directory Index: DeSoto/1946_DeSoto/1946_DeSoto_Advance_Information_Folder". Oldcarbrochures.com. http://www.oldcarbrochures.com/static/NA/DeSoto/1946_DeSoto/1946_DeSoto_Advance_Information_Folder/1946%20DeSoto%20Advance%20Information%20Folder-03.html. Retrieved 2011-11-08. 
5. ^ "Directory Index: DeSoto/1947_DeSoto/1947_DeSoto_Owners_Manual". Oldcarbrochures.com. http://www.oldcarbrochures.com/static/NA/DeSoto/1947_DeSoto/1947_DeSoto_Owners_Manual/1947%20DeSoto%20Owners%20Manual-02-03.html. Retrieved 2011-11-08. 
6. ^ "Directory Index: DeSoto/1951_DeSoto/1951_DeSoto_Foldout". Oldcarbrochures.com. http://www.oldcarbrochures.com/static/NA/DeSoto/1951_DeSoto/1951_DeSoto_Foldout/1951%20DeSoto%20Foldout-12-13-14-15.html. Retrieved 2011-11-08. 

• Gunnell, John, Editor (1987). The Standard Catalog of American Cars 1946-1975. Kraus Publications. ISBN 0-87341-096-3.